Unlike the author, I have been a breastfeeding mother, who occasionally pumped, and occasionally brought her child along to work. I very, very often breastfed in public, and I never used any formula (why should I?). And I went through no less than three child-led weanings.

And I agree with every single word and punctuation sign. Great article!

I'm not exactly objective in this, as I am the mother of two, one of whom is almost eight months old and was exclusively breastfed until she was six months old. My solution to the working/breastfeeding dilemma was made easier because of the privilege I enjoyed: my boss was willing to let me bring my baby with me to work from the end of my maternity leave (6 weeks) until my daughter was old enough to eat solids (6 months). I realize that is not an option for many, many moms.

The thing is, though, that I can't disagree with what the New Yorker author was trying to say. I have never wanted to be a fulltime stay-at-home mom, nor could we have afforded it if I'd wanted to. Even so, I truly believe that we are making life more difficult for children and moms by promoting this idea that pumping is "just as easy" as breastfeeding--and therefore the best solution for trying to help mothers find a work/life balance. It's not. I have an excellent breastpump, but it is not and cannot be as efficient as my baby is. When I had her with me at work, I could feed and change her in 15 to 20 minutes. Pumping a whole bottle takes three or four sessions of that length. In terms of time suck (no pun intended), having a baby nurse as opposed to pumping for that baby is waaaaaaay less of a burden.

For most women, the work/life balance is not as black and white as "go back to work at 6 weeks and baby goes to daycare and career is maintained" or "stay at home with baby and lose your career". The thing that would really help would be for all women to be eligible for the kind of paid maternity leave that other countries take for granted.

I got seven months paid at 3/4 of my salary when I lived in Europe and had my first child, and that was required by law. I could have taken three more years and been guaranteed my job back. In Europe and elsewhere, women don't have to choose in the same way we do. You know that you can take the time that is allowed by law and still have a job at the end of it. A lactation room--while definitely better than not having such a place--is no substitute for that kind of security.

Breast pumps are good, but babies are better--and I can say that as a very happily working mother.

I breastfed my daughter for over a year, had a very positive experience with it in general, breastfed in public, and went back to work when she was 3 months old, at which time I commenced pumping, and really appreciated my breastpump for making continuing to breastfeed (and work) possible.

So I'm not anti-pump in any way. However, in the increasing expansion and invasion of one's workplace into all moments and aspects of women and men's lives, I think a good or neutral thing like a breast pump, can become like the good or neutral thing we call a Blackberry...a "helpful" device provided by one's employer that allows employees to become accustomed to and then feel obligated to check in with work in all of what used to be their "off hours", even vacations. Too much "sponsorship" by either employers or other advocates, even NOW, of making pumping more available and efficient so I don't have to hesitate about rushing right back to work after a child is born MAY feel like the same thing...a way to "blend" our work and family life that ultimately ends up further eroding our family life in favor of the right or ability to never stop working.

I am kind of cynical about that being a benefit. So I can see where the author is coming from and look forward to reading the article in depth.

So close. And then off into crazyville.

Someone should tell Jill Lepore that women are sometimes separated from their nursing baby for reasons other than work. I nursed 2 babies for over a year each, and here are just a few examples of why I pumped:

1. Sometimes I went out with my husband and left the baby at home. Our sitter would come after we'd put the baby down for the night. But I always made sure I had a bottle or 2 of pumped milk just incase the baby woke up before we got back.

2. Sometimes on that date, I'd have a glass or 2 of wine. Having some alcohol-free milk pumped and in a bottle (in case baby wanted to be fed before the alcohol had been filtered out of my system) helped me *enjoy* the glass of wine, instead of feeling guilty.

3. We were attendants at a wedding when my daughter was still nursing. The dress I wore, at the bride's request, was not "easy-access." I used pumped milk when I simply couldn't retire to a private nook to disrobe my entire upper body and nurse.

4. My firstborn simply refused to nurse, on principle (no medical or physiological reason), for nearly 4 months. I was a SAHM, and I didn't want to use formula. So I pumped round the clock for her until she changed her mind and decided to drink straight from the tap.

5. And I went back to work part-time before the baby was weaned. My choice. A great choice for me, my kid, my husband, and my career.

I sing Hosannas to the company who made my breast pump, and the clever person who designed a hands-free nursing bra. Pumping for me and my babies was a singularly positive experience. And the ability to pump allowed me to be a better mother than I would have otherwise been.