Locations in DC that are Breastfeeding Friendly
Vacationing while breastfeeding, especially in a city like D.C., can present some unique challenges, but it is certainly possible with a little planning and preparation. Here are some tips for making the most of your vacation while still meeting your bodyfeeding needs:
Plan ahead: Before you go on vacation, research the local resources available to you for breastfeeding. This might include lactation consultants, breastfeeding support groups, and local hospitals with lactation centers. You should also research any laws or cultural norms regarding breastfeeding in the area you will be visiting.
Pack accordingly: Make sure you bring all the necessary supplies for nursing, such as breast pumps, bottles, nipple cream, nursing bras, and nursing pads.
Stay hydrated and nourished: Feeding baby requires a lot of energy, so make sure you stay well-hydrated and well-nourished during your vacation. Bring plenty of healthy snacks and water with you to ensure you have the fuel you need to keep up with your baby's feeding demands.
Find a comfortable place to nurse: While on vacation, you may not have access to your usual breastfeeding spots, so it's important to find a comfortable place to breastfeed your baby. This might be a quiet corner of a restaurant or a private room in your accommodations.
Be flexible: During vacation, your usual feeding routine may be disrupted. Be flexible and willing to adjust your schedule to accommodate your baby's needs. This may mean taking breaks more frequently or nursing for longer periods of time.
Enjoy your vacation: Don't forget to take time to enjoy your vacation! Breastfeeding can be demanding, but it's important to take care of yourself and make time for fun and relaxation.
Here are some locations around D.C. that are breastfeeding-friendly:
The Breastfeeding Center: Come check out our storefront location that hosts breastfeeding supplies, our pump bar, and nursing lounge. The nursing lounge is open for parents who are feeding and/or pumping and in-need of a cool, supportive space. Ask a team member about our lactation services and class option too to learn more!
Museums:
Did you know that DC has over 70 museums to explore? Listed, are museums that are nursing-friendly along with more information about where to breastfeed:
Arlington National Cemetery/Museum: The Arlington National Cemetery has three nursing locations: the Basement woman’s restroom, King Drive, the Welcome Center – female restroom, and the Modular Units (MOC) – middle unit of three in the female restroom, location is near King Drive. The Arlington National Cemetery/Museum is located directly in Arlington County, Virginia.
Museum of the Bible: Located at 400 4th Street SW, Washington DC 20024, the Museum of the Bible features many interactive exhibits. The nursing suite location can be found on Floor 1 by the main restrooms.
Holocaust Memorial Museum: There is a nursing area in the healthcare unit (first-aid) where you are welcome to feed and pump. The Holocaust Memorial Museum is located at 100 Raoul Wallenberg PL SW, Washington DC
International Spy Museum: The International Spy Museum holds the largest amount of espionage artifacts on display. Guests are welcome to nurse anywhere in the Museum. However, if parents would like a private space, they can ask a staff member and they will find a private location for parents! The International Spy Museum is located at 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington DC 20024.
Smithsonian Museum of African American History: You are welcome to nurse anywhere you feel comfortable at any Smithsonian museum/park! In the Smithsonian Museum of African American History, a private lactation suite is available upon request at the Welcome Center.
Smithsonian Museum of American History: The Smithsonian Museum of American History has a nursing room on Level 2 past the Main Entrance at the front entrance. The Smithsonian Museum of American History is located at 1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington DC 20560.
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History: The renowned Museum of Natural History is fun for the entire family. Located on 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington DC 20560, the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History offers parents a private lactation room on the Welcome Center's second floor. You are also welcome to nurse anywhere you feel comfortable throughout the Museum!
Smithsonian Museum of the Native American: Devoted to the culture of Indigenous Americans, the Smithsonian Museum of the Native American has a semi-private nursing and pumping area on the 4th floor.
The National Museum of Women In Arts: This museum is nursing friendly and although there is no designated nursing area, parents may ask security and they will find a private nursing location for parents.
The National Archives Museum: You may nurse anywhere throughout the museum although there is no designated nursing or pumping area. The Nationals Archives Museum is located at 4th St. SW, Washington DC 20560.
Entertainment Venues:
Capital One Arena: At Capitol One Arena, on Club Level One there is a conference room that parents may use as a designated nursing room. Capital One Arena is at 601 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004.
The Kennedy Center: The Kennedy Center, located at 2700 F St NW, Washington DC 20566 is home to year-round performances and shows. There is a dedicated nursing room on Level A South. To access the nursing room, you will need to get a key card from the Security Desk on Level A.
Nationals Ballpark: The Nationals Ballpark is located at 1500 S Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003. It has a Lansinoh nursing lounge that was designed in collaboration with nursing parents! Inside the lounge, there are comfortable chairs, TVs, diaper-changing areas, and a play area for toddlers. It is located off the first baseline, adjacent to Section 223.
Outdoor Tourist Spots:
Smithsonian Zoological Park: While you are welcome to nurse or bottle feed your child or pump anywhere you feel comfortable within the Zoo, we also offer a private lactation space located inside Think Tank. This room is meant for single use only and includes two benches for seating, a small countertop, electrical outlets, and a locking door. This room does not have running water or diaper-changing facilities, but both can be found in nearby restrooms located behind the Conservation Pavilion next to Me and the Bee Playground. The Zoo is located at 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008.
U.S Botanical Garden: Breastfeeding is welcome in all areas of the Garden-but there are no private breastfeeding lounges or lactation stations for electronic pumping. refrigerating or heating of expressed milk or formula is not available. The U.S. Botanical Garden is located at 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001.
Other Tourist Spots:
The White House: The White House, a go-to DC tourist attraction/spot, has a lactation suite located in the East Wing.
Library of Congress: The Library of Congress, located at 101 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC 20540, has a nursing space located in the northwest (green) corridor on the third floor of the Madison building (LM 312), 101 Independence Ave.
Airports:
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA): The DCA airport has a dedicated nursing room (terminal A) - 3 rooms including rocking chairs, outlets, and changing tables- located in terminal A before the TSA checkpoint and terminal B/C - two rooms located next to touch of color on the national hall.
Dulles International Airport (IAD): The IAD airport has comfortable nursing rooms with amenities - terminal (pre-security)- 4 locations: arrivals level, baggage claim, next to the restrooms across from baggage claims 2,6, 11, and 14– Post Security- A gates - near gates A20, B gates- near gate B70, C gates- near gates C11, D gates - near gate D1.
Check out our Nursing & Pumping Locations Map for more cool options
