Walmart testing nursing stations for moms at Gilbert location

PHOENIX – The world’s largest retailer is using an East Valley store to test a new convenience for moms.

Walmart recently began a pilot program to provide nursing mothers with private spaces for feeding their babies or pumping in three U.S. stores, according to a press release.

One of those locations is the supercenter at Ray and Power roads in Gilbert.

The release said Walmart is the first retailer to install Mamava lactation pods.

The air-conditioned enclosures, which have been installed in thousands of locations nationwide, can be located and unlocked through an app. They have seating, counter space and outlets for electric pumps.

The one at the Gilbert store is in the back between toys and entertainment, according to Mamava’s website.

Walmart is inviting customers and employees to use the pod and provide feedback through the Mamava app.

A Walmart employee who travels regularly for her job saw a pod in an airport and suggested it to her company.

Last month, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport installed two Mamava pods past security in Terminal 4.

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