Help with pumping at work

HisChamaoleGirl · December 2013

Today is my first day back to work and I BF LO. When I initially spoke to my supervisor about needing a place to pump prior to my return he exclaimed "agh! Too much information!" I then moved on to the supervisor over him who said he was ok with me closing my office to pump. Here's the thing: I work with all men and the only other female leaves the company next week. When I close my office door and they know I am inside (lights on) they will knock on the door and attempt to talk to me. I need a sign that says more than just "closed" bc they are ignoring that. Please help me come up with a sign to explain my office will be closed for about 15 minutes and I am unavailable and is professional. Everything I think of is a bit on the passive aggressive side.

ncbelle · December 2013

How many people are in your office? If it's not many, I'd just sit them all down or send everyone an email and explain "I'll be pumping multiple times a day. When I have a sign on my door, please don't disturb me." Being male doesn't give them the right to have such immature reactions to needing to pump!

thedash · December 2013

ncbelle said:

How many people are in your office? If it's not many, I'd just sit them all down or send everyone an email and explain "I'll be pumping multiple times a day. When I have a sign on my door, please don't disturb me." Being male doesn't give them the right to have such immature reactions to needing to pump!

I completely agree! I've had to tell male bosses, coworkers, colleagues from other companies and judges about my need for pumping breaks. They all deal with it like adults. And I like PP's suggestion about the sign saying to please not disturb you and you will be available by email or in 20 minutes.

VitaLuna · December 2013

I agree with the above. If it's just a small group of people, let them know that you're pumping when your door is shut. Chances are they'll stay far away once you tell them.

HisChamaoleGirl · December 2013

Its not a small group of people. I am in the Army and the whole battalion does business with my office. It would be waaaay to difficult to get everyone in the same place for a briefing of that nature. Not to mention it wouldn't happen.

I can try the do not disturb sign and see how well that goes over.

Clynnpollock · December 2013

Before we had a mom's room for nursing moms, we had an office that was used and we put a sign on the door that read something like, please do not disturb, I'm busy preparing breakfast, lunch and dinner...

HisChamaoleGirl · December 2013

casey78 said:

I'm sorry your supervisor is a dope. I'd go with a simple "pumping in progress: do not disturb." That would make most immature people I know uncomfortable enough to keep some distance. I'd hesitate to get cows involved because the immature ones may stand outside your door and moo.

A few ideas below

These are just great! Thanks for sharing :-)

MA&CB · December 2013

I just had a sign on my door that said "Do not disturb, please try back in 20 minutes or send an email" and never had anyone knock on my door.

Carnation77 · December 2013

Put up a "do not disturb" sign with info on when you'll be open again for business and your phone number and email address. If anyone asks about it just tell them you're still breastfeeding and need to pump a few times a day.

If they still knock and try to talk to you through the door just ignore them unless it's someone you know outranks you. If that's the case then just talk to them through the door. If they still insist on bothering you leave your pumping stuff out where they can see it and invite them in but putting your blouse back on. I had to do this with someone who kept bugging me. He stopped after that.

drtarajp · December 2013

I work in a small hospital and myself and one of the pharmacists pump at work. We have a OR room that is dedicated as our lactation room. We place a sign that says "Privacy Please" on the door when we are in there. i am very open about pumping at work (not TMI or anything) if people ask me what i am doing when they see me in the halls with my little black back pack on, i tell them 'i'm going to pump!'- i dont care if its male or female

24ladybug · December 2013

I use my bosses office and a ton of people have the key.
I have to put a piece of frog tape over the key hole which makes people pause enough to read the sign. Otherwise they just come in without even reading the do no reserve sign.

TexasAggie06 · December 2013

I pump in a small office (that a coworker is nice enough to let me borrow). I put a big red laminated sign on the door that says 'DO NOT DISTURB. DO NOT ENTER. PLEASE COME BACK IN 20 MINUTES.'

msjanet02 · December 2013

My sign says "DO NOT DISTURB. Privacy for mom, please" which I think gives just enough info for guys to maybe get the hint (maybe not) but it's been working for me!

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Help with pumping at work

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