MIDDLEBURY — Porter Medical Center, a member of the UVM Health Network, last fall purchased and installed a new self-contained chamber where mothers can feed their babies or collect breast milk with a guaranteed measure of modesty. Called a “Mamava lactation suite,” this new standalone unit in in the Collins Building of the hospital is designed for individual use and creates a comfortable and private setting for mothers to breastfeed or pump.
Linda Havey, RN, nurse manager of the Porter Birthing Center, worked for many months on this project to secure this unit for both employees and visitors to Porter.
“Our new lactation pod incorporates state-of-the-art ergonomics with seating that cradles the body, allowing the upper and lower back to be supported,” she said. “Additionally, the 360-degree screens with an interior lock and an enhanced privacy sleeve provide a necessary privacy barrier.”
THE INTERIOR OF the Mamava lactation suite, similar to the one installed at Porter Medical Center, is designed for comfort and function.
Porter purchased the new unit from Mamava, which is based in Burlington.
“We wanted to offer women a private, comfortable and appropriate lactation suite without having to build-out an entire room for nursing or pumping” Havey said. “What is so great about this unit is that it can be moved to any location in our facility and it offers Porter a way to provide this amenity where cost and space may otherwise be a challenge.”