What is a lactation pod at the airport?

Understanding Lactation Pods at Airports
In recent years, airports across the United States have increasingly recognized the need for family-friendly amenities, particularly for breastfeeding parents. One of the most significant developments in this area is the introduction of lactation pods—private spaces designed specifically for nursing mothers to breastfeed or pump milk while traveling.
What Are Lactation Pods?
Lactation pods are freestanding, private rooms equipped with comfortable seating, electrical outlets, and sometimes even amenities like a sink. These pods provide a secure and quiet environment for mothers to attend to their breastfeeding needs without the stress of finding a suitable location in busy airport terminals. The design of these pods often emphasizes privacy and comfort, allowing mothers to feel at ease while managing their breastfeeding routines in a public space.
The Rise of Lactation Pods
The push for lactation pods has been fueled by a growing awareness of the challenges faced by breastfeeding parents when traveling. Many airports have begun to install these pods as part of their commitment to being more inclusive and supportive of families. For instance, Santa Barbara Airport recently announced the addition of a lactation pod, highlighting its importance for traveling parents who require a private space to nurse or pump.
Moreover, organizations like Mamava have been at the forefront of this movement, designing and promoting these lactation solutions in various public spaces, including airports. Their efforts have led to a significant increase in the availability of these facilities, making air travel more manageable for nursing mothers.
Community Support and Encouragement
Interestingly, lactation pods have also become spaces of community support. Many mothers leave encouraging notes inside these pods, creating a positive atmosphere for those who use them. For example, a lactation pod at LaGuardia Airport became a canvas for over 100 heartfelt Post-it notes, offering words of encouragement and solidarity to fellow nursing mothers. This sense of community not only enhances the experience of using the pod but also fosters a supportive environment for mothers who may feel isolated during their travels.
Conclusion
As more airports adopt lactation pods, they are not just providing a practical solution for breastfeeding parents but also promoting a culture of support and understanding. These private spaces are a testament to the evolving landscape of air travel, where the needs of families are increasingly prioritized. With the continued expansion of such amenities, traveling with infants is becoming a less daunting experience for many mothers, allowing them to focus on what truly matters—caring for their little ones.

How do you get breast milk through airport security?

Breast milk is exempt from the normal TSA rules regarding liquids — it is not limited to the 3.4 ounces that other liquids are limited to. You can carry it in bottles and/or milk bags. Since I primarily pumped with the Willow wearable breast pump on my trips, I always had my milk in milk bags.

What qualifies as a lactation room?

What is a lactation room under the NYC Human Rights Law? A lactation room is defined by law as a clean space, other than a restroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from others, and has at least one electrical outlet.

How does lactation work?

When your baby suckles, it sends a message to your brain. The brain then signals the hormones, prolactin and oxytocin to be released. Prolactin causes the alveoli to begin making milk. Oxytocin causes muscles around the alveoli to squeeze milk out through the milk ducts.

How do they test breastmilk at TSA?

Expressed milk and related accessories are typically screened by X-ray. Milk that has been X-rayed is safe to feed your child. Inform the TSA officer if you do not want your breast milk to be X-rayed or opened. Additional steps will be taken to clear the liquid.

Do you have to pay to use a mamava pod?

Both the use of Mamava pods, and our app that helps you find them, are free of charge. Mamava’s mission is to reduce the barriers to breastfeeding. Our freestanding lactation spaces are intentionally designed to provide breastfeeding parents with clean and private spaces to pump or nurse wherever they go.

What does a lactation pod do?

These private spaces help create a more comfortable and discreet environment for women to express milk and feed their babies. The benefits extend beyond just a safe space – moms who have access to breastfeeding pods are more likely to return to work, improving productivity and employee retention rates.

Is it illegal to breastfeed on an airplane?

If you’re flying with your baby and you need to breastfeed during a flight, go right ahead. There are no restrictions that prevent you from breastfeeding in your seat.

How much water is allowed on a plane for a baby?

3.4 ounces
When traveling with baby bottles, however, you can bring more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) of milk or water for your baby, and their bottle or milk does not need to fit in the standard quart-sized clear plastic bag.

How much does the Mamava pod cost?

All of Mamava’s pods have integrated furnishing and can be assembled in a few hours. They’re designed with facilities in mind: easy to clean and simple to move as needs change. Mamava pod pricing starts at $9,500, not including shipping and delivery.

Do airports have lactation rooms?

The FAM Act requires all large and medium hub airports to provide a private, non- bathroom lactation space in each terminal building. * The Act also requires airports to provide a baby changing table in one men’s and one women’s restroom in each terminal.