How To Set Up a Perfect Lactation Pod for Your Office?

Creating a supportive and inclusive workplace is essential for fostering employee well-being and retention. One of the most overlooked yet critical aspects of workplace inclusivity is providing proper accommodations for nursing mothers. A lactation pod is a dedicated, private space that allows breastfeeding employees to pump milk comfortably while at work, ensuring they can continue their breastfeeding journey without unnecessary stress or inconvenience.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, over 50% of new mothers return to work within a few months after childbirth. Without a designated lactation space, many mothers struggle to find a private, clean, and comfortable place to pump. This not only affects their ability to maintain their breastfeeding goals but also impacts their overall workplace satisfaction and productivity.

Laws like the PUMP Act (Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act) mandate that employers provide a private lactation space that is not a bathroom, demonstrating the importance of these accommodations. However, simply designating an empty room is not enough. An effective lactation pod should be designed to provide comfort, privacy, accessibility, and hygiene, all of which contribute to a stress-free and positive experience for nursing employees.

Nessel, a leader in workplace wellness solutions, offers state-of-the-art lactation pods that redefine the experience of workplace lactation spaces. In this blog, we’ll explore how to set up the perfect lactation pod for your office, ensuring it meets both legal requirements and employee needs while integrating Nessel’s innovative solutions.

‍

Step 1: Assess Your Workplace Needs and Space Availability

Before setting up a lactation pod, assess your office’s space and employee needs. Consider the following questions:

• How many employees require access to a lactation space?
• How frequently will the space be used throughout the day?
• What is the available space in your office to accommodate a lactation pod?
• Do you need multiple pods to accommodate several employees at once?
• Does the space need to be ADA-compliant?

Nessel offers multiple pod sizes, allowing businesses to choose a model that best fits their space and employee requirements:

• Nessel Vessel Petite (13 ft²) – Compact, ideal for small offices.
• Nessel Vessel Standard (35 ft²) – Standard-sized pod with added comfort features.
• Nessel Vessel Extra (60 ft²) – Spacious and ADA-compliant, designed for ultimate comfort and inclusivity.

Assessing your needs beforehand ensures that you choose the right pod size, preventing space constraints or underutilization.

‍

Step 2: Choose a Lactation Pod That Prioritizes Comfort and Privacy

Providing a high-quality lactation pod means ensuring that it is comfortable, well-equipped, and completely private. Nessel lactation pods are designed with several key features to ensure an optimal experience:

• Soundproofing – Helps reduce external noise, creating a quiet and relaxing space.
• Locking Door – Ensures complete privacy for nursing mothers.
• Sustainable Acoustic Insulation – Enhances comfort and reduces distractions.
• Ventilation System – Provides fresh air circulation to maintain a comfortable environment.
• Adjustable Desk & Seating – Allows mothers to set up their pumping equipment conveniently.
• Natural Light Skylight – Reduces the enclosed feeling and provides a soothing ambiance.

These features create an inviting, stress-free space for employees, encouraging them to continue breastfeeding while returning to work.

‍

Step 3: Ensure Accessibility and Compliance with Workplace Regulations

When setting up a lactation pod, it is essential to comply with workplace laws and accessibility standards:

• Legal Compliance: The PUMP Act requires that employers provide a private lactation space that is not a bathroom. Nessel’s lactation pods fully meet these legal requirements.
• ADA Compliance: If your office needs an ADA-compliant lactation space, Nessel’s Vessel Standard and Vessel Extra models offer spacious designs suitable for all employees.
• Convenient Location: Ensure that the lactation pod is placed in a quiet, easily accessible area within the office, reducing the need for nursing employees to travel far.

By prioritizing compliance and accessibility, you create a more inclusive and legally sound workplace.

‍

Step 4: Plan for Installation and Setup

A lactation pod should be easy to set up without causing major disruptions in the office. Nessel’s lactation pods arrive fully assembled and require minimal setup. Companies can also opt for professional assembly services if needed.

Tips for Installation:

• Place the pod in a discreet, low-traffic area to enhance privacy.
• Ensure the space is near an electrical outlet for breast pumps.
• Include clear signage to indicate that the space is designated for lactation.
• Consider adding scheduling tools so employees can book the pod in advance.

By ensuring a smooth installation process, your office can provide immediate support for nursing employees.

‍

Step 5: Maintain Hygiene and Sustainability

A clean and hygienic lactation space is crucial for the health and well-being of nursing mothers. Nessel’s lactation pods are designed with sustainability and cleanliness in mind:

• Eco-Friendly Materials – Made from sustainable and recycled components, ensuring a lower environmental impact.
• Clean Air Gold Certification – Guarantees that materials used are non-toxic and safe for both mother and baby.
• Easy-to-Clean Surfaces – Reduces bacteria buildup and ensures a hygienic environment.

Regular cleaning and maintenance of the lactation pod ensure long-term usability and comfort for all employees who need it.

‍

Step 6: Educate Employees and Promote the Lactation Pod

Once the lactation pod is installed, ensure that employees are aware of its availability and usage guidelines. Consider the following:

• Internal Announcements – Send an email or memo introducing the new lactation pod and how to access it.
• Signage & Instructions – Post clear guidelines inside and outside the pod regarding scheduling, usage etiquette, and cleaning procedures.
• HR Support – Provide new mothers with information on how they can incorporate pumping into their work schedule.

A well-promoted lactation space increases usage and ensures employees feel supported in their breastfeeding journey.

Have an existing room? 

If your office already has a small room available, you can quickly convert it into a fully functional lactation space without any major construction. Nessel’s Lactation Station is an innovative, one-stop solution that instantly transforms any small room into a clean, comfortable, and compliant lactation space.

Key Features of Nessel’s Lactation Station:

• Power & USB Outlets – Easily plug in breast pumps, laptops, and chargers for convenience.
• Sliding Workstation – Provides a smoothly moving desk that supports all stages of pumping, from setup to cleanup.
• Private Fridge – Securely store breast milk until the employee is ready to take it home at the end of the day.
• Self-Contained Portable Plumbing – Allows nursing mothers to clean equipment and milk bottles with a private, sanitary water tank.
• Ergonomic Chair – Designed to support postnatal bodies while maintaining an upright posture for effective pumping.
• Cup Holders for Milk Bottles – Prevents accidental spills, ensuring a mess-free environment.

This hassle-free solution makes it easy for offices to support nursing employees without extensive renovations, while still offering the comfort and convenience of a dedicated lactation space.

‍

Conclusion: Investing in Employee Wellness with Nessel Lactation Pods

Setting up a lactation pod in your office is more than just a compliance requirement—it is a step toward creating a supportive, inclusive, and wellness-focused workplace. By providing a dedicated, comfortable, and private space for nursing mothers, businesses demonstrate their commitment to employee well-being and retention.

Nessel’s lactation pods offer a seamless, high-quality solution that prioritizes comfort, privacy, sustainability, and accessibility. Whether your office needs a compact lactation pod or a fully equipped, ADA-compliant space, Nessel has options to fit every workplace.

By following these steps and investing in a high-quality lactation pod, your company can enhance workplace morale, improve retention, and support working mothers in maintaining their breastfeeding goals without stress.

To learn more about Nessel’s lactation pod solutions, visit Nessel.com.