Three organizations recognized for creating welcoming spaces for breastfeeding and lactating families, demonstrating that supporting families is both good public health and good business

PITTSBURGH – For 30 years, the Allegheny County Health Department's Breastfeeding Friendly Place Awards have recognized a simple but powerful idea: families should not have to choose between participating fully in their communities and feeding their babies. This year, ACHD's WIC Program marked the 30th anniversary of the awards by recognizing three organizations that are helping make Allegheny County a place where breastfeeding parents are welcomed, supported and included wherever they live, work, learn and spend time with their families.

The 2026 Breastfeeding Friendly Place Award recipients are The Frick Pittsburgh in the Public Space category, Topgolf Pittsburgh in the Workplace category, and Reading Ready Pittsburgh in the Small Business category.

Together, the three organizations demonstrate that creating a breastfeeding-friendly environment does not require a large budget or complicated infrastructure. It requires consideration, flexibility and a willingness to make families feel that they belong.

"Thirty years of these awards represents 30 years of community leadership," said Madeleine Putzi, MS, RD, LDN, CLC, Breastfeeding Coordinator for the Allegheny County Health Department WIC Program. "When a business, workplace or public space makes room for a parent to breastfeed or pump, it is sending a powerful message that families matter here. These accommodations can be simple, but their impact is significant. They support healthy babies, reduce barriers for parents and create communities where people can participate without having to leave their needs at the door."

Breastfeeding-friendly places also benefit employers and businesses. When workplaces provide appropriate space, time and support for employees who pump or breastfeed, they can help parents remain connected to their jobs and careers. For employers competing to recruit and retain talented workers, family-friendly policies can demonstrate that an organization values employees as whole people.

For small businesses, becoming breastfeeding-friendly can be especially accessible. A clean, comfortable and private space, a chair and table, access to refrigeration when needed, and reasonable flexibility can go a long way toward helping a breastfeeding parent feel supported. In many cases, the most important investment is not a major renovation, but a culture of respect and inclusion.

The recognition is also a reminder that babies are among the community's most vulnerable residents. They depend entirely on adults and the environment around them to meet their basic needs. Creating spaces where parents can safely feed their babies helps build a community that considers the needs of families at every stage of life.

2026 Breastfeeding Friendly Place Award Recipients

Public Space Award: The Frick Pittsburgh

The Frick Pittsburgh was recognized for providing visitors with clean, designated lactation spaces while warmly welcoming breastfeeding in public. The organization demonstrates how cultural institutions and public spaces can make families feel comfortable, included and able to fully participate in community life.

"The Frick Pittsburgh is honored to be recognized as a Breastfeeding Friendly Place," said Ashley Legg, Director of Enterprise and Visitor Services at The Frick Pittsburgh. "Welcoming families means thinking about the many ways they experience our spaces and making sure they feel comfortable and supported while they are here. We are proud to provide an environment where parents can care for their babies while enjoying everything The Frick has to offer."

Workplace Award: Topgolf Pittsburgh

Topgolf Pittsburgh was recognized for its commitment to supporting breastfeeding employees as part of Topgolf's national effort to make its U.S. locations "Mother Friendly."

The Pittsburgh location provides a dedicated nursing room with a comfortable chair, small table and refrigerator for milk storage. The space is available to employees and guests. The location also provides unrestricted pump time for employees and maintains a lactation policy that employees can access upon request.

"Supporting our employees means supporting the things that matter in their lives outside of work, including caring for their families," said Becky Quinn, Office Manager at Topgolf Pittsburgh. "We want our employees to know that they can be successful at work while also being supported as parents. Creating a comfortable place to pump is a small step that can make a meaningful difference in someone's experience at work."

Small Business Award: Reading Ready Pittsburgh

Reading Ready Pittsburgh was recognized for demonstrating how small organizations can make a meaningful difference for breastfeeding families. By providing a clean, welcoming lactation space and creating an environment where nursing parents feel comfortable,

Reading Ready Pittsburgh shows that breastfeeding-friendly practices are within reach for organizations of all sizes.

"At Reading Ready Pittsburgh, we believe that creating a welcoming environment means making room for the whole family," said Mary Denison, PhD, Executive Director of Reading Ready Pittsburgh. "Supporting breastfeeding parents is one practical way we can show families that they belong here. You do not need to be a large organization to make a difference. Sometimes it is simply about listening, being thoughtful and making sure people have what they need."

A Three-Decade Community Tradition

The Breastfeeding Friendly Place Awards were established 30 years ago through the work of the Allegheny County Breastfeeding Coalition. Over three decades, the program has recognized organizations across Allegheny County that have taken meaningful steps to make breastfeeding and lactation more accessible.

The 2026 celebration brought together past nominees, community members and families, along with organizations providing breastfeeding and lactation support throughout the region.

The event featured presentations from Dr. Amy Maddalena, DO, IBCLC, and Wendy Eson, IBCLC, of the Breastfeeding Center of Pittsburgh, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month. Dr. Maddalena discussed the importance of optimal breastfeeding support, including for parents returning to work. Eson shared practical pumping strategies and guidance for parents.

The celebration also included free breastfeeding and family photo sessions, raffle baskets, lunch and opportunities for attendees to connect with regional lactation-support organizations.

"Feeding babies is feeding our future," Putzi said. "Thirty years from now, we want to look back and see that today's examples became tomorrow's standard. Breastfeeding-friendly spaces should not feel exceptional. They should feel like a natural part of a community that values babies, parents, employees and families."

Organizations interested in learning more about the Breastfeeding Friendly Place Awards, including how to participate and view past recipients, can visit the Allegheny County Health Department's Breastfeeding Friendly Place Awards webpage.

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The Allegheny County Health Department's mission is to protect, promote, and preserve the health and well-being of the more than 1.2 million people who call Allegheny County home.

Media inquiries may be directed to Ronnie Das, Public Information Officer
for the Health Department, at ronnie.das@alleghenycounty.us
or by phone at 412.578.7991.