Lexington Medical Center became the first hospital in South Carolina to offer lactation pods for breastfeeding moms earlier this week. The hospital reportedly aimed at creating a comfortable and private space for mothers to nurse or pump. The pods are open to hospital staff and visitors alike.
The hospital shared the exciting news in a post made to their blog. They recently completed the installation of two Mamava lactation pods. Mamava is a company that specifically designs lactation rooms and pods for breastfeeding moms on the go or at work. The hospital’s lactation pods feature two benches, a table that folds down, and even power outlets.
Even more, nursing mothers can also download the Mamava app, which allows them to find a nursing pod closest to them. The app also gives them the option to configure the lighting and fan settings.
As reported by News19, Deborah Belton, RN, BSN, PCCN, a clinical coordinator at Lexington Medical Center shared about the positive impact the pods have had on working mothers like herself. Belton, a mother to two daughters, ages 3 and four months, explained that the pods have decreased her anxiety now that she knows she has a safe place to breastfeed while at work.
Belton says one of her favorite things about the pods is that they give her the opportunity to relax, allowing for a more efficient pumping experience. She added that she uses it on a daily basis and has greatly helped her regulate her supply. At the end of her piece, Belton emphasized that nursing moms shouldn’t feel bad about taking the time to breastfeed or pump.
Lexington Medical Center is far from the first hospital or business to introduce lactation pods for breastfeeding women. According to Mamava’s website, they’ve installed over 1,600 lactation pods and rooms throughout Canada and the United States. They’ve introduced them to educational institutes, transportation and public venues, office spaces, military, and government buildings, and manufacturing and distribution centers, among many places.
Mamava pods can be found across North America, including in notable places such as JFK airport, Coors Field, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, and the NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Schools that have introduced Mamava pods to their campuses include Temple University, Allentown School District, the University of Utah, and the University of Las Vegas.
More public and private businesses are beginning to introduce lactation pods and rooms, or are making other accommodations to allow nursing mothers to comfortably and privately pump or nurse. Where do you think a lactation pod will pop up next?
Sources: News 19, Lexington Medical Center, Mamava,