The City of Knoxville and Knox County are working to offer more nursing rooms in public spaces.

According to the City of Knoxville Communications Department, three of the city’s public facilities – the Civic Coliseum, the Knoxville Convention Center, and the Public Works Service Center – now offer breastfeeding rooms. The City County Building and Knox County Health Department also have rooms for breastfeeding.

“Breastfeeding is a public health priority, laying the foundation for a healthy life for our children, even reducing a child’s risk for obesity later in life,” said Dr. Martha Buchanan. “While rates are increasing, Tennessee is still not close to the national average. Providing more supportive environments for mothers to breastfeed is an excellent way to support women in making this healthy choice.”

According to the City of Knoxville, the new rooms include a six-tier single unit box locker, arm chair, table, lamp, refrigerator, cooler packs, microwave, and other miscellaneous breastfeeding supplies.