Breastfeeding Mothers Not Welcomed At Work

The American workplace is still unfair for breastfeeding mothers according to a new study by public health researchers from the University of South Carolina. Research shows that women who take longer maternity leaves breastfeed longer.

Many health organizations recommend breastfeeding for at least six months and up to two years while introducing the baby to other foods, but less than half of American women actually breastfeed for six months.

On average, mothers stay out of work 12.4 weeks, which corresponds to the 12 weeks that the federal Family Medical Leave Act protects a woman’s job from being given to another employee.

However, women who come closest to following the health recommendations for breastfeeding return  to work at 13 weeks or later. Why are we asked to choose between keeping a  job and giving the best for our children?

This is the perfect example of why the way our workplace is organized needs to change. More support needs to be given to women so they can juggle their home life and their careers effectively. Having a child is supposed to be a happy step in life but having to make choices like this just turns it into a source of stress.

Whether it comes in the form of more financial aid during maternity leave or a better attitude towards pumping milk at work, something needs to be done to make the office be more mother-friendly.

Contact the author here: sedera@morningquickie.com