Breastfeeding and pumping are crucial topics for working mothers, and it is essential to highlight the positive aspects of the pumping journey. #AccelerateAction should focus on promoting happy pumping stories that inspire others to take action in supporting breastfeeding and pumping at work and in life.
Pumping or expressing milk is the process of removing milk from the breast using either manual techniques or electric machines. This process is vital for mothers who need to maintain milk production levels for their babies. It is estimated that mothers spend approximately 1,800 hours breastfeeding or pumping in their baby’s first year, highlighting the significant time commitment and dedication required. By enabling pumping in the workplace, organizations can support working mothers and accelerate actions towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Sharing personal stories from working mothers like Priyamvada Singh, a senior leader at SMBC, can provide valuable insights and normalize the conversation around pumping. Priyamvada’s experience of pumping for her premature babies showcases the challenges and emotional journey that many mothers face. Her decision to prioritize breastfeeding and pump for her children highlights the dedication and sacrifice that mothers make to ensure their babies thrive.
Support from colleagues, bosses, and family members can significantly impact a mother’s pumping journey. Providing access to pumping facilities at work, understanding colleagues who respect pumping schedules, and supportive partners who assist with equipment cleaning and milk storage can make a significant difference. Business trips can present challenges for pumping mothers, but finding suitable facilities like pumping pods at airports can alleviate some of the stress associated with traveling while breastfeeding.
Normalizing the conversation around breastfeeding and pumping is crucial for creating a supportive and inclusive environment for working mothers. By sharing stories like Priyamvada’s, we can inspire others to take action and advocate for better support systems for breastfeeding mothers in the workplace. #AccelerateAction should include a focus on enabling happy pumping stories to empower more mothers to continue their breastfeeding journey with confidence and support. Finding a private mothers’ room while traveling can be a challenging task, as many airports and hotel conference centers do not always have dedicated spaces for pumping. In some cases, even airport staff may not be aware of such facilities. One individual shared their experience of having to pump during a work conference in Hong Kong, where they were only able to use a back storage room of a Chinese restaurant in the hotel. Balancing the pump on carton boxes while sitting on a small folding chair, they made do with the limited options available to them.
Innovations like Mamava’s lactation pods at select airports have been a positive step forward in providing nursing mothers with a dedicated space for pumping. However, accessibility to these pods can sometimes be a challenge, especially if they are not located near the boarding gate or in the same terminal. The individual also recounted pumping in tiny airplane restrooms during long-haul flights, notifying flight attendants to avoid interruptions.
When it comes to tools to aid the pumping journey, the individual found a Yeti backpack to be useful for storing frozen milk during longer business trips. They also highlighted the importance of resources like insulated lunch bags, cold gel packs, and services like Milk Stork, which allowed them to ship frozen breast milk from Asia back to the US.
The conversation shifted to the broader issue of supporting working mothers, with the individual emphasizing the dual roles many mothers juggle – one as a caregiver and the other as a professional. They noted the importance of affordable daycare options and tax exemptions for child daycare expenses to help alleviate the financial burden on working mothers.
Sharing humorous pumping stories, the individual recalled unique experiences of storing breast milk in hotel kitchen freezers and navigating conversations with front desk staff. These anecdotes highlighted the challenges and moments of kindness encountered while balancing the demands of pumping while traveling.
In conclusion, the discussion underscored the need for greater awareness and support for breastfeeding mothers, both in the workplace and during travel. By sharing personal experiences and advocating for better resources and facilities, individuals can help normalize conversations around pumping and encourage a more inclusive and supportive environment for working mothers. At a recent conference event, I found myself in a difficult situation where I had no place to pump. However, to my surprise and relief, the keynote speaker generously offered me her room key to use for pumping. This act of kindness not only saved me from discomfort but also highlighted the importance of supporting breastfeeding mothers in the workplace.
Throughout my journey as a working mother who pumps, I have encountered numerous challenges and obstacles. From all-day client events leading to dinner engagements when I was in pain from being engorged, to navigating airport security with bags of breast milk, I have relied on the understanding and support of my colleagues and strangers alike. My boss and colleagues have made excuses for me so I could excuse myself from dinners without having to disclose the reason, while the TSA staff at the airport have been kind and discreet when inspecting my breast milk stored in ice packs. Their encouragement and acknowledgment of the value of breast milk as ‘liquid gold’ have made a significant difference in my pumping journey.
Being part of a community of “women who pump” has been a source of solidarity and understanding. However, I believe it is important to expand this narrative to include “families who pump” and “workplaces who pump”, as we are all on this journey together. It is crucial for workplaces to create a supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers, where they feel comfortable discussing their needs and accessing the resources available to them.
One valuable lesson I have learned through this experience is the importance of reaching out for help and utilizing the resources provided by hospitals, such as lactation support and counseling. No mother should feel alone or unprepared when embarking on the journey of balancing work and breastfeeding. I am grateful for the support I received from the unknown mothers who donated breast milk to help my first child in the early days after birth. Their kindness and generosity have inspired me to pay it forward by donating breast milk myself after my second child, in the hopes of helping another mother in need.
I believe that by sharing our stories and experiences, we can raise awareness and encourage workplaces to evaluate how they can better support breastfeeding mothers. Articles like this serve as a platform to #AccelerateAction and advocate for positive change in workplace policies and practices. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for families who pump, ensuring that every mother has the resources and support she needs to continue breastfeeding while returning to work.
