When my partner had our first child, she was working full-time at a retail store. After her C-section, she received an additional two weeks of maternity leave. During those initial six weeks, I witnessed her struggle to get our baby to latch. Despite her stitches still being painful, she woke up in the night to feed our child. She spent countless hours figuring out how to pump milk for when she returned to work. However, when she did return, she faced an unacceptable choice: either pump in a communal break room filled with her colleagues or in a filthy public restroom stall.
Many working mothers can relate to this frustrating experience. The lack of proper lactation rooms ultimately forced my partner to switch to formula. It’s important to clarify that this piece isn’t about the debate between breast milk and formula; it’s about the pressing need for adequate pumping facilities for working mothers, which many employers fail to provide.
Under the Affordable Care Act, there is a federal requirement that employers must offer “a place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from coworkers and the public, which may be used by an employee to express breast milk.” However, companies with fewer than 50 employees can opt out if they claim compliance would cause undue hardship, which is evaluated individually. Unfortunately, many organizations find loopholes to bypass this responsibility.
I’ve heard stories of mothers resorting to pumping in janitorial areas, storage closets, and other unsuitable spaces. None of these options provide the calm environment that a working mother needs to pump efficiently.
What Should an Ideal Lactation Room Include?
According to Lisa Bennett, a facilities consultant advocating for working mothers, there are essential components that many organizations overlook. For instance, there should be one lactation room for every 100 female employees. A 50-square-foot room is sufficient if it allows for a 5-foot turning radius. Basic amenities should include a tabletop, chair, sink, and refrigerator.
Furthermore, the tabletop must be deep enough to accommodate pumping equipment and laptops. An adjustable task chair is vital, as it allows mothers to work while pumping. Electrical outlets for pumps and laptops, a microwave for sterilizing equipment, and a deep sink for cleaning bottles are also necessary.
It’s not too much to ask for a quiet and comfortable space that isn’t a restroom stall. No one wants to share their pumping area with cleaning supplies or endure the discomfort of an unkempt storage room.
The Business Case for Lactation Rooms
If companies genuinely care about supporting working mothers, employee retention, and fostering a diverse workplace, they shouldn’t merely toss a key to a neglected supply closet and call it good enough. Investing in lactation rooms makes financial sense, too. According to Bennett, a well-designed pumping space promotes relaxation and helps mothers feel supported, leading to loyalty and longer-term employment. The cost to create such a room can range from $5,000 to $15,000, whereas replacing a mid-level employee can cost upwards of $15,000.
The day my partner decided to stop breastfeeding due to the lack of an appropriate space was heartbreaking. She felt torn between contributing to our family and providing nourishment to our child in the most natural way possible. It was disheartening for her to feel undervalued upon returning to work, as though she were a burden rather than a valued team member.
Investing in lactation rooms is not just a financial obligation; it’s a matter of dignity. Lactation spaces should be as standard in the workplace as bathrooms and storage areas. Employers should anticipate the need for these facilities as part of creating a supportive environment for all employees.
For more insights on workplace lactation needs, check out this excellent resource on treating infertility and learn about workplace hazards related to this topic at workplace hazards. Additionally, for couples on their fertility journey, consider our guide on artificial insemination kits.
In summary, lactation rooms must be more than just afterthoughts in the workplace. Adequate facilities are essential for supporting working mothers, and investing in them is beneficial for both employees and employers alike.