Breastfeeding and Career: Why Working Mothers Deserve More Support

Being a working parent is a balancing act, but for breastfeeding mothers, it’s more like walking a tightrope. Breastfeeding is often framed as a personal choice—something a mother “just figures out” if she wants to do it. But the reality for working mothers is much more complicated: pumping at work, dealing with stigma, and navigating an often unsupportive workplace culture.

In this article, I want to highlight why breastfeeding while working is harder than it looks and why workplaces need to actively support mothers in their journey.

The Unique Challenges of Breastfeeding While Working

Breastfeeding is a natural process, but it’s far from effortless when paired with the demands of a full-time job. Here are some of the key challenges:

1. Time Pressure: Breastfeeding mothers need time to pump during the workday to maintain their milk supply. For many, this means scheduling pumping sessions between meetings, during short breaks, or even skipping lunch.
2. Lack of Dedicated Spaces: While some workplaces offer lactation rooms, many mothers find themselves pumping in bathrooms, closets, or even cars due to a lack of private, clean spaces.
3. Stigma and Misunderstanding: Despite the benefits of breastfeeding, many mothers face judgment or lack of understanding from colleagues or employers who view pumping breaks as a burden or inconvenience.
4. Physical and Emotional Demands: Maintaining milk supply while dealing with work stress can be overwhelming. Pumping isn’t just physically draining—it’s an emotional commitment to prioritize your child’s health while managing professional responsibilities.
5. Workplace Inflexibility: Rigid schedules or high-pressure work environments often leave mothers with little room to balance their breastfeeding needs. This can lead to feelings of guilt, exhaustion, and even the early end of breastfeeding.

Why Breastfeeding Matters?

Breastfeeding isn’t just a personal preference; it’s a public health priority. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for at least two years because of its numerous benefits, including:

• For Babies: Better immunity, reduced risk of infections, and long-term health benefits.
• For Mothers: Reduced risk of breast cancer, faster postpartum recovery, and a stronger bond with their child.
• For Society: Lower healthcare costs and healthier communities.

Yet despite these benefits, breastfeeding rates drop significantly when mothers return to work. The lack of workplace support is one of the biggest reasons.

Why Workplaces Should Encourage Breastfeeding ?

Creating breastfeeding-friendly workplaces isn’t just about helping mothers—it benefits everyone:

1. Improved Retention and Productivity: When mothers feel supported, they’re more likely to stay with their employer and remain engaged in their work.
2. Reduced Absenteeism: Breastfed babies tend to get sick less often, which means fewer days off for working parents.
3. Enhanced Workplace Reputation: Companies that support breastfeeding gain a reputation as family-friendly and progressive, attracting top talent.
4. Stronger Employee Loyalty: When mothers feel valued and supported, they’re more likely to be loyal to their employer and invest in their long-term career there.

How Workplaces Can Support Breastfeeding Mothers ?

1. Dedicated Lactation Spaces: Private, clean, and comfortable spaces for pumping should be a standard in every workplace.
2. Flexible Schedules: Allowing mothers to adjust their schedules to accommodate pumping or feeding times makes a huge difference.
3. Education and Awareness: Training managers and colleagues to understand the challenges of breastfeeding creates a culture of empathy and support.
4. Clear Policies: Having written policies that outline breastfeeding accommodations ensures that all mothers feel supported and protected.

Encouragement Goes a Long Way - Conclusion

Breastfeeding while working isn’t easy, but a little encouragement can make a world of difference. Employers who take the time to create a supportive environment aren’t just helping mothers—they’re investing in healthier families and stronger workplaces.

As someone who has faced the challenges of balancing breastfeeding and work, I know how transformative support can be. It’s time we stop seeing breastfeeding as a “personal choice” and start recognizing it as a shared responsibility.

Have you experienced the challenges of breastfeeding while working? What changes would make the workplace more supportive for parents? Let’s start a conversation and advocate for the changes we need to see.