New Job, pumping and 8 month old, wwyd?

mommatotwo2 · January 2014

Hey Gals.

I accepted a position at a new company, yesterday, I start the beginning of next month, LO will be a little over 8 months at that time. So far, pumping has been going well, I thought I was going to have to quit for awhile, but I was able to build back up a tiny freezer stash over the holidays and LO is taking a few less ounces at daycare, due to being started on solids.

I did ask the HR person at this new company about pumping. It's a large company, so I know they have to following mothers rights laws and all of that (I didn't say that to HR). Anyway, she told me that the office doesn't have a designated pumping space, but that, in the past mothers have just reserved time to pump in the conference room.

So I have several concerns. I usually pump 2-3 times a day (usually 3). Currently, I have my own office and I close the door and pump and keep working. I am not sure what my set up will be at the new place, but I will likely not be by myself for quite sometime, as I'll be being trained. I would feel really awkward about asking to go and pump 3 times while I am there. The only one I'm thinking I can still swing is lunchtime, even if it means going out to my car to pump, which I do one day a week for the current job. However, I don't want to give a bad impression, by not going out to lunch and stuff with my new coworkers/bosses, etc.

How can I handle this? Is there any hope that I can still make my goal of nursing/pumping for a year and then nursing thereafter until LO is ready to be done?

I'm pretty bummed out right now, it's actually sucking the joy out of having gotten a new job.

Any thoughts or advice are greatly appreciated.

XP BMB

VitaLuna · January 2014

I'm not sure why you'd feel really awkward about needing to go pump during training? I guess you have to decide what's more important, continuing to give LO BM while you're away, or making the impression you want at work. There's no right or wrong answer, you just have to decide what you're ok with.

Some others might have more experience with what your supply might do if you only pump once a day at work. Who knows, maybe it would be ok if you pump on your way to work, on your lunch, and once in the afternoon.

mommatotwo2 · January 2014

@VitaLuna, Both things are important, that is why I'm unsure on how to manage both. I've made it this far, I'm just 4 months from my goal, 2/3 done. But, a career is also very important so I'm conflicted.

VitaLuna · January 2014

I'm guessing you'll get breaks. If you're willing to take the chance, you can just wait until the person training you goes on a break, then go to pump at that time. You're at the mercy of their timing, but then you wouldn't have to ask. If it was me, I'd probably just let them know up front that you need to pump, but I also work with a lot of women that have had to pump in the past.

jesuisfatiguee · January 2014

I was very upfront when interviewing for potential positions about needing time and a place to pump at work. I didn't want to waste my time in an uphill battle at work.

Simply let your trainer know at the beginning of the day you'll need to pump x number of times and the general timeframes, and they will likely be understanding. Like @theresat858 said, they have to by law. When I first started at my current job, I was going at lunch each day to nurse LO (8 months), so for my "welcome lunch" they ordered food in.

Seriously, if they think you're leaving a bad impression because you have to pump at lunch and can't go out with the office, they need to get their heads out of their asses.

linzeek44 · January 2014

I started working when LO was 13m so it was a little different since they don't have to provide a place to pump, but they do.

I went in and just said really casually "I'm nursing my son, so I'll need a place to pump at X time. Where should I do that?" I told my team and my boss at the beginning, so that they understood. I know not everyone is as understanding as they are but I think the "this is just how it is" attitude I took really helped. Once in a long meeting my boss actually asked me if I needed a "break" just in case. By telling them ahead of time, they've asked me when scheduling lunch meetings so that I can come and eat with them.

mommatotwo2 · January 2014

Thanks everyone!!

AprilloMom · January 2014

Just be upfront and honest. I'm a nurse and have to tell 2-3 people every time I go off the unit. My first day back I worked with two male nurses...I found that awkward, but now everyone is used to it. I just say, "hey i'm gonna go pump for about 15 mins." If I work with someone I don't know (it's a big hospital) I say, "Hey, I still breastfeed my 8 month old, so I'll be stepping of the unit a few times today to pump...just to give ya a heads up."

Hopefully whoever is training you will be understanding, and it won't be a big deal. Good luck!

charmcity82 · January 2014

I agree with all PP- don't feel awkward! Just be honest and clear with hem about what you need. Once you get into the routine it won't feel awkward at all.

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