Pumping in a restroom?

lalyssalou

I work at a retail shop in a mall.  The shop has a small, private bathroom for employees (we're the only shop with its own restroom), but the mall itself has a mother's lounge near the restrooms in the food court.  The lounge has only one chair, and every time I have walked by, it's been in use.  The lounge is on the complete opposite end of the mall, and I will only get 15min for my break.  Retail seems to be less lenient when it comes to how long your breaks are, so I don't know that I'll be able to pump longer than 5 minutes once the walking, setting up, and cleaning up are all considered

In this case, I may opt to pump in our bathroom, however unsavory the idea is.  How would I go about doing that?  Do I sit on the edge of the toilet?  Do I stand the entire time?  The room is large enough- should I bring my own folding chair from home to sit on?

I didn't think of this until this weekend (I have another 6 weeks before returning to work) when I had to pump in the restroom at the museum, and I stood the whole time.  I was so tired to begin with and standing there with my manual was just exhausting, but I wasn't sure if I should sit on the toilet!

Ashley&Scott

If you have to pump in the restroom I would probably stand or sit on a folding chair.

Are there any other options, maybe a dressing room or storage room you could use? 

lalyssalou

We sell tea, so no dressing room, and the storage room is offsite.  But thanks for the suggestions!  There are a few clothing stores near us- if I make friendly, I wonder if they would let me borrow one of their changing rooms.

shannm

I would bring in a chair if there is space.  I pumped in the disabled stall at work for 6 months on an extra chair I put in by an outlet we had installed.  I sat and placed a receiving blanket on my lap in case of spills and just assembled and held everything on my lap.  No big deal.   

jnealet

Does the manager have an office that you could use?

If you only have 15 minutes, then I would plan on using the bathroom and not going to a dressing room.  I really don't think you would want to use a dressing room either, pumps are loud.

 

Ms5586

I would do the bathroom if you have so little time.  I'd bring in a chair too.  If a dressing room will work, then awesome.  Yes, pumps are loud, but it's nothing to be embarrased about. 

E35

My vote is that you bring a folding chair from home, label it with your name, and keep it tucked away in the restroom or someplace nearby. 

Mrs.BoomBoom

E35:

My vote is that you bring a folding chair from home, label it with your name, and keep it tucked away in the restroom or someplace nearby. 

I'd also get an electric...you're not going to want to use a manual

Printergirl

Random tips:

Battery packs are your friend! If your pump didn't get wiith one get one and use that rather than having to plug in each time.

Another trick - 2 plastic bags. Pump parts in one, tie close and put that in another bag with your milk in the fridge/cooler. It saves washing parts between pumping.

I'd still make friends with the stores near you..they may have an office or private space you could use rather than the dressing room.

 

mittensonkittens

Mrs.BoomBoom:

E35:

My vote is that you bring a folding chair from home, label it with your name, and keep it tucked away in the restroom or someplace nearby. 

I'd also get an electric...you're not going to want to use a manual

 A DOUBLE electric.  You won't have time to do both sides with a single.  Good pumps are expensive, but they are less expensive than formula in the long run.

ss+el

I would bring a chair and pump in the restroom. A tea shop in a mall sounds like it doesn't have a lot of employees (am I right?), so I'm picturing it being fairly clean. I imagine everyone would respect your stuff and keep the area clean for you.