4 Steps to Get a Lactation Space Where You Need One
Breastfeeding in public is legal in every state...woot! But if your baby demands a distraction-free zone, or you’re out and about solo, you’re probably looking for a clean, private space to nurse or pump. Maybe you’ve seen a Mamava pod “in the wild” and want to advocate for one at your favorite public place.
Looking for accommodations at work instead? Here's help.
Yes! And you’re not alone. Breastfeeding parents are driving the Mamava movement by requesting lactation spaces wherever they go. Mamava pods are free to use (and our free app helps parents find and open them), thanks to the facilities that purchase and maintain them. So if you want a public place to provide a Mamava, be a hero and let the venue know. Here’s how to get started.
Step 1: Arm yourself with breastfeeding facts
Most people support breastfeeding in theory, but they may not understand the realities of what it means for moms. You need to offer some talking points. Save this list in a note on your phone so you have it at the ready.
Breastfeeding parents need to pump—every few hours—when they’re away from their baby for work or travel, not only to collect milk but to keep making it.
Some babies get distracted and need a private space to focus.
Breastfeeding and pumping people need clean and private spaces—not bathrooms—to nurse or pump.
Step 2: Make a case in the moment—on social media
Pumping next to a toilet? Nursing in a first aid station without a locking door? Snap a pic and share it on Instagram and Facebook. Tag the facility where you are (super simple to find it if you have your location services turned on). Twitter is also a speedy way to ask venues to improve their lactation support. Ask for the lactation space you need and why in an assertive, yet kind, way. You might even mention #mamava as a fast and easy solution. Most public spaces strive to provide excellent experiences for their guests. Posting publicly about your personal struggle will raise awareness and empathy—and invite other parents to join in.
Step 3: Follow with a more formal request for a lactation space
Send an email to Guest Services and share your experience. Include specific information about the kinds of spaces breastfeeding parents need.
Step 4: Rally more parents to ask for lactation accommodations
When parents take action together, like these moms did, they can move mountains. Share your efforts, your contacts, and your email outlines with your friends and social media communities. There’s nothing like an inbox full of parents to move your cause to the desk of key stakeholders. Or create an online petition using a simple tool like Change.org or The Petition Site asking the venue to do a better job of accommodating all their guests.
Mamava designs solutions to empower breastfeeding and pumping parents on the go, like our freestanding lactation pods, Mamava’s lactation space locator app, and other helpful resources.
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