Moms on-the-go looking for a comfortable travel experience will find privacy and support in Port Authority’s 28 upgraded nursing suites, newly available at Newark Liberty, John F. Kennedy and New York Stewart airports. These pods, which are larger, wheelchair-accessible, and offer more support than the pods introduced in 2015, are part of Port Authority’s comprehensive airport modernization process. Inside the pods, mothers will find enough space for themselves, their baby and a companion, as well as benches, fold-down tables, and outlets for plugging in breast pumps. Each pod door can be locked for safety and security. Port Authority chairman Kevin O’Toole said the transportation company recognizes the needs of its travelers and is committed to providing them accessible, sanitary nursing suites.
Pod manufacturer Mamava–“mother on the go” in Spanish–incorporated technology into the pods’ convenience factor. The company launched a free mobile app to help mothers locate available pods and made unlocking the suites as easy as pressing one button. The pods are American Disabilities Act-compliant and accommodate wheelchairs through grab bars and 60 inches of turnaround space. There are 12 pods available at JFK, 9 at Newark Liberty, 6 at LaGuardia and 1 at New York Stewart.
“We’re thrilled to support nursing mothers at all major New York and New Jersey airports,” said Sascha Mayer, co-founder and CEO of Mamava. “We believe that all mothers deserve a clean, comfortable and dignified place to use a breast pump or breast-feed distraction-free–anywhere, anytime.”
Several organizations expressed their support for these pods. S. Nadia Hussain, the director of the Maternal Justice Campaign at MomsRising, emphasized nursing pods as a way to make hectic traveling just a little easier. Interim executive director of the United States Breastfeeding Committee Amelia Psmythe commended New York airports for answering the call of nursing mothers. And the La Leche League commented on the purpose it shares with Mamava and Port Authority.
“We commend the Port Authority for being a leader among airports by installing 28 Mamava nursing pods in their airports,” the statement read. “Mamava, La Leche League International and the Port Authority all recognize the importance that breastfeeding anywhere is a mother’s right, not a special privilege.”
