Supporting Breastfeeding Parents: Addressing Workplace Barriers and Policy Improvements

Struggles of Breastfeeding Parents in the Workplace

In honor of National Breastfeeding Month, Mamava, who is well-known for their freestanding lactation pods, teamed up with Medela, a leader in breastfeeding innovation, to share the findings of their 2025 State of Breastfeeding Survey. The survey, conducted annually, gathers insights from parents navigating the complexities of breastfeeding in the United States.

This year's results stem from feedback collected from nearly 3,000 parents and shed light on the strong motivation among parents to breastfeed, juxtaposed with significant barriers that still exist in workplaces and other public venues. The health advantages associated with breastfeeding are undeniable, both for infants and mothers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that mothers breastfeed for up to two years when possible. However, looking at the survey data, a concerning trend emerges - while 54% of respondents managed to breastfeed for a full year, only a mere 16% continued for the second year.

Key Findings of the Survey

a. Nutritional Decisions: A significant 88% of parents indicated their choice to breastfeed was primarily for nutritional advantages, while 75% referenced the invaluable bonding experience it offered with their infants.

b. Workplace Support: Alarmingly, only 44% of the respondents felt adequately supported by their employers, with a troubling one in three stating they did not have reliable access to a private space for lactation.

c. Awareness of Rights: An astonishing 45% of parents were uncertain about their rights under the PUMP Act, and 13% were completely unaware of the existence of this law designed to protect nursing mothers.

d. Inadequate Spaces: Many parents (81%) reported having to pump or nurse in vehicles due to the lack of designated lactation areas. Furthermore, one in three participants stated that public places lack the welcoming ambiance needed for breastfeeding.

Sascha Mayer, Co-founder and Chief Experience Officer of Mamava, emphasized the importance of support from public spaces and workplaces. Mayer expressed, "Breastfeeding is a powerful choice parents make for their babies, but they shouldn't have to navigate that journey alone. Parents are doing their part. Now it's time for workplaces and public spaces to step up with the spaces, policies, and respect that make breastfeeding not only possible but sustainable."

The Necessity of Change

Conducted in May 2025, the survey's focus was on parents currently engaged in breastfeeding or those who had breastfed in the past two years, with a majority (62%) holding full-time positions and an additional 20% part-time. The data presents an urgent call for better and consistent workplace accommodations. The 2022 PUMP Act mandates that most employers provide reasonable break times and a private, non-bathroom area specifically for milk expression during work hours.

For a deeper insight into the 2025 State of Breastfeeding Survey finds, visit mamava.com.

About Mamava and Medela

Mamava is committed to reshaping the breastfeeding culture by offering private and comfortable spaces for nursing and pumping, preventing parents from struggling with lactation in public. Since 2013, they have provided thousands of lactation pods to varying establishments, including airports, hospitals, and Fortune 500 companies. Their innovative solutions range from smart locks for lactation rooms to mobile applications that help parents locate lactation spaces.

Medela, on the other hand, dedicates itself to better health outcomes through research-based breastfeeding products and hospital solutions. They support millions across over 100 countries with products that facilitate breastfeeding.

By joining forces, Mamava and Medela are addressing the pressing issues faced by breastfeeding parents and striving to enhance their experience.