World Breastfeeding Week wrapped up last week, but it was immediately followed by the kick off of Indigenous Milk Medicine Week (IMMW). It is observed each August 8-14 as another spotlighted week during National Breastfeeding Month. Indigenous cultures have long recognized the healing properties of breast milk. Indigenous Milk Medicine honors this tradition and emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity in breastfeeding support.
Unapologetically Indigenous: Love, Landback, and Liberation
This year’s theme, “Unapologetically Indegenous: Love, Landback, and Liberation,” will affirm Milk Medicine as living knowledge that nourishes sovereignty and love. They aim to celebrate the strength, connection, and healing that Milk Medicine brings through community care. “From our Ancestors to future generations, Milk Medicine is a vital thread that holds us together,” their website states.
- Love is the core of the Indigenous Milk Medicine Collective does as deep kinship is what binds communities and families.
- Landback represents the reclamation of traditions and practices that have sustained the community for generations.
- Liberation stands for the reclamation of the right to practice traditional birthkeeping and lactation.
Each day of IMMW features a theme, complete with “what to wear” and a directive for individuals to participate or show their support online. The week kicked off with a livestream on Aug. 7. You can catch the replay, featuring artist Soni Lopez-Chavez (Chichimeca), on their Facebook page along with Q&A sessions and other featured live streams. The event’s virtual 5K kicked off Aug. 9 and is open to participation through Aug. 14.
Virtual Conference & Featured Artist
On Monday, Aug. 11 the Indigenous Milk Medicine Conference began. The virtual event runs through Aug. 14 and offers a unique opportunity for participants to learn from knowledge sharing educational sessions.. The sessions include topics such as, “Unmasking Neurodiversity in Indigenous Lactation and Early Postpartum”, “First Foods, Fluid Identities: Parenting and Feeding 2-Spirit Futures”, and more. Each day offers valuable sessions with powerful speakers.
Part of IMMW is to feature an Indigenous artist that will uplift and highlight Indigenous talent while bringing to life that year’s theme. The 2025 featured artist is Soni Lopez-Chavez. She is a Chichimeca artist whose powerful work centers Indigenous identity, healing, and liberation.
Supporting All Moms During National Breastfeeding Month
Hygeia Health is committed to supporting all mothers, including Indigenous moms, on their breastfeeding journey. Our breast pumps are designed with comfort and efficiency in mind, but we know that a great pump is just one piece of the puzzle. We believe in providing comprehensive support, including education, resources, and community. Hygeia offers moms an opportunity to receive a high quality pump 100% covered by their insurance. Find out if you qualify here.
Let’s continue to celebrate the power of breast milk in the month of August, and advocate for policies that support Indigenous Milk Medicine families year-round.
Returning to work after maternity leave presents a unique set of challenges for new mothers. Not only can it be emotionally wrecking to leave your baby for the first time, but continuing to breastfeed adds new workplace barriers to navigate in your daily workflow.
For those choosing to breastfeed, adding pumping sessions to a workday can feel like a complex puzzle. Workplace environments, unfortunately, do not always offer the seamless support needed. Understanding common barriers and knowing how to overcome them is key to a successful breastfeeding journey.
The power tools needed to succeed? Know your rights. Communicate proactively. Be prepared. This guide will outline the main obstacles many breastfeeding moms face and provide actionable solutions to ensure you can continue providing for your baby while managing your career.
Lack of Adequate Space for Pumping & Cleaning
Concern: Many workplaces do not provide private, clean, and comfortable spaces (other than a bathroom) for expressing milk even though it is legally required in many places. Not only does this make it awkward for the actual job of pumping, but it’s troubling to not have sanitary and accessible facilities for cleaning pump parts.
Solution: Request a dedicated pumping space. Clearly communicate the need for a private, clean space that is not a bathroom. Offer suggestions if your workplace doesn’t currently have one (e.g., a spare office, a partitioned area).
Rigid Work Schedules & Break Times
Concern: Inflexible schedules, long hours, and limited control over breaks can make regular pumping difficult, especially for mothers of newborns who need to pump frequently. Even with legal requirements for “reasonable break time,” the actual time needed to pump, set up, clean, and store milk can be challenging to fit into demanding work schedules. Additionally, jobs that involve frequent travel can pose significant logistical challenges for breastfeeding mothers needing to pump and store milk on the go.
Solution: Develop a pumping schedule and a system, but communication is key. Plan your pumping breaks and discuss them with your supervisor to ensure they are feasible within your workday. Be prepared to be flexible, but advocate for your needs. Utilizing hands-free pumping options like a hands-free breast pump or pumping bra can allow you to work on some tasks while pumping, maximizing your time.
Concerns about Job Security or Advancement
Concern: Some mothers fear that taking time to pump or requesting accommodations might negatively impact their career progression or job security. This is likely because many new mothers may not be fully aware of their legal rights to break time and a private pumping space.
Solution: Know your rights! Familiarize yourself with federal and state laws regarding breastfeeding in the workplace. The PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) provide important protections regarding break time and private space.
Unsupportive Work Culture
Concern: A lack of understanding or empathy from supervisors and colleagues can create pressure to prioritize work over pumping, leading to stress and potential impact on milk supply. This lack of open acceptance in the workplace culture make moms feel uncomfortable or self-conscious about pumping at work.
Solution: Educate your workplace. If you sense a lack of understanding, provide your employer and colleagues with information about the benefits of breastfeeding and the legal requirements for supporting nursing mothers. Resources from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and their Office on Women’s Health.
Being Unprepared
Concern: Having a routine in your own home does not always translate to a relaxed routine in a new environment. Physically demanding jobs may make finding the time and energy to pump consistently more challenging as well.
Solution: Pack and prepare efficiently. Have all your pumping supplies organized and ready to go to minimize setup and cleanup time. Consider bringing extra pump parts to avoid the need to wash them immediately if facilities are limited. Also have a plan for storing your breast milk safely, whether in a personal cooler or a designated refrigerator (if available and permitted). Being prepared with all of your supplies will help establish a routine for your new workplace situation.
Bonus Tips for the Best Experience
Communicate Proactively with Your Employer: Discuss your needs with your employer before returning to work. Having an early conversation allows for planning and addressing potential concerns.
Advocate for Workplace Policy Changes: If you encounter significant barriers, consider working with HR or other employee groups to advocate for more supportive breastfeeding policies within your workplace.
Know Your Options if Your Rights Are Violated: If your employer fails to provide the legally required accommodations, you have the right to file a complaint with the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor.
Seek Support: Connect with other breastfeeding mothers or lactation consultants for advice and emotional support in navigating workplace challenges. Online support groups or local organizations can be valuable resources.
Hygeia Offers Pump Support
Returning to work while continuing to breastfeed is a significant commitment. Every ounce of breast milk you provide is valuable, and your ability to do so should be supported.
At Hygeia Health, we understand these challenges intimately. We believe that providing a high-quality breast pump should be a right, not a luxury, helping you overcome some of these workplace hurdles with ease. Our hospital-grade breast pumps are designed for efficiency and reliability, making your pumping sessions smoother and more productive.
Don’t let workplace barriers keep you from your breastfeeding goals. Let Hygeia help navigate insurance coverage and get a premium, 100% insurance-covered breast pump delivered right to your door. Having the best pump is the first step toward a more supported return to work.
We are dedicated to supporting your breastfeeding journey every step of the way. Apply today to see if you qualify for a free Hygeia Health breast pump.
World Breastfeeding Week may be coming to a close, we have only kicked off National Breastfeeding Month, with the theme of “Nourish, Sustain, Thrive”. While all breastfeeding is celebrated this month, this blog post will highlight the specific awareness weeks that will be taking place. Let’s acknowledge the unique experiences of different communities and learn how we can better support them.
Indigenous Milk Medicine Week
Dates: Aug. 8-14
Indigenous cultures have long recognized the healing properties of breast milk. Indigenous Milk Medicine honors this tradition and emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity in breastfeeding support. Learn more.
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Breastfeeding Week
Dates: Aug. 15-21
The Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community faces unique challenges, including language barriers, cultural expectations, and limited access to culturally competent care. Raising awareness and providing culturally appropriate support is essential. Learn more.
Black Breastfeeding Week
Dates: Aug. 25-31
Black women have lower breastfeeding rates compared to other racial groups. Addressing systemic racism, providing culturally sensitive care, and creating supportive communities are crucial steps toward improving Black breastfeeding outcomes. Learn more.
Workplace Lactation Awareness Week
Dates: Sept. 1-7
Supporting breastfeeding mothers in the workplace is essential. Creating lactation rooms, offering flexible work arrangements, and providing education on breastfeeding and pumping can make a significant difference. Learn more.
By working together, we can create a world where every mother has the support she needs to breastfeed. Hygeia Health is committed to supporting mothers on their breastfeeding journey. Our breast pumps are designed with comfort and efficiency in mind, but we know that a great pump is just one piece of the puzzle. We believe in providing comprehensive support, including education, resources, and community.
Let’s continue to celebrate the power of breast milk in the month of August, but we will advocate for policies that support breastfeeding families every month of the year.
