A recent survey highlights the persistent challenges faced by working breastfeeding parents, revealing that a significant portion still lacks adequate pumping facilities in their workplaces. This issue persists despite the 2022 federal PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act, which mandates reasonable break times and private, non-bathroom spaces for employees to pump. The survey, conducted by Mamava and Medela, involved nearly 3,000 parents and aimed to understand their feeding experiences, difficulties, and support structures. The findings underscore a continued failure by workplaces and public spaces to provide necessary accommodations, often forcing parents to use unsuitable locations like cars, storage closets, or restrooms. This environment undermines parents' comfort and safety, making it exceedingly difficult to continue breastfeeding after returning to work. According to Sascha Mayer, co-founder of Mamava, these logistical hurdles, combined with a lack of awareness regarding workplace rights, significantly impede parents' ability to achieve their breastfeeding objectives.
The absence of proper support for pumping in the workplace has tangible consequences, contributing to a sharp decline in breastfeeding rates. While a large majority of parents initially breastfeed, the number drops significantly by six months, a trend largely attributed to the lack of designated pumping spaces. This not only causes stress for parents but also signals that their needs are not valued within the work environment. The ability to pump regularly is crucial for working parents striving to adhere to exclusive breastfeeding recommendations from organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO), which suggest breastfeeding for the first six months and beyond. Dr. Jenelle Ferry, a neonatologist, emphasizes that this lack of accommodation perpetuates inequality. For parents, irregular pumping can lead to painful conditions such as engorgement and mastitis, and a decrease in milk supply. Emotionally, it can be disheartening when employers fail to provide such basic support. Businesses also suffer from this lack of support, potentially facing reduced productivity, higher employee turnover, and increased healthcare costs. Without proper facilities and time, many parents may prematurely end their breastfeeding journeys, creating ripple effects on family health, equity, and the economy.
Understanding one's rights and advocating for them is crucial for breastfeeding parents. The PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act mandates that most employers provide designated pumping spaces, though some exemptions exist for small businesses or specific job categories. However, the survey revealed that many parents are unaware of their rights or the existence of this law. Experts advise parents to initiate conversations with their employers, advocating for their needs rather than adopting an adversarial stance. Resources are available to help parents understand the benefits of lactation support for both employees and employers. If an employer remains non-compliant, filing a complaint with the Department of Labor is an option, as retaliation is illegal. For those facing challenges, a lactation consultant can help develop a personalized pumping schedule, recommend portable and efficient pumps, and suggest maintaining a ready pumping kit. Utilizing apps to locate public pumping spaces and leaning on support networks can also be beneficial. Ultimately, every effort made to provide breast milk is valuable, and the focus should be on sustainable breastfeeding practices rather than striving for unattainable perfection. When workplaces and public areas actively support breastfeeding, it empowers families to achieve their feeding goals, benefiting everyone involved.