Cramped quarters... Pumping probs

Babysaunders · June 2014

So Im an RN in a hospital that PROMOTES Breastfeeding.....And this is where I get to pump. In a tiny closet with a crappy chair and a smelly shower that's never used. Also, if this one tiny room is in use by the other 60 women I work with, you are subjected to pump in the locker room where everyone can walk in or out at will. I also get to eat in here as my department can't hold extra staff to be able to give breaks. I went back to work Monday and have had to beg people to let me go pump. Yesterday I worked >13 hours and was lucky I got to pump 3 times.

For your viewing pleasure:

Let's see your pumping quarters.

Edited to add more dramatization.

dancer7889 · June 2014

I don't have a picture, but at my internship I pumped in the staff bathroom. Not ideal, but I was at a board of dd building, so I couldn't pump in any of the classrooms bc there was no guarantee that someone wouldn't walk it. I at least knew that bathroom was clean bc it was only used by 6 of us.

At work (in a restaurant), I pump in the office. It's the only place with a door besides the bathrooms, which I would never use! Only problem is that it's crazy hot in there, so I am pumping while sweating like mad. Pumping while working at a restaurant is hard though bc you don't get breaks like other jobs.

natsmama · June 2014

Frankly, It sounds like your employer is breaking the law. I'm not sure, but having a shower in the space makes it seem a lot like a bathroom to me.

"The law requires employers to provide a place that is not a bathroom. It must be completely private so that no one can see inside the space and no one is able to enter the space while it is being used. It also must be "functional [useable] as a space for expressing breast milk."

Read more here: https://www.usbreastfeeding.org/Employment/WorkplaceSupport/WorkplaceSupportinFederalLaw/SpaceRequirements/tabid/364/Default.aspx

lazyreader · June 2014

I pump in a conference room with no lock.

I have to sit with my chair holding the door closed so my coworkers don't come in (many of whom are Indian males)

Kewii · June 2014

Kacie said:

I pump in a conference room with no lock. I have to sit with my chair holding the door closed so my coworkers don't come in (many of whom are Indian males)

I'm curious about why their nationality matters here. Not trying to start anything, just legitimately curious.

I don't have a picture, but my school has been pretty good. We have breastfeeding/pumping areas by the daycare that I can use whenever. I can also lock my classroom door and pump there on my prep periods.

angelsnight · June 2014

Wow, sorry you all have such crappy accomodations. My work just put in a mother's lounge a couple years ago, it's a small room (about half the size of an exam room at the doctor) with a comfy recliner, small table, and a lamp. I may not always love my job, but I do work for an excellent company.

lazyreader · June 2014

@Kewii‌
Lol I figured someone might ask, they are great coworkers but many of them are still learning American culture and the idea that I just had a baby and wasn't staying home was a weird idea to them. No idea what they'd think if they saw me hooked up to a milk machine.
Also - from my experience (this is obvs not the /rule/) Indian males find white American females to be the standard of beauty (fair skin, lighter hair). I once attended a web conference where after i became the prime topic of conversation amongst the men.

it wasn't about my work either.

jrw526 · June 2014

I pump in my classroom but I share the space with another special ed teacher. We've tried to work it out so she's not in here while I'm pumping. We're good friends so if she needs to be in few a minutes it's not a huge deal. Obviously she does not being kids in while pumping!

jennbaylor12 · June 2014

I'm very fortunate in that I have my own office, no window in the door and it has a lock not everyone has a key to. I get out my stuff in the morning and pump throughout the day as needed. I also have a mini fridge in my office, so that's really helpful. Problem I run into is getting to my office frequently enough

Missfunball · June 2014

My company is less than 15 people so we don't have to follow those guidelines and I pump in the bathroom...however when making the building they made sure to put in electrical and a ledge for my breast pump and bought a comphy chair that I sit in. So I think they still have been accomodating (one one other femal employee too)

lazyreader · June 2014

jforsythia said:
@Kacie‌ How exactly do you come to the conclusion that just because they were attracted to you (which they obviously were if they were talking about you in a way "not about work"..) that light skinned/haired females are the "standard" of beauty? This seems quite presumptuous...

This is just what I've encountered and learned through my few friends here at work. So while yes I agree it is a really broad assumption for a population, it's just what I've seen/heard in my life. I did say I don't think it's the case 100% (not the rule).

Pankers · June 2014

Don't have a picture as I'm not back yet but my company has a mothers room with 2 lockable rooms in it for mums. It has a fridge, lockers and a sink. Scheduling time in there is tough as there are lots if mums with 2014 babies so far

. But I guess that is a minor inconvenience compared to bathroom pumping.

LittlePigeon · June 2014

I pump in a technology closet. It is attached to my classroom and holds the server for our end of the building and is loading with crap (broken computers, supplies, broken furniture). The worst part is that I can hear all kinds of nonsense while pumping (my students arguing mostly) which makes it challenging to relax!

KTdid81 · June 2014

I pump in a small bathroom. Small enought to pee, wash my hands & pump - all at the same time. My office is all windows, as are most the rooms at my place of employment.

Babysaunders · June 2014

It sounds like a few of us have not ideal areas to pump in. Oh the challenges of being a nursing momma.

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