Breastfeeding at work – what’s the big deal?
Breastfeeding at work – what’s the big deal? is by Helen King
Breastfeeding is back in the news again. Which is fair enough – I don’t think we’ve focused on it for, oh, three or four months. So of course we’re due some national stories and indignation. It’s an issue that seems to get some people riled up – often for no good reason. Even more frustratingly, in my opinion, is that fact that this unwarranted angst is usually focused on the most minor of circumstances, effectively distracting us from addressing more significant issues.
Last week some people were outraged that Greens Senator Larissa Waters breastfed her three month old baby while also debating legislation in the Australian Parliament. Apparently this was offensive or damaging to the child (or maybe both). However, parliamentary rules now allow a woman to feed her child while in the chambers. The implications have been considered. There shouldn’t have been anyone opposing to this.
Breastfeeding at work
The first time I’d really thought about breastfeeding at work was when one of our local state politicians, Kirsty Marshall, brought her 11 day old baby into question time, and was promptly ejected. The baby was not elected (of course) and the rules did not allow ‘unelected members’ in the chambers. After a lot of consideration the rules were consequently modified in Victoria, with other parliaments, including Federal parliament, following. Fair enough!
Since 2003, I’ve had two children of my own, and I breastfed both in part once I’d returned to work. I’ve seen, and experienced, some positive attitudes and workplace measures to support breastfeeding.
I’m also aware that not all workplaces are as accommodating as mine have been. And that’s really where I think this issue should focus. The reaction to a politician breastfeeding has implications far more broadly.
Politicians who breastfeed at work
One claim leveled against Larissa Waters is that she is making a political statement by feeding her daughter. My guess (because I don’t know) is that her main purpose is to feed her child the way she believes is most beneficial. But yes, I am sure she is also aware that her actions are noticed and have political impact. So my response to this claim is: ‘She is probably making a political statement – and good on her if she is’.
On one hand, breastfeeding politicians should be a non- issue. As I’ve said, it is clearly permitted (to the point that there are publicly promoted parliamentary rules allowing breastfeeding). Mothers who are politicians work in climate controlled, well monitored spaces. They are able to remain seated (certainly while debating a point). They are relatively privileged financially compared to many of us in that many of them can afford nannies or for their partners to accompany them and bring their children in when needed. Ideal conditions to safely breastfeed their children. Yes, the debates can be heated – but actually, often we have to breastfeed in less than peaceful locations (including with a screaming toddler!). The self righteous moralising about the ‘impact to children’ that I’ve heard over the past week – and periodically since Kirsty Marshall’s experience – doesn’t hold up.
But on the other hand, the actions of politicians send a very clear message to the rest of us. Politicians are in a rare position that their working environment is both very visible and also carries status. They have enough authority, if used properly, to demonstrate and lead on social issues. They can demonstrate what should be possible for many more women but currently may not be.
Is it time for change?
Imagine if more women had access to good quality and available childcare close to where we worked. So we could visit our children and feed them – or if we had increased flexibility to work from home?
Imagine if all women who were still breastfeeding had access to hygienic, private and comfortable spaces to express to continue feeding before or after work (as well as when they are at work?)
Imagine the increased confidence if women all had supportive environments where management were prepared to make reasonable modifications to systems or work practices to accommodate family needs?
Imagine if these options were available to more women. Not just those who have the influence, through their roles or status – to exercise these opportunities?
Imagine the benefits more employers would experience? Because, actually, we can still be very productive (in fact, often more so), if we are able to work in a way where we are also providing for our family’s needs.
Unless these hypothetical dreams become realities, it’s important to keep talking about breastfeeding. It indicates a bigger issue – the marginalization that can happen to women as a result of their desire to feed their children in a way that benefits both of them. And the condemning comments are also an indication of a desire to control the way many women wish to look after their children, yet also contribute through paid employment.
Breastfeeding is an important option for women. However the critique of it in the workplace is not just about breastfeeding.
Did you have a good or bad experience of breastfeeding at work?
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