Artist and mother Lila Thompson dramatically highlights the challenges faced by working mothers by donning a suit made entirely of breast milk bags. Her project, titled “Working Mother Suit,” serves as a stark reminder of how poorly our society supports mothers, particularly in the workplace.
In one striking image, Thompson is depicted pumping in a cramped bathroom stall, a moment that starkly illustrates the harsh realities many mothers encounter. “Pumping liquid gold while surrounded by unsanitary conditions is unacceptable. If breastfeeding is truly valued, mothers deserve appropriate spaces at work to nourish their babies,” Thompson expresses.
Returning to work just four weeks after her second child was born, Thompson faced the daunting task of balancing her responsibilities while pumping over 14 gallons of breast milk. While federal law mandates that employers provide a private space for pumping, the reality often falls short, with mothers left to choose between filthy supply rooms or even worse, bathrooms, to pump.
Time is another critical factor. Although mothers are technically granted time for pumping, scheduling this amidst back-to-back meetings and constant deadlines proves nearly impossible. Thompson reveals, “I often felt I was sacrificing my health, with the risk of conditions like mastitis looming over me. New mothers are already dealing with so much: postpartum recovery, sleep deprivation, and the pressures of returning to work, all while facing judgment from colleagues.”
Sleep deprivation, a common struggle for new parents, only exacerbates the difficulty of juggling work and motherhood. Thompson recounts sleepless nights, sometimes waking multiple times, and the toll it takes on her overall well-being. “This overwhelming fatigue affects not just your mental health but your physical health too,” she emphasizes.
The lack of federally mandated paid maternity leave in the United States is another significant issue. “It’s disheartening to see that many mothers have no choice but to return to work so soon after childbirth,” Thompson states. “The U.S. remains the only developed nation that does not guarantee paid maternity leave, which is detrimental to families and society at large.”
Thompson advocates for longer maternity leave and financial support during this critical time, urging mothers to raise their voices and demand better conditions. “Don’t stay silent; let’s unite and be heard,” she encourages.
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In conclusion, Lila Thompson’s “Working Mother Suit” is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by working mothers in today’s society. It calls for a reevaluation of how we support them, emphasizing the need for better maternity leave policies and workplace accommodations.