“WeLLNESS ROOM”
SAEDI BURKE
ASSOCIATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR
FIRST-TIME MOM
The first time I walked into this room, I burst into tears. Small, gray, windowless. It felt like mom jail. Us moms just did an incredibly difficult and momentous thing—made a person. And here is the room we are given to continue that work.
On top of that, room access and upkeep hasn’t been great. I had to create sign-in sheets myself and advocate for two keys (there are two rooms) and repeatedly ask that building maintenance clean the space. Making all of this work is a lot. (On top of actual work.) But, biology willing, I believe how you feed your baby should be your choice. Up to you. Not up to work. And that motivates me even more to stubbornly hold onto my choice.
“Mother’s Room”
LAUREN SMITH
INSIGHTS DIRECTOR
FIRST-TIME MOM
For a company that has been ranked top workplace for working mothers, it feels like very little thought has gone into the working mothers who may use this room. It is a single chair that reclines too far, a strange mirror and a small desk - a set up that works for neither pumping or working, both of which I am there to do.
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"WELLNESS ROOM"
MOLLY
STRATEGY DIRECTOR
FIRST-TIME MOM & SINGLE MOTHER BY CHOICE
We have three days a week RTO. The “Wellness Room” feels cozy but I wonder how I’m supposed to work at the same time.
I love the connection of breastfeeding but day one I’m already thinking I should have a more realistic pumping goal. Day four and I get put on a pitch. Despite my fears of the workload - I’m energized. I scope out the room on the pitch floor … “This is not a meeting room. It’s a state mandated pumping room.” Says the note scrawled on the door. I can feel the writer’s frustration — she’s also navigating meetings, making sure her child has enough liquid gold, and her boobs don’t explode. The room is not as nice as my floor’s, and I contemplate my choices. Should I prioritize my career or my comfort? Only 87 more days of in-office pumping. But who’s counting? -
"Conference bathroom"
ELIZABETH MITCHELL
VP GROWTH STRATEGY
BOSS BABE, WORKING MOM & ROLE MODEL
I usually work from home so have the privilege of not using any corporate pumping room. But I was going to a conference in Vegas and had to pump on the road.Despite my seniority at the company, I still felt pressure to not make a “big deal” about needing to pump. Rather than ask the team running the conference, I called the hotel myself to inquire about accommodations (to no avail). I figured I’d figure it out while there. First day when the 10am alarm went off, I excused myself from the conference hall and went in search of a more private room. Finding nothing suitable, I figured I’d set myself up in the public bathroom. (It was nice!) I was pulling everything out and thought there must at least be a chair I could grab. I found a side room, announced I’d be taking a chair with me to go pump—and then felt incredibly girl boss walking down the hall, hauling a chair, in my cute corporate dress and heels. Keeping Baby Veera strong!
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"WELLNESS ROOM"
JULIA S
FIRST-TIME MOM
STRATEGY DIRECTOR
While this room is comparatively well situated and decorated, it continues to evoke the circular feelings of want and guilt. A want for better ways to clean and store my pump parts, guilt for asking for more. A want for time and space to pump distraction-free, guilt for missing out on "face time" with my team. A want to breast feed my daughter, guilt for missing those special moments together.
“SECRET MOM CLUB”
ANONYMOUS
CIVIL ENGINEER, GOVERNMENT
FIRST-TIME MOM
My office’s lactation room (the official designation) was designed by our been-there-pumped-everywhere mom colleagues who included thoughtful details that ensure privacy, productivity, and relaxation. Each of two private rooms has a standing desk with internet and a full office setup, and also a Spectra pump, recliner, refrigerator, microwave, full-length mirror, hooks with hangers, and cleaning gear. Complementary supplies like breast milk storage bags, pump wipes, microwave sterilization bags, and cleaning brushes and soap are regularly replenished. Fellow moms leave snacks, books, family photos, and motivational notes for each other in the common sitting area adjoining the private rooms. The space is accessed by card reader, and the private rooms are reserved through an online portal. Everything is cleaned daily.
If I don’t have a meeting or deadline, my ritual is to turn on the white noise machine and soft lighting from the floor lamp, grab a snack and drink, and use my pumping time as a moment to myself between the chaos of work and home. But I usually take calls and answer emails. It’s been so amazing to have a female-centered space in our male-dominated office. We call it our secret mom club. When I bump into colleagues there, we can talk openly and privately about motherhood without people thinking we’re “just moms” if they overheard us. I was worried that pumping at the office would be isolating, but to the contrary I feel supported and appreciated by the community the space has brought together.
