Rutland Regional Medical Center Installs First Mamava Lactation Pod in Rutland County

RUTLAND, VT – Staff and leaders from Rutland Women’s Healthcare, Women’s and Children’s Unit (WACU) and Birthing Center at Rutland Regional Medical Center joined hospital leadership to cut the ribbon on a new Mamava Lactation Pod.

The state-of-the-art lactation suite is located on the main level of RRMC near the Allen Street entrance. To access the pod, visitors will use the Mamava app (iPhone or Android) on their phone.

The idea for the installation of the lactation pod was first presented to hospital leadership in September 2024 after a suggestion was made by an RRMC employee, herself a new mom. It moved through the approval process quickly with support from leaders in human resources, nursing, and clinical operations.

“The Mamava Lactation Pod provides a dedicated nursing space or wellness room for individuals whether they are visitors or staff,” said Brian Kerns, Vice President of Human Resources. “RRMC is pleased to be a leader in offering this easily accessible unit for lactation support.”

The Mamava Lactation Pod, which is manufactured in Vermont, makes it easier for parents to pump or nurse when at work or on the go. The pod is a freestanding space intentionally designed with easy-to-clean surfaces and conveniently placed outlets to provide a comfortable and private option to breastfeed or pump.

"The hospital is proud to support breastfeeding with the installation of the Mamava Lactation Pod,” said Sarah Decker, MD, Medical Director of Rutland Women’s Healthcare clinic. “The entirety of the teams at Rutland Women’s Healthcare, the WACU and Birthing Center are uniformly dedicated to encouraging breastfeeding when possible. We are pleased the hospital now offers this private space to make it easier and more comfortable for both the baby and parent.”

The installation of the pod was completed in-house by Larry Napolitano, from RRMC’s Engineering and Maintenance team and it is wrapped in an original design created Rachel D’Ambruoso, Graphic Designer in RRMC’s Marketing & Public Relations Department.

The exterior graphic design elements were chosen to reflect a nurturing and welcome space, including green mountains and blue sky. The interior walls are brightly decorated with soft clouds and sky elements throughout. The graphics were installed on the pod by Awesome Graphics of Rutland.

The addition of the Mamava Pod is another example of the exceptional care provided by RRMC to birthing parents in the Rutland region. In 2024 RRMC was named a Blue Distinction Center for Maternity Care by BlueCross and BlueShield of Vermont and in 2025, RRMC was the only hospital in Vermont to receive the High performing Hospital for Maternity Care recognition from U.S. News & World Report.