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Working and Pumping on Capitol Hill: Say Hello to Congress’ “Boob Cube”
Working and pumping at the nation's Capitol
An article in The Seattle Times today highlights one of the perks of a Capitol Hill job gaining popularity and affection these days — the lactation suite, aka “the boob cube.”
New mothers who work in Congress used to lug their own pumps to work, hide in the bathrooms, and squat near an available electrical outlet (sound familiar?).
Not anymore. A trend is spreading in Washington that gives breastfeeding moms a state-of-the art pumping an nursing experience. Here’s what new motherhood looks like amid the votes and the bills in the nation’s capitol:
Today there are more than half a dozen lactation suites — used my members of Congress, aids, journalists and more.
The one highlighted by The Seattle Times “the boob cube,” is a 12-by-10 room in the basement with frosted glass doors, equipped with an electronic combination lock, two hospital grade pumps, a mini-refridgerator, hand sanitizer and sterile wipes, comfy chairs, multiline phones, a TV (normally with C-SPAN), and power outlets for laptops.
The first lactation suite was put in place in 2006, but Nancy Pelosi has been a driving force in adding more and making them more mom-baby friendly to support the demands of both motherhood and career.
Employers across the country should make Congress their template for working mom accommodations, no? Can you imagine a similar set up at your office, or did you have one like this?
Image: flickr/will palmer
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Working and Pumping on Capitol Hill: Say Hello to Congress’ “Boob Cube” | Family Health Corner commented on Dec 16 10 at 4:03 pmDiana commented on Dec 16 10 at 4:40 pmWow! This is really great. For all the flack Pelosi’s taken, I think her work to expand lactation rooms that are mom friendly demonstrates her commitment to women and families.
I actually had my own office when I was pumping at work so could close the door and work at my computer while pumping. (The gear that wrapped around my breasts and held the pump in place was a huge time saver!)
karen farley commented on Dec 16 10 at 7:49 pmThis is good to hear about. Mothers who want to breastfeed need support like this in the workplace. Worksite Lactation is part of federal health care reform and breastfeeding is a health policy issue. Even better for moms and families would be more paid maternity leave.
PlumbLucky commented on Dec 17 10 at 7:49 amMy, um, suite: an out of the way bathroom – please finish reading before saying anything about THAT – that my employers have decomissioned for now, as in, physically removed the toilet; they’ve hauled a small fridge in there and a second hand recliner. They also made sure that the wireless in the office stretches that far (so I can bring my laptop – my request, not theirs). I have a sink, power, and a fridge. I have a comfy spot to sit. I can’t complain.
Rosana commented on Dec 17 10 at 9:32 amDon’t worry plumlucky, I pumped in a bathroom at work for my son two years ago and now I am doing it for my daughter but never had any problem with my milk making them sick.
Sometimes we do not have nice choices like in Congress but I made a commitement for my kids and was not going to give up because of an inconvenience. However, I am glad to see public money put to good use.
Cheri commented on Dec 17 10 at 10:48 amI was lucky too. I had a quiet office with a comfy chair. No sink, but I didn’t have a problem with walking a ways to rinse my pump parts. It isn’t possible to get water to the area of the office I pumped in.
I just wish ALL women could have the opportunity to pump in a clean, quiet area that they are comfortable in. I had a part time job that had a single bathroom, with a spacious counter top and outlet. It was VERY clean and rarely used, so I was happy to use it with a chair that they brought it. As long as mom is happy with the conditions, then it’s a good thing.
TheFeministBreeder commented on Dec 17 10 at 11:37 amYes, my company had very nice spaces for us, one on every floor. It was a tiny room, but it came with a phone, fridge, Lactina breastpump, and Internet access. They put these rooms in over 5 years ago when IL enacted our powerful breastfeeding protection legislation, including a provision requiring companies to provide moms with a private place to pump.
capmommy commented on Dec 17 10 at 1:55 pmI worked on Cap Hill for many years and had to quit when my son was one. There might be “boob cubes” but when daycare closes at 5pm and you are expected to work until the chambers are done for the day — which might be 11 pm at night, it is hostile workplace for moms. And, the pay is paltry so there is no paying for a nanny if you have to work past 5pm.
heatherturgeon commented on Dec 17 10 at 3:46 pmCapmommy – does capitol hill have their own daycare? curious about that. Plumblucky, it actually sounds like your employer is pretty supportive – re-purposing a bathroom for you to make pumping possible. kinda cool.
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