If you’ve ever had to pump breast milk while on the job, you’ll find this Twitter thread particularly resonant. Writer Amara Johnson shares her own frustrating experience with workplace pumping, and let me tell you, it’s a tale that many working mothers can relate to — especially given that, despite how advanced our society may claim to be, there’s often that One Guy™ (typically male) who finds it “inappropriate.”
Amara’s incident occurred some time ago, before companies were mandated to provide clean and private areas for breastfeeding employees to pump. Unfortunately, as we can see, we’re still grappling with substantial gaps in this area even in 2023. The heart of her story is all too familiar.
After each pumping session during her lunch break, Amara would head to the breakroom sink to clean her equipment and store her milk. Every single day, without exception, she faced complaints from her coworkers. It’s baffling how some individuals harbor such discomfort over breast milk being visible. It’s not some taboo substance; it’s the essential nutrition needed for infants — and, incidentally, the very purpose of having breasts.
The insensitivity often comes from those who seem to harbor a disdain for women’s bodies. When it’s not a prudish coworker, it’s typically a man with a dismissive attitude. Oh, you’re in for a surprise, buddy.
This experience is all too relatable. Many nursing mothers are likely nodding along as they read Amara’s thread. When I returned to my own workplace, my so-called progressive advertising agency offered me a dilapidated restroom meant for handicapped use to pump. The glaring issue? It was the go-to bathroom for the I.T. department’s male employees.
Not only did they grumble about having to walk to another restroom, but they also left passive-aggressive notes and even put up signs to deter me from using “their” space. Two years later, the memory still infuriates me.
The takeaway here? Sometimes men’s reactions to women’s needs in the workplace can be the most frustrating part of returning to work as a new mother. If you feel compelled to chime in with “not all men,” perhaps it’s best to take a hint from those who exhibit such behavior and keep your opinions to yourself.
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In summary, the challenges faced by working mothers who need to pump are often exacerbated by male coworkers who lack understanding and empathy. This ongoing issue highlights the need for better support and awareness in the workplace.