In a striking artistic statement, mother and artist Emily Torres recently donned a creative outfit made entirely of breast milk bags to illuminate the harsh realities that working mothers encounter. Through her project, aptly named “Working Mother Suit,” Torres captures the often-overlooked struggles of mothers in the workplace, particularly how society undervalues their contributions.
One particularly poignant image shows Torres pumping breast milk while seated on a toilet in a bathroom stall, effectively delivering a powerful message about the uncomfortable and often unsanitary conditions many mothers face. “Pumping liquid gold while surrounded by unpleasant odors is the reality for so many. If breast is best, we must give mothers the space they need to comfortably nourish their babies,” she states, emphasizing the need for better accommodations in the workforce.
Torres returned to her job just four weeks after welcoming her second child, driven by a project deadline. During this time, she managed to pump over 14 gallons of milk. While federal law mandates that employers provide a private area for pumping mothers, the reality is that these designated spaces are frequently inadequate—think cluttered supply rooms or dirty closets, making the option of pumping in a restroom seem more appealing.
In addition to finding a clean place to pump, working mothers must also contend with the challenge of time. Although companies are required to provide reasonable pumping breaks, fitting these sessions into a hectic schedule filled with meetings and deadlines can be nearly impossible. “I often felt like I was sacrificing my health,” Torres shares, reflecting on the physical toll of being engorged during long shifts, which can lead to serious health complications.
The emotional and mental toll of juggling postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and returning to work is immense. Torres highlights the exhaustion that comes with caring for a newborn, often waking multiple times throughout the night. “This kind of sleep deprivation is incredibly taxing on your mental and physical health,” she explains, pointing out that many mothers struggle to function effectively throughout the day.
Sleep deprivation could be alleviated if mothers were afforded more time at home with their infants. Torres raises a critical point: the lack of federally mandated paid maternity leave in the United States is a significant barrier to maternal and child health. “It’s disheartening that so many mothers feel compelled to work full-time while caring for a young child,” she laments.
Torres advocates for a longer maternity leave, ideally one year or more, and suggests that parents should receive a portion of their wages during this time to prevent financial strain. “I encourage all breastfeeding and working mothers to stand up against these injustices. Don’t shy away from speaking out; your voice matters,” she urges, hoping that collective action will lead to change.
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In summary, Emily Torres’ “Working Mother Suit” is a powerful reminder of the need for better support and understanding for working mothers. By shedding light on these issues, she hopes to inspire change in workplace policies and societal attitudes towards motherhood.