The Foreign Service Journal, May 2011

M A Y 2 0 1 1 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 55 one of several pumping students at FSI. The other moth- ers and I found each other through shared use of the of- fice of an instructor who was particularly supportive of lactation, happily vacating her space whenever one of us was on a break and needed to pump. While this worked as a temporary measure, it was certainly not an ideal long- term solution. So as a group, we decided to approach FSI management. In a meeting with Executive Director Catherine Rus- sell, we learned that a lactation roomwas already included in the design for FSI’s new building. As a stopgap meas- ure, Russell offered to work with her facilities team to retrofit handicapped toilet stalls throughout FSI with out- lets and shelves, and the first stall was completed within weeks. Pumping in a bathroom is not particularly com- fortable, and there may be sanitary concerns with this arrangement, but it offered another option to mothers who struggled with finding a vacant classroom or volunteered office space. And due to the huge crush of new students and required staff as a result of the Diplomatic Readiness Initiative, we were sympathetic to management’s very real lack of available space. With the recent completion of the new building, FSI now leads the department’s domestic facilities in the sup- port it offers to breastfeeding mothers. The lactation room is set up to accommodate three pumping women at a time, and FSI management reports that it is heavily used. Rus- sell and her team also offer support to lactating students who may need help in negotiating breaks from their train- ing, which can be a challenge for new employees in par- ticular. One of the mothers told Russell that she was grateful not only for the logistical support FSI offered, but also for the encouragement she received from the other mothers who used the lactation room. Investment in the Future We don’t stop being individuals with personal needs when we clock in at work. State acknowledges this fact by recognizing the need for strong policies that help employ- ees find and maintain that elusive work-life balance. Sup- porting breastfeeding mothers is one low-cost, high-return way for the department to help its employees meet the needs of their families. I have spent five of the last 10 years pumping for my three children. During that time, I’ve seen the accumu- lated wisdom on making pumping work in the Foreign Service context travel by word of mouth, from mother to mother, in the old-fashioned way. In just the last two years, there have been several ideas on the State Department OpenNet Sounding Board and a Diplopedia article on the subject. Meanwhile, there is growing momentum outside the department, as well. Breast pumps have recently been designated as tax-deductible purchases, and the health care reform law mandates new breastfeeding rights for public-sector employees. President Barack Obama has gone one step further, asking federal agencies to establish new guidelines to support pumping and breastfeeding for all their employees. It’s time for the Department of State to move from the ad hoc provision of space and time to the development of a global lactation policy that actively supports the cadre of breastfeeding employees, whether Civil Service, Foreign Service or locally employed. The return on such an in- vestment will be measured not only in dollars, but in em- ployees’ improved evaluations of their work-life balance. F O C U S Pumping Tips Transporting Milk Overseas. When first arriving at post, you’ll need breast milk immediately for those first few days at work. Before departing the U.S., use up your frozen milk and travel with the last week’s worth of fresh milk (not frozen) in a cooler bag, refreshing the ice multiple times en route. Use or freeze that milk immediately on arrival at post. Finding a 220-Volt Pump Power Supply. The major brands of dual electric pumps offer power supplies in both 220-volt and 110-volt versions. You can find them at various online shops, including www.momandbabyshop.com. Washing Pump Parts. Unless your baby has a compro- mised immune system, treat your pump parts as you do your daily dishes. Wash them in hot, soapy water and allow them to completely air-dry, instructing household staff not to towel-dry any pump parts. Dealing with Power Outages. Have a battery backup, car adapter or manual pump (such as the Avent Isis) on hand in case of power outages. Being comfortable with manual ex- pression techniques can also be a lifesaver when you don’t have easy access to your pump. Other Sources of Information. The La Leche League (www.llli.org) an d Kellymom (www.kellymom.com) W eb sites have numerous articles on breastfeeding and pumping issues. Both sites also have active forums where mothers can ask questions specific to their situations. — Elizabeth Power