Pumping Breast Milk at Work Just Got a Whole Lot Easier (Yippee!)

on January 5, 2012 at 2:14 PM

breastfeeding sign Good news for breastfeeding moms back in the workplace. The government is cracking down on employers who don't accommodate women who need to take time during the day to express milk. So far, 23 companies have received citations at certain locations, including McDonald's and Starbucks.

These new requirements are part of the Affordable Care Act, which was signed into law in March 2010. The rules haven't been finalized yet, but the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour division has shed some insight, stating: "[Employers are required to provide] reasonable break time for an employee to express breast milk for her nursing child for 1 year after the child's birth ... [as well as] a place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from coworkers and the public."

A) Pretty sad that this doesn't already exist, and B) not gonna lie -- kinda nervous to pump once I return from maternity leave.

I'm not nervous for the act of pumping -- that seems fairly straightforward. I'm nervous for other things: How much is it going to cut into my work? Will I feel "weird" doing something so intimate at my place of business? What if -- God forbid -- I forget my breast pump at home or, worse, my milk at work? And how heavy is this dang Pump in Style that I keep hearing about? Is it light enough to tote on a crowded subway?

I know I'll figure all this out, and thankfully, I work for a place that's pretty accommodating with the whole "mom" thing, but what about all the poor women who aren't as fortunate? Were they seriously scolded, or even penalized, for providing their child with nourishment? What, with our crappy maternity leave, did they honestly not have a place to pump? That's a new low, United States.

Hopefully, these new regulations will make women feel more comfortable -- and less stressed out -- about pumping on the job. Now if we could only do something about the maternity leave.

Do you pump or breastfeed at work?

Image via acme/Flickr

About the author Nicole Fabian-Weber

has the world's most gorgeous dog. It's a fact.

Filed Under: breastfeeding, back-to-work

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Comments (26)

Stacey.

on Jan 5, 2012 at 2:41 PM

I sell cars and taking a break every hour is not feasible no matter what kind of room they give me to do it in. In my business time really is money. I can't lose a possible sale, or have to split commission becasue I needed to take a break. i do not think many customers would be very understanding.

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ashjo85

on Jan 5, 2012 at 2:44 PM

My last company did. I used their exclusive room, which had a radio, refrigerator, playpen for changing, nice tables and chairs and a lamp. I just got a medical clearance to bring the pump with me (it was a medical grade heavy thing). I drive a car, so that wasn't a problem. I just stepped away from my desk and went to do it. It wasn't ever a big deal. Here, I have an office. So that's not going to be a big deal either.

msyayamom

on Jan 5, 2012 at 3:23 PM

I pumped at work & it worked out great! My boss had my office moved to 1 without windows. I even got a handsfree kit so I could still work while pumping. Only draw back was I didn't have a lock on my door- everyone knew if it was closed not to enter. Poor maintenance man who didn't know the rules! He got an Eye full!!!! Other than that- it was fine. I even put a mini fridge in my office for milk storage. My boss (a man) really supported my choice. I was extremely fortunate. My company was small and had never really made arrangements for other moms. After my success other women followed with pumping at work- they did,however, get locks on their doors- ha:)
I did forget my pump once or twice- That sucked! But I just went home and worked the rest of the day remotely - all in all it was a great experience.

Autoclave239

on Jan 5, 2012 at 3:24 PM

If you get the Instyle, don't stress. It comes in a fancy tote or backpack that carries everything you need, including pump unit, extra bottles, and chilling container. I loooove mine, it really is stylish. It's extremely discreet also and you will have no trouble on a packed train.

hutchfam2007

on Jan 5, 2012 at 3:28 PM

At some workplaces this is still a serious issue. My friend was pumping for her baby at work and first they put her in a room without a locking door and it took 3 ppl walking in on her before they finally made a change. They moved her to an office's bathroom, yes a BATHROOM. There was a lock on the door and an outlet for her pump. She said she was sorta ok with it... I told her that there was no way in hell I would pump in a bathroom and for her to fight for her rights! I would not sit in there and smell other ppl's excrements and risk possibly getting bacteria into my baby's milk. She never pursued it and it never got changed...

Nonmember comment from Shannon

on Jan 5, 2012 at 3:29 PM

The Pump In Style is very lightweight and not going to be a pain to tote around at all. I carried one every day for 7 months after I came back from maternity leave. This was before the Affordable Care Act went into effect, but I was a teacher and told my principal I either needed to take 2 15-minute breaks a day or I'd be staying out on leave until my son was 6 months old. She was fine with it, but other coworkers (including one assistant principal) gave me a hard time about it. I didn't want to make a huge deal out of it, but my classroom door had a window and the only conference room available was accessible by everyone, so unless I put up a sign, they walked right in. People learned to knock after a few of them almost walked in on me.

mommywoos

on Jan 5, 2012 at 3:30 PM

My work does give you a place with a locking door and provides a comfy chair, what sucks is you have to clock in and out to do it.

BriLee

on Jan 5, 2012 at 3:34 PM

I was the first one to have a baby at my work. The men had wives with banged but I was the first mom. I pumped in my office twice a day and spent my lunch hour at his school breastfeeding. It was easy for him. This was back in 08 as well. I pumped until 15 months when I quit working to stay home.

It was actually a nice break. I had it on my calendar that I wasn't available at 9 and 3 and completely gone at noon. I'd turn my phone on DND and relax. While bottles were a PITA and cleaning after each pump I did enjoy the break.

powermom2four

on Jan 5, 2012 at 3:48 PM

I pumped for all 4 of my kids, the first one in 2000. I had a variety of experiences, but overall it was great. Even back then, the Pump N Style was light and discreet. Most people assumed I was headed to a meeting when they saw the black bag over my shoulder. Double pumping doesn't take too long either (both sides let down at the same time anyway-may as well collect it). I would start at 3X a day and dropped down as the babies got older. The first time I started practicing before I went back to work 1) because I was nervous and 2) to get a good supply in the freezer. I ended up with so much milk, I was able to donate to a milk bank. No one gave me a hard time. I was in an office full of men. I never asked permission for anything. I told my boss what I needed and he obliged. I was very fortunate.

Nonmember comment from dachoy

I pump at work - 2 times per day since returning from maternity leave. As long as your employer provides a reasonable space, it's really not so bad. Like another commenter said, I enjoy the break. It gets me away from my desk,and gives me time to catch up on personal emails and read cafemom and other mom blogs...all the things I used to do at night but now don't have time for because of the baby. A private room, with a locking door, is the key. The only challenge I face is coordinating my pumping times with those of the other nursing mom who also needs the room.