The author of Work. Pump. Repeat: The New Mom’s Survival Guide to Breastfeeding and Going Back to Work, asked her Facebook fans to share where they pump their milk when they are at work. Jessica Shortall, author, writer and advocate for working parents is passionate about ensuring the transition back to work is a good one for new mums.
Shortall explained to Scary Mommy, “New parents are so voiceless, in part because they’re so exhausted…and they’re financially vulnerable. They really can’t afford to lose their jobs now that they have a baby to provide for.”
As a result of the questioning post on her Facebook page, she amassed a large number of photos which were created into an album called ‘Crappy Lactation Rooms’.
Often the spaces were dirty, crammed and hot. Shortall wrote for Elle and explained that this environment was ‘not very conducive to letdown of milk.’
“Some of these pictures represent actual violations of the law: non-private, non-locking spaces, sometimes in bathrooms. It’s a testament to the will and ingenuity of working parents—and to battery packs, nursing covers, shower curtains, and other hacks—that we make these spaces work.”
Usually a breastfeeding room is an afterthought for mums who have returned to work and wish to continue breastfeeding their child. It’s necessary for mums to pump out milk to keep their supply for their child, and to do it in privacy.
As you can see, some of these lactation rooms are an afterthought. We’d love to know where you pump out at your workplace? Is there a designated room? Or do you make do with the room that is available?
