UPMC Altoona unveiled its new Mother’s Room on Wednesday, the first day of World Breastfeeding Week. It’s an area on the first floor of the hospital where moms can breastfeed their babies in private, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Studies show that breastfeeding helps children fight ear, respiratory and other infections, prevents cavities, and even increases intelligence. For mothers, breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, as well as high blood pressure.

UPMC Altoona Lactation Consultant Michelle Thompson says about 60 to 72 percent of new mothers at the hospital try breastfeeding, and of those, about 80 percent are still doing it when they’re discharged.