Expansion of Lactation Support Services

TO:  Vice Presidents, Vice Provosts, Deans, Directors, Department Heads, and Managers
FROM:  A. Eugene Washington, MD, Chancellor for Health Affairs, President & CEO, DUHS
Kyle Cavanaugh, Vice President, Administration
RE:  Expansion of Lactation Support Services

As co-chairs of the Healthy Duke initiative, we are proud to announce the expansion of lactation support services to support women balancing work with their most important job – being a mother. 

Duke is purchasing several mobile lactation pods for use in its three hospitals to supplement the 24 lactation rooms currently available within our campus and medical facilities. The lactation pods, made by Mamava, offer privacy and come equipped with two benches, occupancy-activated lighting, a fold-down table and mirror, ceiling vents and exhaust fan, and dual outlets and USB ports for plugging in a breast pump and charging electronic devices.

When the pods are installed, they will be available to faculty, staff, students, and visitors using the Mamava mobile app, available for free in either the Apple or Google Play app store. The app also allows users to identify the location of mobile pods and whether they are in use or available.

Details about how to schedule and use lactations rooms, as well as information about other family-friendly benefits and support resources for faculty and staff is available on the Duke Human Resources website.

In addition, Duke’s four health plans now include coverage for breast pumps under durable medical equipment, and lactation consultations are available with no copay for up to six visits. Additional visits are covered 100 percent after an office visit copay.

We recognize that managing the responsibilities of caring for a baby while working is challenging. With these expanded services, we hope to make the process a little easier on our working mothers who are nursing their children.