As we celebrate National Breastfeeding Month in August, alongside Black Breastfeeding Week from August 25th to 31st, it’s essential to shed light on a significant issue facing working mothers: inadequate pumping facilities at many workplaces. While some offices boast fancy amenities, like a high-tech soda machine, it doesn’t excuse the unthinkable practice of designating an unlocked supply closet or even a bathroom stall as a suitable pumping space.
The advocacy group Moms Rising is rallying for better support for pumping moms in the workplace through the hashtag #IPumpedHere. Mothers are sharing images and stories about their pumping experiences, ranging from the pleasantly surprising, like a well-equipped lactation room, to the downright unacceptable.
In addition to raising awareness online, members of Moms Rising recently took their message to Washington, D.C. They aimed to connect with lawmakers and share the sometimes appalling realities of pumping at work. With their kids in tow, snacks aplenty, and bags of breastmilk cleverly filled with gold-wrapped chocolates to represent the preciousness of breastmilk, they met with members of Congress to highlight that a staggering 60% of working moms don’t receive sufficient break time or appropriate facilities for pumping.
As noted by Moms Rising, federal laws regarding pumping accommodations only apply to companies with 50 or more employees. These regulations state that lactation rooms must be private, ensuring that mothers aren’t interrupted, and crucially, that these spaces cannot be located in bathrooms. Even though the World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding until age two or beyond, employers are only mandated to provide reasonable pumping breaks until the baby reaches one year.
If you’re curious about your workplace’s lactation policies, you can check federal and state breastfeeding laws for guidance. In cases where state laws offer better protection than federal regulations, the state laws take precedence.
To further spread their message, Moms Rising is distributing free #IPumpedHere stickers for pumping moms. These stickers can be used to mark your pumping locations or to leave in less-than-ideal spots, standing in solidarity with other moms facing similar challenges.
Mothers are willing to pump under less-than-ideal conditions out of love for their children, but that doesn’t mean they should have to.
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In summary, the #IPumpedHere movement highlights the urgent need for improved pumping accommodations for working mothers. By sharing their stories and advocating for change, these women are paving the way for a more supportive workplace environment.
Keyphrase: pumping accommodations for working moms
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