A Step In The Right Direction
by Barbara Dehn - 23rd August 2007
I just read that New York Governor, Eliot Spitzer signed legislation that makes it easier for working moms to continue to provide breastmilk for their babies.
The legislation requires employers to provide uncompensated time, and make a reasonable effort to provide private space for women to express milk or nurse their children for a period of up to three years following the birth of a child. In addition, it also bars an employer from discriminating against an employee exercising this right.
Wow, this is a huge step in the right direction. Returning to work is one of the most important predictors of whether a woman will continue to provide breastmilk for her baby. Many women who have had to search for a place to pump at work will now have access to a clean and private place. This is truly welcome legislation. Women have been advised to breastfeed for 6 -12 months, without being given the support or tools they need to do so successfully.
All moms need as much support as possible as they try to juggle all of the demands on their time: moms who work outside the home, those who are at home, in addition to moms who breastfeed, and moms who use formula, each of us needs support.
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