Council Provides a New, Safe, and Comfortable Breastfeeding Venue at the Wilson Building

In its continuing recognition of the importance of providing a safe, clean, comfortable, and private location for mothers who need to breastfeed or pump breastmilk, the Council has unveiled a brand new, state-of-the-art Mamava pod on the first floor of the John A. Wilson Building (1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW).

Accommodating this biological necessity for both mothers and the babies who depend on them is critical. However, for too long, it has been left up to mothers to “make do” with feeding or pumping at their desks, or in public restrooms. Retrofitting small, out-of-the-way rooms for this purpose is helpful, but is not always ideally suited to the purpose.

Through the use of a Mamava pod that is specifically designed with breastfeeding and pumping in mind, the task and the facility are finally ideally aligned. The pod is secure, accessed via the Mamava app (or by contacting the Office of the Secretary). Inside, there are two benches, a fold-down table, a mirror, outlets to plug pumps into, and USB ports for charging phones and other devices. The lighting inside is occupancy-activated (to save energy), and the pods are fully ventilated.

Breastfeeding is natural, and public breastfeeding is a legally-protected right under the District of Columbia Human Rights Act of 1977. The Mamava pod is provided simply as an option and a convenience for the mothers who choose to use it.

The pod is not intended for diaper-changing. Parents should continue to change diapers on the changing tables provided in all restrooms throughout the Wilson Building.

Mamava is women-owned, and a B Corporation. B Corps are “businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. B Corps are accelerating a global culture shift to redefine success in business and build a more inclusive and sustainable economy.” Mamava pods are made in the USA.