As we celebrate August as National Breastfeeding Month and recognize Black Breastfeeding Week from August 25th to 31st, it’s crucial to address a significant issue facing working mothers: inadequate pumping facilities. The hashtag #IPumpedHere has emerged as a powerful tool for mothers to share their experiences and advocate for better accommodations in the workplace.
Despite the presence of amenities like sleek soda machines that accept credit cards, many workplaces still fall short when it comes to providing proper spaces for nursing mothers. It’s disheartening to see that some employers consider an unlocked supply closet or, even worse, a bathroom stall as acceptable pumping locations.
The non-profit organization Moms Rising is leading the charge to demand improved protections for breastfeeding mothers. Through the #IPumpedHere campaign, women are sharing photos and stories that illustrate the range of environments where they have had to pump. From well-designed lactation rooms to appalling conditions, the shared experiences shed light on the urgent need for change.
Recently, advocates from Moms Rising took their message to the heart of Washington, D.C., meeting with lawmakers to discuss the realities of pumping at work. Armed with their children, snacks, and symbolic breastmilk bags filled with chocolates to signify “liquid gold,” they aimed to raise awareness about the fact that 60% of working mothers do not receive adequate break time or facilities for pumping.
Federal regulations pertaining to pumping only apply to businesses with 50 or more employees, and while these laws require lactation spaces to be private and not located in bathrooms, they still fall short of offering comprehensive support. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for two years or more, yet employers are only obligated to provide reasonable pumping breaks for the first year of a child’s life.
If you’re unsure about the lactation policies in your workplace, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with both federal and state laws on breastfeeding and pumping. If your state provides greater protections than federal law, those state provisions take precedence. For more information on this topic, check out this article from Modern Family Blog, an authority on the matter.
To further amplify their efforts, Moms Rising is distributing free #IPumpedHere stickers for mothers to use as a visual representation of their pumping experiences. Whether you snap a photo of where you pump or place a sticker in a particularly unacceptable location, each action helps raise awareness and solidarity among mothers everywhere. We should not have to pump under less-than-ideal circumstances, even if we do it out of love for our children.
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In summary, the #IPumpedHere movement highlights the pressing need for improved working conditions for nursing mothers. By sharing their stories, women are advocating for necessary changes in workplace policies and accommodations.