Pumping and employment

kujess1 · May 2014

I work in a health care job where there is a big push for "productivity," meaning a certain percentage of my day is expected to be direct patient care (as opposed to paperwork time). However, my job requires a ton of paperwork of me, so it's a big struggle maintaining my company's productivity standards. Then, when you throw in pumping 3x/day, it becomes that much more difficult. Today, my direct supervisor showed me an email from one of her higher ups, that basically said that my productivity, which has been below their standard this week, is unacceptable, and I quote, "regardless of her personal task if you know what I mean." I am very upset by this comment; I feel like I bust my butt every day. I type and do paperwork every time I pump in order to be as productive as I possibly can. I don't expect them to make major accomodations or anything besides the basics for pumping, but I feel like it would be nice if they cut me a little bit of slack with this issue. I'm tempted to call HR. Anyone know if I have any sort of case against the company, as I feel I am somewhat being discriminated against? It's unfortunate that they are this cold.....but I don't think it's technically illegal? Thoughts?

TheBorg7of9 · May 2014

I am an attorney, so I also have to keep track of my time. I'm confused. If you are still working while you pump, then has your productivity gone down? Regardless, I started working through lunch and working more on weekends to make up the time for pumping.

DahliaFlower · May 2014

My understanding is if you are an employee, your company is required to make reasonable accommodations to allow you to pump as needed during the day. So if you need 20 minutes every 3-4 hours, I believe you should be entitled to do this. It may be that you have to eat while you pump, etc. but in any event, you should have your time to pump.

I struggle with this type of issue, but I am not a salaried employee, so I do not have the same degree of legal protection.

mommatotwo2 · May 2014

Im so sorry you are being treated this way. It's unfair and coldhearted.Calling it "your personal task", when you are providing nutrition for your baby is not appropriate.

I do feel like pumping at work has effected my productivity a little, but like you, I just do the best I can to still work through pumping and/or use my lunch break split into 2 as my pumping time. Currently, I pump twice a day. I am an hourly employee and get an hour lunch break (I work 730-430, so 8 hours of work, 1 hour of lunch). Instead of taking a lunch break, I currently pump at 1130 am and 330 pm. When I was pumping a third time, I tried to work through that one. Or come in a half hour early and do it then.

If you have more than 50 employees at your company, then you are technically protected by Breastfeeding Mother's Rights Laws and could definitely take it to HR or higher.

Myaflowers · May 2014

DahliaFlower said:
My understanding is if you are an employee, your company is required to make reasonable accommodations to allow you to pump as needed during the day. So if you need 20 minutes every 3-4 hours, I believe you should be entitled to do this. It may be that you have to eat while you pump, etc. but in any event, you should have your time to pump.

I struggle with this type of issue, but I am not a salaried employee, so I do not have the same degree of legal protection.

Actually this statement is incorrect. The federal law protects non exempt (hourly) employees. There aren't any federal protections for exempt (salaried) employees. That being said, I would still talk to HR because I would think that they would consider it good practice to accommodate a breastfeeding mother.

I also work in a health care setting. I'm a mental health therapist and am expected to have 8 billable hours per day. I'm salaried, so I wasn't guaranteed pump breaks. I went in and started seeing patients 30 minutes early every day (at 7:30), so I got a 30 minute pump break at 10:30. I pumped in the car on the way to work, at 10:30, and on my lunch hour (12:30). I would go all the way from 12:30 to 5:30 when I got home without nursing or pumping. I started getting mastitis from going so long in between, so my OB wrote me a note saying I had to pump in the afternoon to prevent mastitis. My boss allowed me to run late seeing my last patient so that I could pump (which meant I was about 15 minutes late leaving every day). It sucked, but I made it to a year pumping.

I would talk to your boss and/or HR about how your schedule can be adjusted to accommodate you. You might also see if your OB will write you a note saying you have to pump every 3 hours to avoid plugged ducts and mastitis. Good luck and hope you get it worked out!

Myaflowers · May 2014

Also, keep in mind that if you are an hourly employee and work where there are more than 50 employees, you are entitled to pump breaks (but you are supposed to clock out for them).

Want a personalized experience?

Pumping and employment

Re: Pumping and employment

Choose Another Board

Search Boards