The saying goes, "There is a time and place for everything," unfortunately for working mothers who decide to breast feed, there is no place and having time is not an option in many work environments.

The decision to stop natural feeding has become a decision based on condition, not preference, according to a survey conducted at the MRSOC.

Sheryl Reynolds and Senior Airman Brenda Stout revealed cases of mothers who started breast feeding but discontinued after returning to work. Some reasons given were the undesirable conditions that included inadequate privacy and storage space for milk. "There are women who have to use restroom stalls or shower areas to express milk for their newborns; it's not clean, and the lack of privacy causes many women to stop breast- feeding." said Reynolds. "Women who breast feed have to maintain a regulated schedule to continue producing milk. It's about supply and demand that's dependent on your child's feeding cycle," she explained.

Sheryl Reynolds explains the use of the Medela Classic Breast Pump.

Presented with the results of the survey and cost estimates, the 93rd Intelligence Squadron Commander, Lt. Col. John Warren, said it was not a question of funding, rather, "the right thing to do. We spend money on gyms, when we could very well get the exercise from running outside. Mothers will spend more time at work and be less inclined to extend maternity leave."

Warren, the father of nine, says he understands "second hand," and admits he has received both good and bad criticism; however, he attributes the negative concerns to a lack of understanding, education and sensitivity about the needs of nursing mothers.

Finding a location for the nursing room ironically turned out to be a restroom which had the basic necessities, according to Stout.

The room was completely renovated into a comfortable room that offered sinks, a refrigerator, privacy and a high quality Medela Classic Breast Pump available 24 hours for mothers at the operations center. The total self-help project will offer a network of support for first time moms who may have questions about natural feeding, says Stout.

Both women, although advocated for natural feeding, add they believe breast-feeding should be a choice based on preference, not condition. Studies indicate children who breast feed are generally healthier.

Clinical Nurse Specialist Maj. Trish Wilhelm, Wilford Hall, says breast-feeding offers long-term benefits. "There is a bond that is created between mother and child. The quality of milk is better, and it's cheaper." Wilhelm adds that a good machine is a necessity, but there are less expensive ones available.

For more information about the Medina nursing room or equipment purchases, call Reynolds at DSN 473-4585 or commercial (210) 671-4585.

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