Hidden Within the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: Women can now flash their breasts at work.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

By Mary Elizabeth Williams

Thank you, page 1239! Deep within the new health care bill, right before the part where the Rostovs flee Moscow, there's a neat provision that will thrill working mothers. CNN notes this week that companies with 50 or more employees are now required to provide "a place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from co-workers and the public, which may be used by an employee to express breast milk."

Why is this a big deal? Well, if you've ever been in a public bathroom, it should come as no surprise that nursing moms rarely respond with a big whoop when anybody suggests they just hustle their breasts to the nearest toilet.

The idea that nursing mothers need to be "shielded from view" may strike breastfeeding advocates as unnecessarily modest. But the win here isn't for prudishness; it's for simple comfort. Nursing a baby at the local latte joint or on a bench at the playground is easy peasy, because those are friendly, relaxed environments. Strapping on the Medela Freestyle while you're at your desk on a conference call or under the harsh restroom lights making small talk with Julie from accounting – that's no picnic. Is it any wonder that breastfeeding rates drop off when women return to work?

Coming close to the release of yet another study showing the life- and money-saving benefits of breastfeeding, the provision is a welcome one. It'd be nice, then, if CNN didn't feel the need to give lip service to the notion that "some view the enthusiasm for breastfeeding as hysteria" because "the pressure to breastfeed is still tremendous."

Only half of all American businesses already offer some space for nursing mothers -- and it's doubtful the new law will get the rest scrambling to provide them ASAP. Less than three quarters of all babies in the United States are ever breastfeed, and only 22.7 percent of them are still nursing after one year. Page 1239 likely won't create a mania for lactation. But it may encourage more working women to keep nursing and keep doing it longer. And that's healthcare reform we can all get behind.

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Edited April 13, 2010 by El Buscador

[Susita 175]

Awesome news.

Now if I can just get all these judgmental women off my back who have a problem with breastfeeding - men don't seem to care about it as much

[Fandango 1,440]

I'm 'one of those women' that have a probbo with public bf Sus Yes, it's natural, but so is taking a poop.

[Susita 175]

I'm 'one of those women' that have a probbo with public bf Sus Yes, it's natural, but so is taking a poop.

Well I guess I'm happy you don't make the laws then Cause I'm not being chained to my house just because some people don't like it. It's not like I walk around with my boobs hanging out anyway. No one can even tell what's going on unless they seriously like stand over you anyway. And if a woman gets that close to me she's got other problems to worry about

Difference between poop & breastfeeding - uhmmm, I'm feeding my kid. And I'm not sitting in a nasty disgusting, germ infected bathroom stall to feed my kid. You guys DO see the problem with this don't you?

[Obama 2012 1,714]

More government overstepping its bounds in forcing a workplace to have special sections for 'special' people. Are you ###### kidding me?

This might be small, but it's pure stupidity in making this a requirement for a business to set aside a special area for this.

Granted, why don't we just go ahead and outlaw baby formula and mandate breast feeding period. I'm sure that would go over well. It would have plenty of support, so screw the people who are against it. I mean after all it's said to be more healthy and we're promoting health here.

Well and what if I get horny as hell in the middle of the day. I want a special and private place to go relieve myself that isn't a bathroom. I consider it harmful to my mental state during the day for not having such a place.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

More government overstepping its bounds in forcing a workplace to have special sections for 'special' people. Are you ###### kidding me?

If you feel left out, you could take some estrogen and grow your own breasts.

[Susita 175]

If you feel left out, you could take some estrogen and grow your own breasts.

I also don't see how jerking off and feeding your child are similar.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I also don't see how jerking off and feeding your child are similar.

Paul likes to think he's being maternal when he strokes himself.

[mawilson 2,133]

Don't let women bring kids to work, problem solved.

####### is a nursing mother doing at her desk on a conference call?

Edited April 13, 2010 by mawilson

[Empress of Groovy 373]

Don't let women bring kids to work, problem solved.

####### is a nursing mother doing at her desk on a conference call?

I think it's referring to using a breast pump.

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

I think Steve will be flashing his abundant man boobs at work now. Maybe you can pump some of that guvament milk you like to drink so much of and recycle it back to some poor needy soul.

Edited April 13, 2010 by Col. Lingus

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I think Steve will be flashing his abundant man boobs at work now. Maybe you can pump some of that guvament milk you like to drink so much of and recycle it back to some poor needy soul.

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

I thought you were doin Barry these days? But you liking something cute fat and hairy doesnt surprise me.

[natty bumppo 297]

I thought you were doin Barry these days? But you liking something cute fat and hairy doesnt surprise me.

dude ... where you been besides working to support the leaches ?!?!?!

how goes?

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

dude ... where you been besides working to support the leaches ?!?!?!

how goes?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19v5Kjmc8FI

Just workin my a$$ off so Obama will have some stash to give to the leaches. Good to hear from you, hope everything is well with you and your family.

Edited April 14, 2010 by Col. Lingus