If you were in a major city in the U.S. this summer, you might have spotted a bright teal bus featuring illustrations of breasts and the bold words “You got this, mama,” on the side. Meet the Breast Express, better known as Barb, who has been on a 15-city tour since July that will conclude in October.
Pumpspotting’s third annual mobile breast pumping tour—the Feel Better, Feed Better tour—has been on a mission to bring breastfeeding supplies, resources and education to families and mothers across the country. This year’s mission was to focus on maternal mental health and reduce isolation by creating support for parents. Featuring hands-on access to breast pumps and products, interactions with lactation consultants and service providers and fostering connections with experts, parents, and support resources, Barb is driven to transform the feeding experience into something positive through community.
Durable medical equipment provider Aeroflow Breastpumps is a title sponsor of Barb and the tour.
“Increasing access to breast pumps, breastfeeding resources and lactation education is the fundamental mission of Aeroflow Breastpumps, and partnering with another company who holds those same values and is bringing those resources to mothers across the country is key to improving national maternal health outcomes,” said Jennifer Jordan, vice president of Aeroflow Breastpumps.
Jordan said she loves the fun and cheeky way that Barb not only brings awareness to breastfeeding but also helps to normalize it and breasts in general.
The first time Aeroflow Breastpumps sponsored Barb was in 2018, and as the bus has made its way across the country and through major cities this year, Jordan believes the value of community and the support it fosters among mothers is appreciated now more than ever after the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Additionally, she feels that mothers have gained a greater voice since 2018.
“We learn the tools and resources to advocate, whether it be in the workplace or normalizing breastfeeding in a restaurant or in public,” Jordan said. “I see women feel and become more powerful breastfeeding their baby and knowing that it is OK to do it wherever [they] need to.”
Barb features a range of resources and tools that can help mothers. From a mobile lactation room and local support resources specific to each city, to products such as a range of breast pumps, supplies, baby-specific lotions, oils, and gear, clothing and accessories and feeding essentials.
In addition to breast pumps, Aeroflow Breastpumps highlighted its education tools on the bus as well, which it provides through insurance.
“It is our goal to give you the tools, resources and education to reach your breastfeeding goals,” Jordan said. “That is different for every single mom, but what I never want is for a mom to give up and walk away from breastfeeding because we didn't give her those pieces or at least show her a path to getting the tools, education and resources.”
Aeroflow Breastpumps also offers educational materials for mothers on its website. And it provides live virtual classes so anyone, even if they are in a maternal health desert, can get the support they need.
“Through the bus, saying, ‘breast,’ showing boobs, giving mom a space to talk to other moms and professionals … I think it gives you a community where you find out, ‘Oh, this is not just me. Other people have these struggles,’” Jordan said. “I think these real-life experiences with other moms are so important because you're not alone. We've all gone through it. Everyone who is a mother has probably gone through something similar, and we're all bonded by that experience.
To see where Barb goes next, visit here.
