On the general discussion of working, or quitting to take care of young
children, I would like to add this viewpoint.

When a mom is considering quitting employment because she otherwise does not
feel that she can mother or breastfeed in the manner that her child
requires, I wish they would also consider *staying*, and negotiating for
change in our workplaces.  Especially if the mom is "on the fence" about
working, she can use this to her advantage in negotiating changes that might
improve her ability to balance working with mothering and breastfeeding.
And if these changes are made, this will make working conditions better for
all the mothers who follow after her.

I've always felt that that you should presume that there is a fair exchange
in the labour market - ie - the employer needs you, as much as you need the
employer.  Especially as the Baby Boomers age and retire, there will be a
shortage in the labour market.  Employers will need to be more creative and
flexible to attract and retain employees.

When I returned to work after a 6 month maternity leave (the standard here
in Canada at the time)  I strongly wanted to stay home, but all my peers
seemed to return to work. We needed the income because my husband was
transitioning out of the paid workplace to self-employment.  But I also knew
we would manage regardless (luxury of Canadian gov't medicare system,
perhaps?) and this empowered me to negotiate hard with my employer for
accomodations that allowed me to continue breastfeeding, despite working
away from home, and attending week-long sales conferences (I brought my
child with me).  (I never used formula, pumped or used a bottle).

This viewpoint may not apply to Dr. Jennifer's patient.  But I also hear
that she is a professional, working in a small town - how easy would it be
for her employer to replace her?  I also worked in a rural area, quite
independantly, was experienced and knew my clients.  I could be replaced,
but not without significant disruption in the company's sales activities.  I
used this situation to my advantage to negotiate for accomodations.

My point is, I wish that more moms would ask for what they need- and stand
up for the importance of contact with their children, and breastfeeding,
before simply quitting their jobs.  I'm mean, if you are going to quit
anyhow, what have you got to lose in asking for possible changes to work
schedule, etc.  Don't just go quietly off, back to the home.  I know this
takes energy, and many moms may not be interested in this kind of advocacy,
but the more women that take a stand that workplaces do not have the right
to impact on significant health decisions like breastfeeding, the sooner we
will move toward a breastfeeding-friendly and mothering-friendly culture.

Janice Reynolds
Nokomis, Saskatchewan, Canada

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