North Austin News

Austin Public Health (APH) is marking the 30th anniversary of its Mom’s Place Lactation Center, a community resource dedicated to lactation and breastfeeding support. The center aims to remind families in Austin and Travis County of the available services.

“Every year in August, lactation is celebrated around the globe for the lifelong health and wellness benefits it provides to the mother and infant,” said Donna Sundstrom, Assistant Director of Community Services at APH. “Locally, most families in our community are choosing to breast/chest-feed their newborns, and Mom’s Place Lactation Support Center is the perfect place to help them achieve their goals. It is incredible to think of the sheer number of families educated, supported, and encouraged by Mom’s Place over the past 30 years!”

Since its opening in 1994, Mom's Place has supported mothers and families from diverse backgrounds with their lactation and breastfeeding needs. In 2023 alone, staff assisted at least 2,500 mothers and families; over 1,000 have been helped so far in 2024.

Affiliated with APH’s WIC Program, Mom’s Place offers breastfeeding support even to those with no insurance or minimal benefits. The center also conducts numerous breastfeeding trainings and presentations for students, interns, and healthcare professionals.

“Mom’s Place has touched countless lives in our community, and we look forward to continuing this very important work,” said WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator Angela Fritsch. “I want to encourage everyone to use these services, even if this isn’t your first time with a child. Each experience is unique, and we’re here to help guide you through it.”

The staff at Mom’s Place includes International Board Certified Lactation Consultants, Registered Nurses, and WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors who assist families not only with breastfeeding concerns but also during the postpartum period—a vulnerable time for many mothers.

For support from Mom’s Place Lactation Center, individuals can call 512-972-6700.