When I was a nursing mom of an infant, there was no federal law mandating private space for lactation. Fortunately, my supervisor allowed me to claim the computer server room for pumping breast milk in private. Not glamorous, but certainly adequate. Now that U.S. law requires most employers to provide lactation rooms, new moms don't have to go rogue simply to keep up their milk supply and provide mama's milk to nourish their babies.
Setting up a lactation room isn't even that complicated. It can be as simple as a converted storage closet with a comfy chair and a sign of a cow on the front door. (Depending on your corporate culture.) Add an electrical outlet, sink and small fridge, and you've got the basics covered.
When I was nursing my babies, the first few weeks back at work were certainly the hardest emotionally and physically. It can be draining to breastfeed and to pump -- but oh, so worth it. And like many things in parenting, it only gets easier as they get older.
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