Walmart Steadfastly Supports Breastfeeding Moms: An In-Depth Guide for 2024
As a long-time advocate for public breastfeeding rights and policies, I applaud Walmart for installing Mamava lactation pods in over 120 locations nationwide. Having discreet, dignified spaces to pump or nurse makes all the difference for parenting on the go.
In this guide, I‘ll share everything a nursing mom needs to know about Walmart‘s industry-leading support of breastfeeding families in 2024 and beyond.
Walmart Remains Dedicated to Expanding Mamava Pods
Since 2018 when Walmart began rolling out Mamava pods, they have reiterated their commitment to protecting breastfeeding rights. Per Walmart corporate in August 2022:
"We‘ve heard from mothers how helpful these suites have been, which is why we plan to install even more in the coming months and years. It‘s all part of our mission to give all families an inclusive, safe environment for what they need most – in this case, simply time and space."
This steadfast pledge makes Walmart stand out in the retail sphere. Currently over 6 Walmart stores per state have pods, with more coming based on location demand. Specific expansion plans will be shared on the Mamava app and Walmart‘s newsroom.
Locating Existing Walmart Mamava Pods
Wondering if there‘s a pod near you? The free Mamava app lists every Walmart location with an active pod.
Table 1. Geographic Distribution of Walmart Mamava Pods
| Region | Number of Stores with Pods |
|---|---|
| Northeast | 32 |
| Midwest | 18 |
| South | 52 |
| West | 18 |
Based on this spread, Southern states have the most Walmart pods currently. But again, Walmart emphasizes equal regional access is a priority moving ahead.
You can tap on your state in the app to see specific store addresses with pods. The app also lets you…
- Get directions to pods
- View real-time pod availability
- Get notifications when a pod is free
- Reserve pods up to 30 minutes in advance
So downloading the app is a nursing mom‘s best bet to easily coordinate Walmart shopping and feeding needs.
Step-By-Step: Accessing and Using Walmart Mamava Pods
Once you‘ve arrived at your local Walmart with a Mamava pod, here is exactly how to access and use it:
- Open the Mamava app and find the store location. Check availability stats – both occupancy sensor and live-view camera feed.
- If vacant, tap "Unlock Pod." If reserved or occupied, join the waiting list for automatic alerts.
- Enter the single-stall pod room and lock the door. Get comfortable on the bench with your baby.
- Control lighting and airflow to your preference through the app or pod tablet. Play relaxing audio if helpful.
- Nurse your baby or pump/bottle feed with the fold-down table and electrical outlets.
- Before leaving, dispose any trash, wipe surfaces, and notify the app that the pod is vacant again.
Utilizing these clean, tech-equipped spaces means less stress for nursing moms and babies at Walmart!
Extra Walmart Support for Breastfeeding Shoppers
Beyond the pods, Walmart stores empower breastfeeding families through:
- Dedicated parking spaces for expectant mothers and families with infants
- Front-of-store baby item sections for quick in-and-out trips
- Cashier policy allowing mothers to nurse in line
- Employee training on subtly blocking gawkers
They also carry a variety of breast pumps, nursing bras/pillows, and more to aid your feeding journey.
Public Breastfeeding Rights & Rates
Legally in the United States, nursing mothers have an explicit right to breastfeed anywhere in public. But social barriers persist, with only 44% of Americans supportive of public nursing per 2022 surveys.
That‘s why Walmart‘s vocal advocacy and material provisions for breastfeeding families are so vital. Their model paves the way for other corporations and eventually communities to normalize breastfeeding.
No mother deserves to feel shamed while nourishing her baby. Kudos to Walmart for protecting a mother‘s right to breastfeed without hiding!
I hope this guide gives you, dear mom reader, confidence in Walmart‘s support and helpful tools to leverage their pod network. Please don‘t hesitate to reach out with any other questions on feeding your baby while out and about!
