The other day, while chatting in Slack about this pumping hack, a couple of my co-workers got to talking about what does—and does not—make for an adequate workplace lactation room. I decided to ask the experts (the Offspring Facebook Group) what they thought should be included in a private pumping space and those folks have never jumped to answer a question so quickly. A good pumping room, they said without actually saying, is a human right.
If workplace pumping is in your future, here is a list of what a good—and a better—employer will provide for you. If they are not providing a private lactation room complete with the items on this list, feel free to forward this piece to bring their attention to the fact that, no, pumping in a bathroom stall is not sufficient and, yes, this should be a priority.
What a good employer would provide
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A comfortable chair
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A room with a door that locks
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And working outlets (bonus points if the outlets are located next to a table or other flat surface).
What a GREAT employer would provide
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All of the above, plus:
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A separate fridge that is solely for breastmilk and supply storage (and is actually cold enough to safely store the milk)
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A sink (hero status for employers who also include a drying rack)
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A shelf where multiple mums can store supplies
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A table or desk to work at while pumping
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Cleaning supplies, including (but not limited to) disinfecting wipes, dish soap and paper towels; a trash can is also a nice touch
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A water cooler
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A space heater (because as one parent put it, “pumping in a cold room sucks”)
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Hospital grade pumps
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A mirror to check one’s appearance before rejoining the team
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A bulletin board where everyone can post pictures of their cute babies
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And some kind of room reservation system to take the guess work out of everything.
What you might want to bring with you
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A cooler bag
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A pumping bag with supplies and storage bags
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A cardigan or blazer—especially if there is no space heater
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Your cell phone (with a relaxing playlist or white noise app)
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Magazines or a book; the lighter and more mindless, the better
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And an extra shirt in case of spills (to be stashed until needed at your desk).
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