So, I had a training session at Johnson Space Center today. DD's eating schedule didn't line up quite right with when I needed to leave this morning, so I ended up pumping in my car during my commute for the first time. It took me awhile to get a letdown, but other than that - piece of cake!
There wasn't really an opportunity for me to leave the 5 hour session (two 10 minute breaks and we worked through lunch!) so afterwards I REALLY needed to pump. I didn't really want to pump in my car again, so I asked the receptionist if (1) they had a lactation room, and (2) would they allow a non-employee to use it. She was super sweet and looked into it for me. Didn't think twice about it. They decided to let me use the first aid room in the back by security. She walked me all the way over there, and then a nice security guard let me in the room. It had a sink, nice comfy chair, and a table.
I feel like there are plenty of stories in the news about companies/restaurants/etc that are NOT supportive of nursing mothers - I wanted to share a story of a place that I think went above and beyond.
Re: Adventures in pumping :) Praise for JSC
And they give a pump set (tubes, flanges, etc) to use those pumps to any employee or contractor who asks. Although to be fair, the women donate the magazines
j+k+m+e | running with needles
Good for them. People out there are generally very nice and do their best.
Of course, when I worked out there they tried the pumping in the multi-stall bathrooms approach...then there was the dark storage closet that everyone and their mother had a key to...
To management's credit, I rejected these ideas and got better. It was simply a matter of being ignorant about what is acceptable, rather than being hostile/unfriendly.
I was in the touristy building with all the kids stuff.
I did a quick google search before I went to see if they had anything on their website about it - and I found this. https://ohp.nasa.gov/disciplines/hpromo/hpwTeam/meetings/presentations/2010/JSC_Collaboration_Lactation_Project.pdf
Also, one of the moms in my moms group works there and she says that the lactation room in her building is great. I would think they could make your building more BF friendly if you asked - definitely talk to HR if need be!
DS born Dec 10, 2013