Walmart installing private ‘pods’ for nursing moms
In another first for Walmart, the company is taking action to remove a big challenge for its employees and shoppers who are new moms.
The retail giant is installing lactation suites, or pods — freestanding spaces that provide a clean, comfortable and private option for women to breastfeed or pump — in more than 100 Walmart stores this year, with additional installations to come. Walmart is the first retailer to install the pods, from Mamava, in a store setting.
The pods are accessed through the Mamava app. The app guides the mom to the pod’s location and allows them to open the space with the touch of a button. It also allows the mom to customize the pod’s lighting and airflow and play a selection of relaxing sounds.
The launch follows a successful pilot in three Walmart stores last year. The Walmart and Mamava relationship began when Walmart employee and new mom, Tennille Webb, discovered a Mamava pod while traveling. She shared the discovery with her team at Walmart, and advocated to bring the pods to Walmart stores.
“When I discovered and used the Mamava pod that first time, it was a game-changer for me and I knew it would be a great option that gives my fellow Walmart associates and our customers another choice in their breastfeeding journey,” said Webb. “I’m honored to see that my idea has come to reality in our stores, it’s teaching my son how one person can make a big difference.”
Walmart currently has mother’s rooms in several hundred stores for associates and customers to use. The Mamava pods are intended for select stores without the special room, offering moms another choice.
“There is nothing else like the Mamava pod,” said Julie Murphy, executive VP, Walmart U.S. People. “We strongly believe in what Mamava is doing to support moms and the experience the pods help create. We are very excited to provide this for moms who work and shop at our stores.”