Working Mothers’ Challenge — Finding a Way to Pump Throughout the Day

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Breastfeeding offers both mother and baby many health benefits; Breastfeeding mothers experience a decreased risk of osteoporosis and certain cancers, increased iron status, faster postpartum recovery, and returning to prepregnancy weight sooner. Infants who are breastfed exclusively for the first six months of age and continuously for the first year of life have stronger immune systems, decreased risk of developing chronic diseases, and allergies. Unfortunately, many mothers are switching to formula after returning to work because of the obstacles they are faced with including lack of privacy, support, and time to pump at work.

While many workplaces allow mothers to breastfeed, it is usually during their lunch breaks, which does not allow mothers to consume their increased caloric needs. Lactation is heavily dependent on a supply and demand system, so if women are not pumping enough, their milk supply will decrease. The Breastfeeding Promotion Act aims to provide support to breastfeeding mothers in the workplace by providing tax incentives to companies who offer a private place to express milk or breastfeeding consultations which educate mothers about the benefits of breastfeeding. In addition, the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 was amended which requires employers to provide break time and a private lactation area for mothers.

Allowing mothers to breastfeed in the workplace is extremely important for the community as a whole because of the long term health benefits for both mother and baby. With all the knowledge and research that promotes the importance of breastfeeding, employers need to support a mother’s right to breastfeed her child for optimal nutrition. Returning to work for a mother should not be the reason to start formula feeding.

Gedney, L. (2010, May). Working mother’s challenge — finding a way to pump throughout the day. Today’s Dietitian, (12)5, 32.
-SK

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