I was 7 weeks postpartum, finding out I would no longer have a job because of a natural choice. A choice I made to provide nutrition for my newborn baby girl. Can you imagine? I was heartbroken and confused.
Shortly after, I applied to 47 jobs in just twenty-four hours. I went to four job interviews and was offered multiple positions. Luckily, I landed a job where lactating mothers are welcomed with open arms. I now have a room where I am able to pump at any time. This is what ALL mothers should experience.
Two days after being fired, I received messages from both of the owners at my previous job. ‘Do you want to come sit and talk? Perhaps we can try to accommodate you.’ You mean AFTER you fired me? I thought to myself, ‘Why would I go to work for someone who made it clear that they didn’t support nursing mothers?’
One night, while rocking Reagan to sleep, it hit me like a ton of bricks that my story was profound. I was fired for doing something natural. For doing something women did every single day. I was fired for making what I felt was the best decision for my family.
No mother should ever be fired for making the decision between breastfeeding or formula. I want to be a voice for all nursing moms. I hope the law will someday change after my story!
