Federal Law
Airports: FAM Acts
The federal Friendly Airports for Mothers Act and Friendly Airports for Mothers Improvement Act require lactation spaces in airports.
Traveling when you're breastfeeding can be challenging, especially when you need to find a private space to pump. But thanks to the Friendly Airports for Mothers (FAM) Act, and the Friendly Airports for Mothers Improvement Act, all large, medium, and small hub airports are required to provide lactation spaces for nursing mothers.
What are the FAM Acts?
As part of the FAA reauthorization act, the Friendly Airports for Mothers (FAM) Act requires all large and medium hub airports to provide a private “lactation area” beyond security in every terminal. And now the same applies to small hub airports, thanks to the Friendly Airports for Mothers (FAM) Improvement Act, which was signed into law on October 30, 2020.
The FAM Improvement Act has been endorsed by over 85 organizations, including the U.S. Breastfeeding Coalition, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, Association of Women's Health, and the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, La Leche League USA, MomsRising, and the National WIC Association.
What does this mean for breastfeeding mothers?
The FAM Acts required all large and medium hub airports to provide a private lactation area beyond security in every terminal by September 30, 2020. Small hub airports must also provide a lactation area and had until September 30, 2022 (FY2023) to come into compliance.
The lactation area must:
- Not be a bathroom
- Have a locking door
- Include a place to sit, a table or flat surface, an electrical outlet and a sink or sanitizing equipment
- Be accessible to, and usable by, people with disabilities
Does this mean that all U.S. airports will have a lactation space in every terminal?
As of October 2022, every small, medium, and large airport is required to have a lactation space in every terminal. However, the laws do not apply to private airports or Fixed Base Operators (FBOs).
What can I do to make sure my favorite airport gets better lactation accommodations?
If you travel through an airport that lacks lactation spaces, be an advocate for yourself and other traveling moms. Airports want to provide amenities for their travelers, but they may not be aware of the problem. Contact Customer Care to let them know they need to provide better spaces for their breastfeeding guests.
Disclaimer: Please consult a professional for legal advice. Our information on breastfeeding laws is not a substitute for legal counsel.
our pods
Explore Our Lactation Pods
Freestanding lactation spaces that meet the requirements on this page, wherever you need to put one.
Mamava XL
Wheelchair-accessible lactation pod for public spaces and workplaces.
- Area
- 50 sq ft
- Dimensions
- 9'3" W x 5'6" D x 7'7" H
- Weight
- 700 lb
- Access
- Smart Access
- Assembly
- About 4 hours, no hardwiring required
- Mobility
- Retractable caster wheels for relocation
- Accessibility
- ADA compatible, no ramp needed
Mamava Flex
Versatile, all-in-one lactation pod for workplaces and public spaces.
- Area
- 24 sq ft
- Dimensions
- 6'7" W x 3'8" D x 7'9" H
- Weight
- 415 lb
- Access
- Smart Access technology
- Assembly
- About 2 hours
- Mobility
- Retractable caster wheels for relocation
Mamava Solo
Comfortably compact lactation pod designed for workplaces.
- Area
- 16 sq ft
- Dimensions
- 4' W x 4' D x 7'9" H
- Weight
- 300 lb
- Access
- Smart Access or tech-free options
- Assembly
- Under 2 hours
- Mobility
- Retractable caster wheels for relocation
Mamava Slide
Sliding-door lactation pod for easy placement in any space.
- Area
- 14 sq ft
- Dimensions
- 4' W x 3'7" D x 7'4" H
- Weight
- 550 lb
- Access
- Manual access
- Assembly
- Under 3 hours
- Mobility
- Glide feet for relocation
laws + compliance
Federal Breastfeeding and Lactation Laws
The federal rules that apply wherever you work, alongside your state's own.
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Read More- Federal Law
A Guide to the Fairness for Breastfeeding Mothers Act
The Fairness for Breastfeeding Mothers Act of 2019 (H.R. 866) requires certain public federal buildings to provide lactation spaces.
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Read More- Federal Law
Airports: FAM Acts
The federal Friendly Airports for Mothers Act and Friendly Airports for Mothers Improvement Act require lactation spaces in airports.
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Read More- Federal Law
Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
Reasonable accommodations for pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions—including lactation.
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Read More- Federal Law
PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act
The federal PUMP Act requires employers to provide breastfeeding employees with workplace lactation accommodations.
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Read More- Federal Law
What Title IX Law Means for Lactation Support
Title IX requires federally funded educational institutions to protect students, teachers, and employees from all forms of sex discrimination—including discrimination based on conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth.
