I did not breast feed my now 23 year old daughter (only child) because I did not want to deal with having to go to the restroom at my job to pump milk.

Yes, in those days, we did not have a "special" room for this.

What are your thoughts on these "special" rooms?
Did you use one?
Do you think every job should have one as needed?

Thank you

I think that every workplace who has a mother who wants to pump at work should allow her time and a comfortable, private space to pump. This is challenging in some work environments, but easily accomplished in many. Sometimes, though, this space doubles as an office or other comfortable room that someone might have to give up for a little bit while the mom pumps.

I think the more that women's workplaces can do to support her choice to breastfeed, the better. The truth is, they benefit, because her baby will (statistically) be healthier and require less disruption an sick days, the longer she nurses.

I don't know that there needs to be a "special breastfeeding room" dedicated to that purpose in most workplaces, although it is certainly reasonable for larger employers, but I don't think that having a lockable space (not a bathroom stall, yuk!) where they can have some privacy and adequate break time to pump is not too much to ask, certainly. There are many health reasons in fact that could make use of a space like this (blood testing for diabetes, breathing treatments, injury care and more). For all workplaces to be aware of where they can make accommodations for employees is an act of responsibility and caring for their workers.

I agree that while an employer shouldn't have to provide a bf'ing room, it's probably in their best interest to do so. The easier they make it for working new moms to be good moms, the more productive and happy those moms will be, even when they have to be at work, away from their babies. Keeping good workers happy is one of the best things any company can do to improve its bottom line!

--Maria

Thanks everyone for the AWESOME responses to my post