In a bold statement about the treatment of mothers in the workplace, artist and mother Mia Reynolds made waves by donning a suit crafted from breast milk bags. Her project, aptly titled “Working Mother Suit,” underscores the harsh realities faced by mothers trying to balance work and motherhood. The visual impact of her art is striking, especially as she captures the essence of the struggle in a candid moment pumping in a bathroom stall—an all-too-real scenario for many.
Reynolds writes, “Pumping liquid gold in a space filled with unpleasant odors should not be the norm. If breastfeeding is considered best, then mothers deserve dedicated, comfortable spaces in the workplace to express milk for their babies.” Four weeks after the birth of her second child, Mia found herself back at work, juggling a tight deadline for a commissioned project. During that time, she pumped over 14 gallons of milk, highlighting both her dedication and the inadequacies of workplace support for nursing mothers.
While federal regulations mandate a private area for mothers to pump, the reality often falls short. Many find themselves using makeshift spaces—think cluttered supply rooms or filthy closets—where privacy and cleanliness are compromised. In some cases, a bathroom may seem like the only viable option. The pressure doesn’t stop there; even when mothers are granted time to pump, the reality of back-to-back meetings and looming deadlines makes it nearly impossible to find those moments.
Mia confides to a popular parenting blog that she often felt the strain on her health as she struggled with engorgement, a condition that can lead to serious issues like mastitis. “You want to scream or cry, but you have to maintain a professional facade,” she explains. New mothers are already dealing with the aftermath of childbirth, sleep deprivation, and all the emotional roller-coasters that come with newborn care. The additional burden of workplace judgment adds to the exhaustion.
Many mothers, like Mia, experience severe sleep deprivation. “Some nights my baby was up every hour. This level of sleep loss is incredibly taxing on both mental and physical health,” she shares. The solution seems simple: allowing mothers more time at home to care for their infants. The absence of federally mandated paid maternity and paternity leave in the U.S. remains a significant issue. It’s disheartening that many mothers have no choice but to work full-time while navigating the complexities of infant care.
Mia dreams of a world where maternity leave extends to a year or longer, with parents receiving a portion of their salary during that time, easing the financial burden. “We need to unite and raise our voices,” she urges. “Don’t stay silent about the challenges you face as a breastfeeding and working mother.”
For more insights into the challenges of parenting and the importance of supporting working moms, check out this related article. If you’re considering at-home insemination, a reputable source for necessary kits can be found at Make a Mom. For further information on pregnancy and home insemination, visit MedlinePlus.
In summary, Mia Reynolds’ “Working Mother Suit” serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by working moms. It shines a light on the inadequate support systems in place, urging society to recognize and improve the treatment of mothers in the workplace.
Leave a Reply