In a bold statement about the treatment of mothers in the workplace, artist and mother Emily Rodriguez recently donned a suit made entirely of breast milk bags. Her project, aptly named “Working Mother Suit,” showcases the stark realities faced by working moms in our society. Emily’s poignant message is clear: mothers often endure unacceptable conditions, especially when it comes to balancing work and motherhood.
In one striking image, she is depicted pumping milk in a bathroom stall, a powerful and raw reminder of the struggles many mothers face while trying to nourish their babies in less-than-ideal environments. “Pumping liquid gold while surrounded by the less-than-pleasant aromas of a restroom is just a reality check,” she notes, emphasizing the urgent need for workplaces to provide dedicated, clean spaces for pumping mothers.
Returning to work just four weeks after the birth of her second child, Emily pumped over 14 gallons of milk while navigating the challenges of deadlines and meetings. Although federal law mandates that companies must provide a private space for breastfeeding mothers, the reality often falls short. Many find themselves in dingy supply closets or storage rooms that are hardly conducive to comfort—leaving the bathroom as a more appealing option.
Time constraints add another layer of difficulty. While mothers are entitled to “reasonable” pumping breaks, the crammed schedules of back-to-back meetings make it nearly impossible to find the time needed to pump without feeling rushed. Emily shared with us how she often felt she was sacrificing her own health, dealing with painful engorgement that could lead to serious conditions like mastitis. “You want to scream or cry, but you have to stay composed because you’re a professional,” she explains.
The toll of sleep deprivation further complicates matters. With her newborn waking multiple times a night, Emily experienced fatigue that impacted her mental and physical health, making her workdays even more grueling. “This kind of exhaustion is draining—mothers need more time at home to care for their babies,” she argues.
It’s disheartening that in the U.S., the only developed country that does not guarantee paid maternity leave, mothers often have no choice but to juggle full-time work alongside nurturing an infant. Emily wishes maternity leave were extended to a year or more and that parents could receive a portion of their wages while on leave to avoid financial strain. She encourages other mothers to raise their voices against these injustices, reminding them that they’re not alone in this struggle.
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In summary, Emily Rodriguez’s “Working Mother Suit” powerfully highlights the challenges faced by working mothers in a society that often overlooks their needs. Her raw and honest expressions serve as a call to action for better support systems in the workplace, particularly regarding maternity leave and lactation accommodations.