Mom’s Breast Milk Bag ‘Suit’ Highlights Issues Faced by Working Moms

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Artist and mother Mia Thompson makes a striking statement by adorning herself in breast milk bags, emphasizing the societal disregard for mothers in the workplace. Her latest project, dubbed the “Working Mother Suit,” features Mia donning a creatively designed suit of breast milk bags while maintaining a serious demeanor. One of her most revealing images captures her pumping in a bathroom stall, a candid portrayal that resonates with many.

“Pumping liquid gold while surrounded by unpleasant odors is a harsh reality. If breastfeeding is truly best, then mothers deserve proper facilities to express milk comfortably at work,” Mia writes. Just four weeks postpartum with her second child, she returned to work, juggling a commissioned art project while managing to pump over 14 gallons of milk. Although federal law mandates that companies provide private areas for pumping, the actual conditions often leave much to be desired—think cramped closets or old supply rooms that nobody would wish to occupy, making a bathroom stall sometimes feel like an upgrade.

The Challenge of Time

Time is another critical factor. Sure, mothers are promised “reasonable” time to pump throughout the day, but how do they fit that into a packed schedule filled with back-to-back meetings and looming deadlines?

Mia shared with Home Insemination Kit that she felt her health was compromised, as going without pumping can lead to painful conditions like mastitis. “You want to scream, you want to cry, but you have to keep it together and show no emotion because you are a professional,” she explains. On top of everything else new moms face—recovering from childbirth, sleepless nights, and managing the transition back to work—there’s also the constant fear of workplace judgment, making the journey even more draining.

The Struggle with Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation is a common struggle for Mia as well. Some nights, her baby would wake up three or four times, while other nights, it felt like every hour. “This kind of sleep deprivation is very taxing on your mental and physical health, impacting your immune system and daily performance,” she notes.

The Need for Extended Maternity Leave

Mia wishes that maternity leave could extend to a year or longer, allowing parents to bond with their newborns without the added stress of financial strain. “It’s disheartening to know that most mothers do not have a choice and are forced to work full-time while also caring for an infant,” she laments. The U.S. remains the only developed nation without guaranteed paid maternity leave, which she views as a serious disservice to families during this pivotal time.

Encouragement to Speak Out

Mia encourages mothers to speak out against the injustices they face. “Don’t hide in the shadows. Share your voice. We will be heard,” she asserts, inspiring others to join the conversation.

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In summary, Mia Thompson’s “Working Mother Suit” starkly illustrates the struggles that working mothers endure, from inadequate pumping facilities to the ongoing battle against workplace judgment and sleep deprivation. Her project not only highlights these issues but also calls for greater support and understanding for mothers returning to work.