In honor of National Breastfeeding Month, Ontario International Airport (ONT) is proud to announce a comprehensive upgrade to its nursing facilities, in partnership with UCR Health.

Building upon the modernized nursing stations initially launched in 2022, the newly upgraded spaces now feature expanded interiors, refreshed furnishings, and enhanced amenities designed to elevate comfort and privacy for nursing parents.

“We are committed to ensuring that all travelers, especially mothers, are welcomed in a safe, accessible and nurturing environment,” said Atif Elkadi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority.

“These upgraded nursing stations reflect our continued dedication to family-friendly travel, and there is no better time than National Breastfeeding Month to amplify our support for breastfeeding mothers.”

Breastfeeding is one of the most powerful early investments in a child’s health. These aren’t just numbers — they’re life-changing outcomes.

“Research shows that exclusively breastfed infants have a 36% lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome and mothers reduce their risk of breast cancer by up to 27%,” said Dr. Brenda Ross-Shelton, Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist at UCR Health.

“This is why UCR Health is thrilled to be designated as the first milk depot of UC Health Milk Bank and proud sponsor of Ontario International Airport’s nursing rooms, providing ongoing education and awareness to parents across the region.”

Key highlights of the upgrade include:

• A new nursing station in Terminal 4 and better space utilization in Terminal 2, allowing for greater privacy and comfort.
• Modernized décor featuring softer lighting, ergonomic seating and calming design elements to create a serene environment.
• Functional enhancements, including TVs, internet connectivity, added charging outlets, improved changing surfaces and accessible shelving for breastfeeding essentials.
• Inclusive accessibility, with upgrades ensuring full compliance with ADA standards and California Building Code—making the rooms comfortable and easy to use for all families.

These enhancements build upon the foundation laid in 2022, when ONT partnered with UCR Health to introduce modernized nursing stations that offered welcoming, private spaces for mothers to nurse or pump while traveling through ONT.

August’s designation as National Breastfeeding Month reminds us all of the critical importance of providing dedicated, safe spaces for breastfeeding in public settings. ONT’s upgraded nursing rooms stand as a testament to this mission – offering travelers enhanced dignity, convenience and comfort.

About Ontario International Airport

Ontario International Airport (ONT) is California’s most popular mid-sized airport, according to J.D. Power’s most recent North America Airport Satisfaction Study. Located in the Inland Empire, ONT is approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the center of Southern California. It is a full-service airport which offers nonstop commercial jet service to two dozen major airports in the U.S., Mexico, Central America and Taiwan.

About the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA)

The OIAA was formed in August 2012 by a Joint Powers Agreement between the City of Ontario and the County of San Bernardino to provide overall direction for the management, operations, development and marketing of ONT for the benefit of the Southern California economy and the residents of the airport’s four-county catchment area. OIAA leaders include Ontario Mayor pro Tem Alan D. Wapner (President), San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman (Vice President), Ontario City Council Member Jim W. Bowman (Secretary), Retired Riverside Mayor Ronald O. Loveridge (Treasurer) and retired business executive Julia Gouw (Commissioner).

About UCR Health

UCR Health is comprised of a team of physicians, specialists, and healthcare professionals dedicated to improving people’s health. With four medical offices located throughout the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley, UCR Health is growing to meet the healthcare needs of the region, bringing innovative, culturally sensitive medical care to the community. Established alongside the School of Medicine at the University of California, Riverside, UCR Health’s patient-centered primary care and specialty services deliver university-based healthcare excellence and innovation to all communities.

Featured image credited to Ontario International Airport