Rosemead High School (RHS) English teacher Stacy Lim returned as a first-time mom from maternity leave late in the 2024-25 school year, feeling tired, overwhelmed, and stressed about providing for her son while she was working. She was quickly comforted, however, by the knowledge that she had resources and privacy at school to help make her transition easier with the District’s newly installed Mamava Lactation Pods, a secure, sanitary, and safe space for breastfeeding parents.  
 
“The pressure to pump every few hours or risk reduced milk production or physical pain as a result caused me so much anxiety,” Lim said, who has taught in El Monte Union for eight years. “Knowing that the pod was available helped to ensure that I could provide for my son, which was one less thing I had to worry about.”
 
Uniquely designed and specially built to make day-to-day activities easier, the models range in sizes and include wheelchair accessible options. Mamava Pods are all versatile and fit compact spaces, making them ideal for workspaces and public use. 
 
The Pods were first installed at RHS in the staff lounge, followed by the Adult Transition Center and El Monte High School. Mamava Pods are top-of-the-line portable facilities that provide a private and comfortable space for parents who are nursing or pumping. 
 
“I like that the fan system automatically turns on when it’s in use to provide an additional layer of privacy, since the pod is located in a shared space,” Lim said. “I love that there’s a mirror so I can double check my attire before exiting too.”
 
Each pod comes with built-in seating, a fan and white noise system, lighting, shelves, a mirror, coat and bag hooks, and charging outlets. Parents access the pods with the Mamava app so there is no need to track down a key and they can easily check if the space is occupied. 
 
“El Monte Union prides itself on responding to community needs and anticipating ways we can enhance the learning and working environment for every individual across the District,” Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said. “This initiative ensures that we continue to provide accommodations and multiple layers of support for everyone.” 
 
During a District Board meeting in October 2024, the Board of Education approved an initiative to partner with OMNIA Partners Cooperative Services for the additional purchase and installation of Mamava Pods for South El Monte and Mountain View high schools. OMNIA Partners is an organization that assists K-12 education entities to help with cooperative purchasing opportunities. 
 
“By providing these spaces, the Board and District reaffirms our commitment to supporting all El Monte Union individuals and families, and creating a more inclusive and caring environment,” Board President Florencio Briones said. 
 
The Mamava Pods meet the requirements of all workplace and public-space lactation laws. 

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