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Breastfeeding moms rally for new place to feed in Atlanta airport

ATLANTA — Mothers now have a new place to feed their babies during hectic travel days at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

Moms can get a little support in one of the new nursing pods.

There are benches, space for mom or dad to change a diaper and plugs for a pump.

A peaceful, private and -- this is key -- clean place to care for infants.

“They had 16 smoking stations but no lactation rooms, and moms had to nurse their babies in the bathroom,” social media activist Sojourner Marable Grimmett said.

Local mothers Grimmett and Monica Ponder spread attention-getting images on social media of grown-ups snacking by toilets.

"I don't think anyone would think, 'Let me go to the restroom to enjoy this meal,'" Ponder, a public health advocate, said. "Many women stop breastfeeding because of issues like this. It becomes very burdensome to pump and breastfeed while you're on the go."

Airport spokesman Reese McCranie said they heard that message and were already working on it.

"We worked very diligently with our partners at the airport to find the best location for these lactation stations, and we've gotten terrific feedback so far," McCranie said. "Millions of moms who come through the airport every year."

Breastfeeding mothers can use these wonderful mobile lactation stations now.

The four open pods are past security lines in the terminals.

The airport is looking to bring space for moms and babies in this central part of the airport near the check-in and atrium.