We know it’s not always easy to talk about breastfeeding, but the more we talk about it, the more we normalize breastfeeding—and change our culture to be more supportive for parents. To help out, we’ve created this guide to use with your teams.
Great news! We’ve partnered with Mamava, the leading expert in lactation space design, to offer breastfeeding employees and guests a private and comfortable Mamava pod for pumping or nursing.
This guide will help you answer questions about our lactation accommodations—and what to do if there’s an issue.
Your pod(s) is/are located:_______________________________________________
What’s a Mamava anyway?
Mamava pods are private, clean places to pump breast milk or nurse a baby.
Mamava pods are intended only for breastfeeding and pumping, not changing diapers, charging a cell phone, or anything else. If you or a guest notice misuse of your Mamava pod, please contact:__________________
Here are some key features we think you’ll love.
- Easy access: The Mamava app unlocks the pod with the touch of a button—no need to ask for a key.
- Total privacy: Once inside, parents can deadbolt the door for peace of mind. Others who need the pod can sign up for vacancy alerts in the Mamava app so they know when the pod is free.
- Designed for pumping: The Mamava pod has a comfortable seat, outlets (and a USB port), and a surface for a breast pump. In Original and XL pods, parents can dim the lights with the app. Plus, easy-to-clean surfaces provide a sanitary space to make milk.
- Breastfeeding support and tips: Breastfeeding parents can read and leave notes for others in the app, as well as find helpful resources and tips.
How should we talk about the pod with employees and/or guests?
Make sure people know the pod is available to them—but never tell someone that they need to breastfeed their baby in the space. Breastfeeding parents have the right to feed their babies however and wherever they choose. But some prefer privacy for nursing or have babies who are easily distracted. Others may need help containing a toddler while feeding an infant.
How do breastfeeding parents get into a Mamava pod?
The easiest way is with the free Mamava app, which opens the pods—via Bluetooth—with a press of a button. The app also shows pod availability, occupancy status, and offers vacancy alerts. The free app is available on the IOS App Store or Google Play. Here’s a helpful guide you can print and share!
What if someone can’t get in with the app?
- Give them a code to type into the keypad.
- Let them in with the traditional brass key provided with your pod.
How can I train my staff about why Mamava pods are needed and how they work?
To help organizations and employers train their staff about Mamava pods—what they are and why breastfeeding parents need them—we’ve created a short video. We encourage organizational leaders to share it in internal comms to ensure that everyone understands what breastfeeding parents need.
See here for more FAQs that users sometimes ask!
Wondering how to share the news about your Mamava pod with the larger community? Use our go-to guide full of helpful tips and templates to help you spread the word!