When Mamava founders, Sascha Mayer and Christine Dodson, developed the concept for a mobile lactation unit, it came more from necessity than creativity. As working mothers, traveling without their nursing infants, both encountered issues with pumping in a safe, comfortable space. They noticed that while breastfeeding is strongly encouraged for mothers, accommodations to do so are somewhat lacking.
"We knew we could find a flexible, affordable solution to this problem," said Mayer. "We wanted to create something that was affordable yet easy to place, easy to clean, and provides safety and privacy for moms."
Since its conception in 2006, the Mamava lactation pod has undergone several changes in design. Shortly after partnering with Konrad Prefab, which specializes in prefabricated architectural environments, the sleek, modern shape was born. David Jaacks, owner of Konrad Prefab chose a mix of ALPOLIC® materials (timber series wood grain finish and Graphic-AL composite) for the body of the lactation suite based on previous fabrication experience.
"Throughout my career, I’ve used all kinds of products for retail design, environmental spaces, and trade show exhibits. When Mamava and I talked through the concept and settled on a design, I chose ALPOLIC® because it’s easy to work with, durable, yet lightweight and flexible," said Jaacks. "We could also print on it to customize the unit for the buyer, so it was all the things we really needed."
Jaacks manufactures the units in Konrad Prefab’s Springfield, VT facility, and ships the components to the end user in sections for on-site assembly. All necessary tools and instructions are included, and he estimates even a novice can construct a unit in less than three hours. To date, nearly 300 units can be found across the nation in airports, offices, sports arenas, conference centers, and government and military buildings.
Complete with LED lighting, motion sensors, and air circulation fans, the Mamava lactation suite provides businesses with a cost effective option for compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act, which requires a private space (that is not a bathroom) for nursing mothers.
The idea for Mamava may have come from personal struggles, but the movement it created is a direct result of a digitally connected society. Mamava understands its users, so the lactation suites are accessible via an app that allows users to identify pods in their area (airport, sports arenas, malls,) and then reserve their time slots. Electronic sensors on the units lock and unlock using the phone app so privacy and availability are assured.
"Millennial moms helped push this initiative," said Mayer. "They are helping keep up this momentum through social media, and we are very excited about the opportunity this provides for constructive discussion."
To learn more about the partnership between Mamava, Konrad Prefab, and ALPOLIC®, visit www.alpolic-americas.com/mamava.
Related Stories
| Dec 12, 2011
CRSI design awards deadline extended to December 31
The final deadline is extended until December 31st, with judging shortly thereafter at the World of Concrete.
| Dec 10, 2011
10 Great Solutions
The editors of Building Design+Construction present 10 “Great Solutions” that highlight innovative technology and products that can be used to address some of the many problems Building Teams face in their day-to-day work. Readers are encouraged to submit entries for Great Solutions; if we use yours, you’ll receive a $25 gift certificate. Look for more Great Solutions in 2012 at: www.bdcnetwork.com/greatsolutions/2012.
| Dec 10, 2011
Energy performance starts at the building envelope
Rainscreen system installed at the west building expansion of the University of Arizona’s Meinel Optical Sciences Center in Tucson, with its folded glass wall and copper-paneled, breathable cladding over precast concrete.
| Dec 10, 2011
Turning Balconies Outside In
Operable glass balcony glazing systems provide solution to increase usable space in residential and commercial structures.
| Dec 7, 2011
NSF International qualifies first wallcoverings distributor to the New American National Standard for Sustainable Wallcoverings
TRI-KES demonstrates leadership in environmental stewardship as the first distributor to earn qualification.
| Dec 7, 2011
Autodesk agrees to acquire Horizontal Systems
Acquisition extends and accelerates cloud-based BIM solutions for collaboration, data, and lifecycle management.
| Dec 5, 2011
New York and San Francisco receive World Green Building Council's Government Leadership Awards
USGBC commends two U.S. cities for their innovation in green building leadership.
| Dec 5, 2011
Summit Design+Build begins renovation of Chicago’s Esquire Theatre
The 33,000 square foot building will undergo an extensive structural remodel and core & shell build-out changing the building’s use from a movie theater to a high-end retail center.
| Dec 5, 2011
Fraser Brown MacKenna wins Green Gown Award
Working closely with staff at Queen Mary University of London, MEP Engineers Mott MacDonald, Cost Consultants Burnley Wilson Fish and main contractor Charter Construction, we developed a three-fold solution for the sustainable retrofit of the building.
