In a bold statement on the treatment of mothers in the workplace, artist and mother Jamie Taylor has wrapped herself in breast milk bags, making it clear that our society often overlooks the needs of mothers. Her latest project, dubbed the “Working Mom Suit,” features Taylor donning a suit crafted from breast milk bags, all while maintaining a strikingly serious expression. One particularly potent image shows her pumping milk in a bathroom stall, a stark reminder of the uncomfortable realities many mothers face.
“Pumping liquid gold while the aroma of the restroom wafts around you. If breastfeeding is best, then why can’t mothers have a proper place to do it in comfort?” Taylor asserts. She returned to work just four weeks after giving birth to her second child, driven by a deadline for an art commission. During that time, she managed to pump an astonishing 14 gallons of milk.
While federal law mandates that employers provide private spaces for nursing mothers, the stark reality is that these spaces often leave much to be desired—think cramped closets or cluttered supply rooms filled with old office junk. In fact, many mothers find themselves opting to pump in bathrooms simply for lack of better options.
The challenge doesn’t stop at finding a clean space. Time is another hurdle. Yes, companies are supposed to offer a “reasonable” amount of time for pumping, but with back-to-back meetings and relentless deadlines, finding a moment to pump can feel impossible.
Taylor shared with us that the experience of being engorged during her shifts was not only uncomfortable but also potentially dangerous, leading to issues like mastitis. “You feel like screaming or crying, but you have to keep it together. You’re a professional,” she notes. On top of the physical challenges, new moms also grapple with postpartum recovery, sleepless nights, and the judgment that can come from their workplace.
With an infant waking up several times a night, Taylor found herself perpetually exhausted. “This sleep deprivation takes a toll on your mental and physical health, affecting everything from your immune system to your ability to function,” she explains. The solution? More time at home for new parents to bond with their newborns—a need that’s exacerbated by the lack of guaranteed paid maternity and paternity leave in the U.S.
“It’s disheartening to see that so many mothers are forced to juggle full-time work with the demands of a baby,” Taylor laments. “The U.S. is still the only developed nation that doesn’t offer paid maternity leave, which is a disservice to families and society as a whole.”
Taylor wishes that maternity leave could extend to a year or longer, with a portion of wages provided to ease financial burdens during that time. She encourages fellow mothers to raise their voices against these injustices. “Don’t stay in the shadows. Speak up and be heard,” she urges.
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In summary, Jamie Taylor’s “Working Mom Suit” project powerfully illustrates the challenges working mothers face, from inadequate pumping facilities to the need for more supportive maternity policies. By shedding light on these issues, she advocates for change, encouraging mothers to speak out and demand the respect and accommodations they deserve.