PROJECT FED | THE SUPPORTIVE WORKPLACE
It’s no secret that one of the primary reasons that mothers quit breastfeeding is because they have to return to work. Many workplaces, while not outright unsupportive, just do not offer adequate time and resources to accommodate the realistic demands of pumping for an infant completely dependent on breastmilk.
The reality is, that pumps are not as efficient as a nursing baby. Working mothers need to pump at least as often as their baby would feed if they were together. Particularly in the beginning, this can mean as often as every couple of hours. And that’s measured from the start of one session to the start of the next. Factoring in the time it takes to find a place to pump, set up, pump, clean up and get your milk to the fridge, this can mean that mom is only actually at her desk working in hour/hour and a half increments.
As a result, new mothers are often forced to choose between advocating for themselves to get the time and privacy they need to pump or just making do and risking a dwindling milk supply or other complications that arise from not pumping enough (mastitis anyone?). And isn’t it hard enough being a woman in the workforce? Many of us are afraid to ask for special treatment or to be seen as having a compromised work ethic. So we compromise on the wellbeing of our families instead.
When I heard Amanda’s story about pumping in an ultra-supportive workplace, a law firm no less, I knew I wanted to highlight it as an example of how things should be for working moms. Her experience hasn’t been totally without challenges, but it is clear that working in such an openly breastfeeding-friendly environment has allowed her to continue to thrive as both a mother and a career woman.
“I had what I can only assume was a healthy fear of breastfeeding before my daughter, Olivia (“Liv”), was born. I had heard stories of how painful it could be, and how much more challenging it had been than expected. Coupled with the fact that I’d be returning to work just 8 weeks after her birth, I was sure I’d set myself up for failure.
However, that’s not been the case at all. Liv latched like a professional a mere 10 minutes after she was born and has proven to be a champion eater ever since. She has been as flexible as a tiny human can be in overcoming, in my opinion, the odds that were stacked against us.”
“I began pumping in between feedings when she was a week old so I’d have a stockpile by the time I returned to work. I cried as my 8-week leave was ending and had to leave the room the first time my husband gave her a bottle in anticipation of my return to work. I feared she’d reject me in favor of the bottle and that would be the end of our breastfeeding journey. To my delight, she has bounced back and forth between a bottle during the day and me in the evenings/nights/early mornings, with seemingly no objection.
Exclusively breastfeeding as a working mom has not been without its adventures. I’ve pumped into more coffee cups, containers, and plastic bags than I care to admit. I’ve made frantic calls to friends in different cities when I’ve traveled and forgotten that one crucial pump part. (Keeping up with all those parts and pieces is a full-time job in itself!) I’ve hurriedly pumped in between client appointments. I’ve pumped in my car. I’ve pumped in the bathroom. I’ve covered my milk-soaked blouse with my blazer.”
“But I’m fortunate to work in an environment where I’ve been supported from the get go. The all-female law firm where I work doesn’t bat an eye at my milk in the fridge, and has offered more insight and encouragement that I could have ever asked for. All things considered, I feel very fortunate that Liv has allowed me to breastfeed her. Overall, it’s been a wonderful experience that I plan to continue for as long as she’ll allow me.”
Amanda hadn’t forgotten any pump parts on this day, but still…I absolutely HAD to see this pumping into a coffee cup strategy in action…
In chatting further with Amanda, I heard all about how her boss and co-workers were not merely supportive, but overwhelmingly encouraging concerning her pumping. Even I was welcomed in excitedly when I arrived to photograph Amanda pumping in her office. When I wondered aloud if it might be inappropriate to photograph the coffee cups with the firm’s logo on them, I was told to go for it! It seemed everyone at My Pink Lawyer is genuinely proud to offer a work environment where working moms have everything they need and can feel 100% supported as an employee and as a person.
Project Fed is a photojournalism project inspired by the stories of mamas struggling physically and/or emotionally with feeding their baby. Do you have a story to share? It seems most of us do. I’d love to hear yours. Share in the comments or click the button below to read more details about and/or participate in Project Fed. Thank you!
