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Communicating with Employers About Breastfeeding

As the back-to-school season looms, many new mothers are not just preparing to send kids off to school, but also navigating their return to work. A prevalent concern remains: Where will I pump? This question captures the essence of the challenges many working mothers face in the modern workplace.

In 2025, mothers are contending with societal pressures, limited paid leave, and inadequate support systems like lactation spaces and flexible scheduling. Recognizing these challenges, Mediaplanet initiated the Empowering Working Moms campaign aimed at amplifying the voices of mothers, employers, and advocates to create more supportive workplaces.
A notable partner in this initiative is Nessel, a women-led company dedicated to designing solutions for workplace lactation. Their innovative products, such as ready-to-install lactation pods and stations, help employers comply with legal regulations while fostering a caring and flexible work culture.

Understanding Your Rights

Starting the conversation about workplace breastfeeding can be daunting. The PUMP Act, enacted in 2022, grants rights to employees at companies with 50 or more employees, mandating the provision of a private, non-bathroom space for breastfeeding. This law is a significant step forward, but it’s just the beginning.

How to Approach Your Employer

Effective communication is crucial. Here are a few steps to consider:
1. Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with the PUMP Act and what it implies for your workplace rights.
2. Be Clear and Confident: When discussing your needs with your employer, clearly articulate how often you will need to pump, the expected duration, and the type of space you require.
3. Reinforce Your Commitment: Emphasize that seeking lactation support does not equate to neglecting your work responsibilities; rather, it’s an essential part of integrating your needs with your professional duties.
4. Propose Solutions: If your workplace lacks suitable lactation spaces, suggest practical solutions like Nessel's lactation pods, which are specifically designed to meet both legal and personal needs.
5. Foster an Ongoing Dialogue: Recognize that your requirements might evolve, and maintain open lines of communication with your employer regarding any changes.

The Benefits of Lactation Support

Investing in adequate breastfeeding accommodations not only adheres to legal requirements but also enhances productivity and employee satisfaction. Features in Nessel’s lactation designs, such as built-in sinks, refrigeration, and soundproofing, ensure that pumping parents can do so without inconvenience or discomfort. These thoughtful enhancements are beneficial for the employees and serve to increase employee retention and lower absenteeism rates.

Concluding Thoughts

As more companies aim to become family-friendly and comply with regulations like the PUMP Act, the conversation about breastfeeding at work is becoming less intimidating. Whether you are a new mother returning to work or an employer seeking to improve workplace culture, understanding and addressing these needs is essential. To delve deeper into effective workplace lactation solutions, visit www.nessel.com. And to explore the complete Empowering Working Moms campaign, featuring a wealth of insights and stories, check out futureofbusinessandtech.com/working-moms.

Nessel is committed to transforming legal obligations into compassionate workplace practices. Their offerings range from completely enclosed lactation pods for spaces lacking designated areas to their ergonomic pumping chairs and stations for those wishing to enhance existing facilities. In doing so, Nessel helps establish a culture where women feel respected, supported, and empowered to excel in their careers while fulfilling their roles as mothers.