Although breastfeeding in public is becoming increasingly common, there’s a lot of stigma that comes with breastfeeding in public, especially at work. Despite the fact that breastfeeding in public is legal in all 50 states , people still find it offensive.
The societal stigma attached to breastfeeding places an unnecessary burden on working moms. On top of the judgments of others, breastfeeding already takes a toll on moms and their bodies. Some moms also struggle to breastfeed and nourish their babies.
Cierra Murphy Higgs , IBCLC and perinatal maternal health advocate, explained that breastfeeding already has enough challenges without the external pressure from society.
“Feeling pressured to ‘hide’ can make breastfeeding isolating,” she explained. “It may even lead to an earlier cessation of breastfeeding if it doesn’t fit seamlessly into daily life.”
Here’s a closer look at stigmas to public breastfeeding, a women’s legal rights to breastfeed at work, and how workplaces can make breastfeeding easy and accessible for moms.
Stigmas to Breastfeeding
Certain cultures or communities may believe breastfeeding should only occur in private. A common way of thinking is that breastfeeding women should avoid certain settings altogether. In these cultures, the workplace is not typically deemed an appropriate place for breastfeeding.
Higgs explained that unfortunately, people tend to think about their own comfort. They often miss the fact that it is simply a mother meeting the needs of her hungry baby.
“I’ve had people stare or seem uncomfortable while I am breastfeeding,” she shared. “I remind myself that feeding my baby is a natural and essential part of life, and I should feel confident in doing it whenever and wherever necessary.”
The Oversexualization of Women and Breastfeeding
Some people view public breastfeeding as inappropriate because breasts are often oversexualized. This notion makes the act of feeding babies in public seem improper rather than a natural process, Higgs explained.
The presence of male colleagues can increase anxiety and self-consciousness for moms. This makes it difficult for them to relax while feeding at work. At work and in other public spaces, persistent or aggressive stares can also raise safety concerns and contribute to feelings of vulnerability.
“It is important to normalize infant feeding and discuss the importance and benefits of breastfeeding with both men and women,” Higgs said. “Ultimately, it’s crucial for mothers to feed in a way that feels most comfortable to them.”
Breastfeeding Rights at Work
Higgs explained that all 50 states, along with the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, have laws that specifically permit women to breastfeed in any public or private location. The PUMP Act, passed in 2022, ensures that employers provide necessary accommodations for breastfeeding employees.
“I wish more people were aware of their rights related to breastfeeding,” she said.
Some of those accommodations include:
- Reasonable Break Time
Employers must provide reasonable break times for employees to express breast milk for up to one year after the child’s birth. - Private Space
Employers are required to provide a private, non-bathroom space for breastfeeding or pumping that is shielded from view and free from intrusion. - Clean and Accessible Facilities
The designated space for pumping must be clean and accessible, providing a comfortable environment for employees. - Protection from Retaliation
Employers cannot discriminate or retaliate against employees for using their breastfeeding rights. This protection ensures that employees can take breaks without fear of negative consequences. - Support for Remote Workers
For remote or telecommuting employees, employers must still provide accommodations to ensure they can effectively manage breastfeeding needs.
The post A Lactation Expert Explains Moms’ Right to Breastfeed at Work appeared first on 21Ninety .
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