The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and not necessarily those of The New Agenda.

As the working mother of three children, all three of whom were breastfed, I know the problems breastfeeding mothers face in the workplace. I can recall my coworkers going off to their smoking breaks (no offense to smokers, but I think you’ll agree it’s not a habit that improves children’s health) while I was expected to pump breast milk in a dirty bathroom stall. Since I had no official break time to do so, I often had to choose between missing important meetings and being late to return home.

Today I occupy an executive position and my days of answering to a clock (and breastfeeding) are long behind me, but I am often approached by younger women who have the very same problem, or worse, have been fired for taking “too much time” from their jobs, although male employees who take advantage of every smoke and bathroom break are still considered dedicated workers.

This is why I support the Breastfeeding Promotion Act, which would require employers with over 50 employees to provide a private space and time off during the workday for mothers to pump breast milk, and establish standards for breast pump manufacture to keep breast pumps safe.

Click this link to send a free message to Congress telling them to support the Breastfeeding Promotion Act: here.

Click this link to sign a Statement of Support for breastfeeding mothers, which will be sent to Congress: here.

And don’t forget to write and call your Senators and Representatives yourself if you have the time. A personal message can make all the difference.