Celebrating World Breastfeeding Week

Breastfeeding is a joy and a commitment, so I love to see the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and other world health agencies recognize all the lactating mamas out there! The World Breastfeeding Week theme of 2024 is “Closing the gap: breastfeeding support for all” which includes those who need to pump at work.

As a 90’s mom, I have vivid memories of pumping in the ladies restroom – not great to say the least. Learning from this experience, I was determined to make the situation better for other moms and submitted a proposal for a lactation room. The proposal passed (perhaps due to HR’s embarrassment of hearing the word “breast” discussed in the workplace) but also because of new breastfeeding in the workplace laws. Progress!

If you are breastfeeding and traveling for work, here’s an innovative resource to add to your toolkit.

MilkStork® This company was started by Kate Torgersen as a way to help other breastfeeding moms who travel for work. If you’ve ever pumped, you know every drop is liquid gold, so having to “pump and dump” when traveling is heartbreaking. The company developed a domestic and international breast milk shipping service and offers their products to employers as a family friendly benefit – pretty amazing! Never underestimate the power of a mom to inspire change!

One of the most popular modules in The Stork School for Expectant Parents course is about feeding baby – breast and bottle, common concerns, and how to keep the flow going if you are returning to work. For more info on joining the fall cohort, email us or check out our Course page.

(1)   CDC Breastfeeding Report Card, 2022.