06/13/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/13/2025 13:54
PHILADELPHIA -The City of Philadelphia today launched the Philadelphia Lactation Spaces Finder App, a new mobile tool designed to support nursing parents in finding safe, clean, and accessible lactation spaces throughout the city.
This initiative is in response to the PUMP Act (Providing Urgent Maternal Protections), signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2022. Under the PUMP Act, most nursing employees have the right to reasonable break time and a place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion to express breast milk while at work. On December 14, 2023 the City Council of Philadelphia passed Section 16-132 of the Philadelphia Code requiring all City departments responsible for managing City property shall oversee the creation of lactation spaces for City employees, and where possible, members of the public. The bill was signed into law by Mayor Kenney on December 20, 2023, and continues to be a priority under the Parker administration.
"We recognize the importance of supporting nursing parents, especially in urban environments where accessible and private spaces are often limited," said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. "The Lactation Spaces Finder App is part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring that Philadelphia is an inclusive city where all residents, especially children, can thrive. The PUMP Act also provides essential protections to City employees and this tool will help make those protections a reality."
The app, developed by the City of Philadelphia's Office of the Chief Administrative Officer and the Office of Innovation and Technology, allows users to easily locate designated lactation spaces in public buildings, workplaces, and other key areas. This free and user-friendly app, powered by an open dataset, aims to ensure nursing parents have access to spaces that meet their needs, whether at work, in transit, or out and about in Center City.
"This project demonstrates the Office of Innovation and Technology's commitment to data stewardship, which supports the creation of tools that deliver meaningful, people centered solutions for City departments," said Melissa Scott, Chief Information Officer. "By developing this app, we are increasing transparency and enabling community partners, technologists, and advocates to enhance resources for Philadelphia families."
The app, in its first iteration, is another step towards a more transparent government for all, ensuring that finding lactation spaces is accessible and up to date. The app is designed to make it easier for nursing parents to navigate Philadelphia's public and private spaces, ensuring they can take full advantage of these legal protections. The app features 26 lactation spaces available to the public with plans to expand the number of locations throughout municipal buildings.
The Philadelphia Lactation Spaces Finder App features:
"We are proud to provide this tool to nursing parents in Philadelphia," said Camille Duchaussee, Chief Administrative Officer. "This is one of the many steps we're taking to make our city more family-friendly, inclusive, and supportive for parents in our community. As a City we are committed to providing safe, welcoming, and supportive environments for all of our residents at every stage of life."
To view the Philadelphia Lactation Spaces Finder App visit lactation-spaces.phila.gov.