On September 6, I had the privilege of participating in an inspiring roundtable discussion in Washington, DC, as part of Workplace Lactation Week. The conversation, hosted by the White House Office of Public Engagement and the Gender Policy Council, focused on two critical pieces of legislation: the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA).
Walking through the city that morning, I couldn’t help but reflect on the things that feel so familiar—the sight of a grandmother pushing a stroller, a toddler happily walking down the street with their preschool teacher, the smell of freshly cut grass, and the constant hum of construction. But there are differences, too—the fences and barriers around everything, reminding me of the obstacles we still face in our advocacy work.
When I finally reached the meeting, I was surrounded by an incredible group of advocates from across the country, all passionate about making workplaces more supportive for lactating parents. The session opened with a parent sharing their story—an experience many of us know too well—of being unable to pump at work due to lack of proper facilities or understanding from their employer.
I had the honor of sharing Breastfeed Durham’s success story with the group. With funding from the Durham County Commissioners, our team went door-to-door, visiting businesses across the county, educating them on the PUMP Act, and encouraging them to go beyond the law to create welcoming environments for lactating employees. The work of Bernadette and our team has gained national attention, and it was humbling to highlight how small but determined efforts can lead to meaningful change.
It was also powerful to hear from leaders in Vice President Harris’s office, who acknowledged that the PUMP Act is “the least we can do” and expressed their commitment to doing more for lactating families. Hearing this made me realize that while we have made great strides, there is still much work ahead of us.
Standing in the same city where so many advocates have fought for change, I felt the weight of history and the importance of our continued efforts. This day in DC was a reminder that even though our goals sometimes seem distant, with dedication and passion, we can move closer to creating a world where every family is supported, no matter where they are.
