By Melissa Portunato MA, IBCLC

Every year, on January 27th, we celebrate World Pumping Day, a global event dedicated to recognizing and empowering parents who pump breast milk. This day shines a spotlight on the effort, love, and determination it takes to provide breast milk, ensuring babies receive this vital first food. At Spectra Baby USA, we firmly stand by the philosophy that “Pumping is Breastfeeding”, supporting parents in their unique feeding journeys.

World Pumping Day was created to honor parents who use breast pumps as part of their feeding routine. Whether exclusively pumping, supplementing, or combining methods, this day acknowledges their dedication. It also raises awareness about the challenges parents face, including balancing pumping with work schedules, addressing societal stigma, and accessing adequate support and resources.

Supporting Pumping Parents: The ACA and the PUMP Act

In the United States, legislation like the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act has played a significant role in supporting lactating parents.

The Affordable Care Act

The ACA requires insurance plans to cover breastfeeding support, supplies, and counseling without out-of-pocket costs. This includes access to breast pumps, enabling parents to sustain their infant feeding goals by pumping breast milk. 

The PUMP Act (2022)

The PUMP Act expands workplace protections for parents, ensuring reasonable break times and a private, non-bathroom space for pumping. It extends these rights to an additional 9 million workers, such as teachers, nurses, and agricultural workers, fostering an environment where pumping is supported and normalized.

Spectra Baby USA: Celebrating Pumping and Empowering Families

At Spectra Baby USA, we are committed to equipping families with the tools and knowledge they need for successful breastfeeding and pumping. Our innovative breast pumps are designed to make pumping convenient and comfortable.

We also provide educational resources, live Q&A sessions with lactation consultants, and a supportive non-judgmental community to address the emotional and practical aspects of pumping. 

This World Pumping Day, we honor the dedication of pumping parents and celebrate the progress made in the mom-baby community. Thanks to legislative advancements like the ACA and PUMP Act, along with the support of companies like Spectra Baby USA, pumping parents are receiving the recognition and resources they deserve.

At Spectra, we stand proudly by our belief that “Pumping is Breastfeeding” and are here to support every parent along the way. Happy World Pumping Day!

Trusted Resources for Pumping Parents

For evidence-based guidance, here are a few trusted resources:

1. Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocols
   • ABM’s “Clinical Protocol #8: Human Milk Storage for Home Use for Full-Term Infants” offers guidelines on safe milk storage.
     Available here.
2. U.S. Department of Labor: PUMP Act Information
   • Learn more about workplace rights under the PUMP Act.
     Website: www.dol.gov/pumpact
3. La Leche League International
   • Offers breastfeeding and pumping support with helpful tips and expert advice.
     Website: www.llli.org