In a groundbreaking moment for working mothers, Senator Emma Thompson made history this week by breastfeeding her baby right on the floor of the Australian Parliament. The senator returned to work after maternity leave, bringing her two-month-old daughter, Bella, along for a vote. When Bella got hungry, Emma did what any dedicated mom would do: she breastfed her on the Senate floor, making her the first politician in Australia to do so.
While it’s been permissible for moms to breastfeed in Senate chambers for some time, Emma was part of a team that worked to enhance parental rights within Parliament last year, extending the rules to include both breastfeeding and bottle feeding. Prior to this change in 2016, nursing mothers were forced to cast proxy votes and were unable to bring their babies into the chamber.
Advocating for Family-Friendly Policies
In an interview with the Daily Herald, Emma expressed her eagerness to utilize her newfound ability to breastfeed at work, advocating for more family-friendly policies across all workplaces. “We need to make every workplace supportive of families, not just Parliament,” she stated. Her partner, Jack Mills, is a full-time stay-at-home dad who plans to bring Bella to the chamber for feeding when needed.
Emma proudly shared the milestone on social media, stating, “I’m thrilled that my daughter Bella is the first baby to be breastfed in federal Parliament! We need more parents and women in leadership roles, along with flexible workplaces and affordable childcare solutions for everyone.”
A Reflection on Progress
This historic breastfeeding moment underscores the progress the Australian Parliament has made in recognizing the needs of working parents. Emma reflected on the past, reminding us that just 20 years ago, another MP, Sarah Johnson, was actually removed from Parliament for breastfeeding her newborn. “It’s easy to feel discouraged by the ongoing sexism we face in the workplace, but moments like these remind us of our progress,” she noted.
Further Resources
For more engaging stories about pregnancy and home insemination, check out our other posts here. If you’re navigating the journey of parenthood, Make a Mom is an excellent resource that can help guide you along the way. Additionally, for tips and insights on pregnancy, visit Progyny’s blog.
In summary, Senator Emma Thompson’s breastfeeding moment in Parliament is a powerful testament to the evolving landscape for working mothers, highlighting the need for more inclusive policies in all workplaces.