WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- A new lactation pod is now in place at the 442d Fighter Wing. The pod is designed to provide a private room equipped with the resources needed for women to safely breastfeed and pump breast milk.
The new lactation pod is equipped with a table, built-in bench, an external numeric keypad lock, internal deadbolt with external indicator showing “vacant/in use” and more.
Air Force Instruction 36-3013 requires bases to establish lactation rooms for nursing mothers within unit facilities. Lactation pods are mobile which can help provide access to members who may work after hours or in locations without a designated room.
Some studies have shown breastfeeding benefits for both the mother and the child. Families may choose to breast feed for a variety of reasons, such as bonding between the mother and child, availability/cost of formula, health benefits, etc.
Aside from the individual benefits to the member using the pod, the ease of access to a comfortable and secure location allows working mothers to better maintain productivity in their job duties.
The addition of the new pod is another step toward diversity and inclusion in the Wing.