A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Mamava Lactation Pod at FedExForum was held on Saturday. The pod will be available beginning October 23 during the Carrie Underwood concert at FedExForum. Mothers can access the pod by visiting a Guest Services desk for instructions and assistance.
Members of the Shelby County Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of a Mamava Lactation Pod on June 24. The Shelby County Health Department will consider other county assets for future installations of lactation pods as part of the healthyShelby’19 initiative.
“The Grizzlies and FedExForum are very pleased to work with Shelby County to help support breastfeeding mothers,” says Jason Wexler, Grizzlies team president. “We believe that all mothers deserve a clean, comfortable, and dignified place to use a breast pump or breastfeed and we are excited to be able to offer that at FedExForum, as we continue to work to elevate all facets of the fan experience.”
Shelby County Commissioner Brandon Morrison said research shows that “breastfeeding is not only the healthiest option for infants but actually saves on future health-related costs for both mother and baby.”
“It takes a village to raise a baby,” said Shelby County Commissioner Tami Sawyer. “I am thrilled to support a lactation station at FedExForum so the women of Shelby County know we’re standing with them.”
Shelby County Commissioner Reginald Milton, former chairman of the Hospitals and Health Committee, said the best health initiatives are the ones that go out to where the people are. “I am proud to see that we are able to make a difference for the thousands of Shelby County mothers who visit FedExForum every year.”
Breastfeeding benefits the health of both mothers and infants, said Health Department Director Dr. Alisa Haushalter.
“The Shelby County Health Department encourages and supports breastfeeding through multiple interventions including breastfeeding peer counselors, lactation consultants, classes and support groups, educational materials, and breastfeeding telephone support services. This lactation station is yet one more way to promote breastfeeding in our community.”
“We are thrilled to see Shelby County and FedExForum work together on behalf of mothers in our community,” says Dr. Allison Stiles, chair of the Shelby County Breastfeeding Coalition.
“A quiet place to take a baby or to express milk means the world to Shelby County families,” Stiles said. “We are always looking for ways to support mothers and babies in their breastfeeding journeys.”
FedExForum will install the ADA version of the Mamava Lactation Pod. It is Mamava’s largest freestanding lactation suite. The pod allows for 60“ turnaround and includes dual grab bars, a spacious bench, a fold-down table, and power outlets. Mamava ADA pods can be located and unlocked with the free Mamava app and proprietary Bluetooth-enabled SmartLock.
