How Clearwater Marine Aquarium Supports Breastfeeding Families
Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) in Clearwater, Florida, is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the environment while inspiring the human spirit through the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life. Known for its hands-on experiences—including opportunities to feed stingrays and sharks—CMA aims to create a welcoming destination for families.
Today, that commitment includes providing a private lactation space for both visitors and staff. A Mamava pod located in the Mangrove Key Kids Zone gives breastfeeding parents a clean, comfortable place to pump or nurse during their visit.
A space challenge common to aquariums
Like many aquariums, space at CMA is limited and usually prioritized for animal care. For years, breastfeeding guests seeking privacy were directed to a large family restroom. It wasn’t an ideal solution.
When Stephanie Jones, CMA’s Vice President of Human Resources, joined the organization, she quickly recognized the need for better accommodations. Many staff members were young women with families, and there was no dedicated place for employees to pump.
For a time, Jones even offered up her office. But between construction disruptions and the need to secure confidential documents, it wasn’t sustainable. “There weren’t great options,” Jones says. “We wanted to create a more inclusive environment—especially for our guests.”
A community partnership creates an opportunity
The lack of lactation accommodations also caught the attention of Katie Zimmerman, then CMA’s Director of Corporate Sponsorships. Around the same time, BayCare Health System was expanding its community presence. Zimmerman saw an opportunity.
She approached BayCare about sponsoring a Mamava pod for the aquarium’s new kids’ zone—an idea that aligned with both organizations’ shared focus on pediatric and family health. “BayCare was excited about it,” says Zimmerman. “We all saw the community benefit.”
Choosing a trusted solution
To learn more about the solution, Zimmerman connected with Mamava account executive Phyllis Stambolian. “Ultimately, I went with the best of the best,” Zimmerman says. “Phyllis was super communicative and responsive.”
Zimmerman also noted that a peer institution—Georgia Aquarium—already had a Mamava pod in place. “That helped,” she says. “Mamava was already vetted.” With BayCare’s sponsorship secured, CMA moved forward with purchasing a Mamava XL Lactation pod.
Designed for families
CMA selected the XL model to ensure accessibility and provide enough room for real-life parenting logistics like strollers, multiple children, and extra seating. The pod features custom marine-themed graphics with dolphins and manatees so it blends seamlessly into the aquarium’s BayCare Kids Check-Up Exhibit in the Mangrove Key Kids Zone. (See it here!)
Inside, visitors will find a quiet place to pump or nurse, along with educational content about how marine mammals care for their young. The pod is also intentionally located near a restroom so parents can rinse pump parts or handle diaper changes nearby.
CMA’s Mamava lactation pod
A win for staff and visitors
The new space quickly earned enthusiastic support from staff. “I got all high-fives,” Zimmerman says. “It felt really good.”
CMA celebrated the installation with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and the pod has since become part of BayCare’s broader community health partnership. Each year, the organizations collaborate on social media campaigns highlighting breast health, women’s health, and breastfeeding support.
Why lactation spaces matter
For both Zimmerman and Jones, providing lactation accommodations isn’t just a nice-to-have amenity, but an essential part of truly welcoming families. “If we’re going to be inclusive, lactation has to be part of that,” Jones says.
Zimmerman puts it even more simply: “It’s priceless—and as necessary as a bathroom. Breastfeeding moms need space to take care of themselves. It’s a basic human necessity.”
Looking to enhance lactation access at your venue? Explore Mamava solutions.
Mamava designs solutions to empower breastfeeding and pumping parents on the go, like our freestanding lactation pods, Mamava’s lactation space locator app, and other helpful resources.
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