1511cf66_all_To_Action_on_Breastfeeding__Topic
[ID] 197 [Interest Areas] Concerned Citizen [Comment] This is the biggest hurdle to be addressed. FMLA benefits those who can afford to not get paid. I went back to work at 12 wks out of necessity although we were not ready nor for the stress of being separated. My schedule was incredibly hectic. I would need to rise 3 hrs before my work start time; nurse my child; get ready for work & simultaneously care his other needs; nurse again before work; pump or nurse several times at work--often without adequate support/facilities; rush home at the end of the day to nurse again; get dinner; nurse again before going to bed & then collapse in a state of exhaustion to repeat it all over again day after day; week after wk. I asked my employer if I could telework because the duties of my job did not necessitate me being on site every day to no avail. When I went back to work, I ended up with mastitis & had it a total of 3 times in the 1st yr. Had I not been completely committed to BF and to providing what was best for my child, I would have given up at about the time I went back to work. In fact, that is what my SIL did. She bought the pump and was willing to continue but didn't have the support and gave up at 9 wks postpartum. Other industrialized countries are successful in supporting BF & we should look at what they are doing. Many provide 1-2 years of paid maternity leave. It's a travesty that women here don't get one day of federally guarateed paid leave. [Topic] 
Paid Maternity Leave
Call To Action on Breastfeeding
Topic