PORTLAND, Maine — The Portland Sea Dogs now have a private space for nursing mothers to go during games if they wish.
Sea Dogs leaders told NEWS CENTER Maine on Monday that this was all the work of one employee. Allison Casiles is the Sea Dogs' director of promotions. She works to make the experience more enjoyable for everyone who comes to a game at Hadlock Field, including nursing moms.
"Nursing caregivers are able to nurse wherever they feel comfortable, but we also wanted to offer more options for them," she said.
Now there's another option: a shed with a lock where moms can go and privately breastfeed. Casiles worked with Tuff Shed to get the shed, and the rest was all her. She brought a couch, rug, and curtains from her own home to make it more comfortable.
The shed is open now and used several times each game, but Casiles says she still has improvements to make. She plans to paint it and get a changing table and an AC unit.
"Being able to offer this I think just makes it that much more enjoyable to go to a Sea Dogs game," she said.
Hadlock Field is the first professional sports venue in Maine to provide a designated private space for nursing mothers, according to a post on the Sea Dogs' official Facebook post.
The team said nobody will be shamed for feeding their babies in the stands or elsewhere in the stadium. The new shed is simply for those who wish to use it. The team said it strives to have a family-friendly park and support every step of parenthood.
"Nursing caregivers are welcome to feed their child wherever they feel comfortable while at the park, but we are happy to be the first to provide a private space other than a bathroom for those that prefer that option," the Sea Dogs said.
The shed has two electrical outlets for those who need to pump, according to the Sea Dogs.
"The space is in a shaded area and has heat for colder months and AC for the summer," the team said in the comment section of Tuesday's Facebook post. "It is our hope to include a TV with a live stream so they won’t miss any of the game."
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