Cozumel Airport Opens Free Lactarium for Nursing Mothers | UNICEF-ASUR Partnership

The Cozumel International Airport has opened a free, dedicated lactation room within its terminal. This space is designed to provide a private, hygienic, and comfortable environment for traveling mothers and female airport employees to breastfeed or express milk, eliminating the need to rely on restrooms or other unsuitable areas.

Supporting Lactation On the Move

The new lactation room addresses a practical need for travelers and workers. Lack of privacy and adequate hygiene can disrupt breastfeeding or make milk expression and storage difficult, particularly for those in transit or working shifts. The facility was conceived as a private area for these needs, prioritizing both hygiene and comfort.

Did You Know? According to a 2021-2023 national survey, only 34.2% of infants under six months in Mexico receive exclusive breastfeeding.

A Growing Network of Support

The opening was formalized during a ceremony led by Pablo Esteban Arjona Ortiz, the airport’s general manager, who signed an agreement with UNICEF. This collaboration aims to expand the availability of lactation rooms in airports linked to ASUR. Currently, ASUR operates 11 such facilities across the country, with plans to add two more – in Cozumel and Oaxaca – as immediate outcomes of the agreement. UNICEF anticipates a total of eight airports in the southeast region will participate in initiatives supporting children’s rights.

Expanding Access

Wilbert Solís Cochan, UNICEF’s Support, Health, and Nutrition Officer in Mexico, noted during the event that the lactation room is part of broader efforts to create supportive environments for breastfeeding outside the home, without hindering professional life. He also highlighted that these types of spaces are more common in other countries than in many parts of Mexico.

Expert Insight: Providing dedicated lactation spaces within transportation hubs like airports acknowledges the practical challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers and demonstrates a commitment to supporting public health recommendations. This is a proactive step toward normalizing and facilitating breastfeeding in diverse settings.

Operational Standards for Lactation Rooms

A “dignified” lactation room, according to guidelines from the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS), must be private, hygienic, and accessible. The IMSS guide emphasizes that bathrooms are not appropriate spaces for lactation. Key elements include a secure door, clear signage, appropriate furnishings, and, when necessary, facilities for safe milk storage – including refrigeration for use within 72 hours. The World Health Organization continues to recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life as a public health standard.

Local Support for the Initiative

Representatives from the Mexican Red Cross – Cozumel Delegation and Costamed Grupo Médico were present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The opening of the lactation room integrates into the ongoing UNICEF–ASUR partnership, with immediate expansions planned for Cozumel and Oaxaca, and further development across southeastern airports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the new lactation room?

The lactation room provides a private, hygienic, and comfortable space for mothers to breastfeed or express milk at the Cozumel International Airport.

What is the relationship between UNICEF and ASUR?

UNICEF and ASUR have signed an agreement to expand the availability of lactation rooms in airports linked to ASUR, beginning with Cozumel and Oaxaca.

What are the key features of a well-equipped lactation room, according to the IMSS?

A well-equipped lactation room must be private, hygienic, accessible, and include features like a secure door, appropriate furnishings, and refrigeration for milk storage when needed.

How might increased access to facilities like this impact broader public health goals related to infant nutrition?