Today, new mothers represent the fastest-growing segment of the workforce, but despite the increased demand for breastfeeding services, many still
Eighty percent of new mothers will breastfeed, according to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For both the parent and the child, breastfeeding has been linked to significant benefits, including lowering risk of asthma, infections, and sudden infant death syndrome, on top of fostering an emotional connection. While cultural shifts and new federal initiatives, such as the PUMP Act, have expanded lactation access, many breastfeeding parents feel that their employer fails to accommodate their needs, according to a survey conducted by Mamava and Medela, companies which provide breastfeeding services.
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"Over the last decade, we've seen significant progress in education, policy, and infrastructure that makes breastfeeding a more realistic option for anyone who wants to do it — but not nearly enough to support parents in meeting their personal goals," says Sascha Mayer, cofounder and CEO of Mamava.
One of the main issues is simply accessibility. Although the PUMP Act requires employers to provide a reliable lactation space, one-third of breastfeeding parents report not having access to one, according to the survey. Without a designated space, some breastfeeding parents resort to using restrooms, says Mayer, which — often unhygienic and full of other people — don't meet federal standards. Nearly half of working moms, meanwhile, report having insufficient time to pump milk at work. For new parents, who must pump every few hours, this unreliability is particularly hard-pressing.
"Breastfeeding parents need comfort, cleanliness and privacy," she says. "An airport, an office and a healthcare facility all require different things, so it is about converging those most important elements of cleanliness, privacy and security into one space."
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Designing lactation spaces to your workplaces' specific space and needs is crucial, says Mayer. Her company has developed several different lactation pods to accommodate varying needs, including a wheel-chair accessible model and even one with a desk for workplaces. For employers with limited space and financial resources, creativity can be essential; retail stores, for example, can allocate a former storage area or even dressing room for breastfeeding.
Ultimately, Mayer believes that creating accessible spaces benefits everyone and fosters a culture of connectivity. A relaxed, safe environment is essential to breastfeeding, she says.
"That's an incredible amount of pressure to shoulder alone," says Mayer. "Breastfeeding babies is everyone's job — because breastfeeding benefits everyone. We need better education and more inclusive communities and work environments."
