Question about returning to work

Julz81 · January 2015

I'm 15 weeks pregnant, and I plan to breastfeed. I wanted to be a stay at home mom but recently realized it wont be able to happen. My question is I work at a school and there is really no place I could go and hide to pump. I really want to stay breastfeeding and plan on pumping to build up a supply. But is that even possible it I can't pump at work? I really don't know where I would go to hide away and pump. Thanks for any suggestions!

bluejeanbaby1217 · January 2015

Your place of work is required by law to provide you a place to pump that is not a bathroom. You should talk to your boss before you leave for maternity leave and let them know of your plans to pump and see what accommodations can be made.

Melody330 · January 2015

I'm a teacher, and I can only speak to my experience. It was frustrating. I had to really fight for my right to pump. In the end I have a small space in the closet with gym equipment. It's not the worst but I really wanted to exclusively breastfeed. I made it a priority and fought even when my principal said there was no room for me.

If you are in the US, it is against the law to not accomodate a pumping mother.

How old will LO be when you return for work? Do you have your own classroom? It's highly doubtful you could sustain your supply and not pump atleast once every 2.5/3 hours

Julz81 · January 2015

The little one with hopefully be 12 weeks, if all goes as planned. I'm admin Assistant at a tech school, so not an office that I can shut the door. I wish..

Melody330 · January 2015

Julz81 said:
The little one with hopefully be 12 weeks, if all goes as planned. I'm admin Assistant at a tech school, so not an office that I can shut the door. I wish..

At 12 weeks you would have to pump every 2/2.5 hrs to sustain supply.

I also do not have a room so that's where it got tricky. I gave my principal suggestions like I could pump : in a closet, his office, nurses room, conference room, supply closet. As long as there was a desk and chair I could make it work.

Try to be flexible but firm. That sounds strange but let your admin know you are willing to help them figure something out, but it needs to be a permanent fix. My principals first suggestion was "you can just go look for an empty room when you need to pump." That's when i suggested places

mammatoomc · January 2015

By law, they have to accomodate you. But my job is also difficult. Im a nurse at an Urgent Care so it's all walkins..meaning my breaks are not at even intervals etc. I just purchased a hand held manual pump and Im able to pump several ounces in just 5 minutes with no setting up or breaking down. I will still bring my double electric to work but I plan to keep the handheld on me also. This way I can pop into the bathroom for a quick 5 mins to relieve myself before becoming engorged. Might be something to think about

jmjacquemin · January 2015

As PP have stated in the US they have to give you reasonable time in a location that is not a bathroom. I too a teacher and while I had to fight for a place to pump they made it work. I pumped after the after the first morning feed at 6:00 then again at 9:30 happened to be my plan and at 11:40 my lunch. I then either raced to pick up my LO to feed at 3:30 or if I had an after school activity someone covered for me so I could pump the last 15 min of the day at 3:00. I left my stuff set up each morning so it was easy to hook up and pump. While the times were not ideal I did adjust to them. Be firm and you can make it work. I am still breastfeeding my almost 16 month old.

matiekae · January 2015

Thank you for posting the link @casey78 but it looks to me that as a salaried employee I am not covered under this law. Is that correct?

matiekae · January 2015

@casey78 Thanks a bunch!! I will definitely talk to them. They are really great and will work with me as much as possible I'm sure. I just want to beef up on my rights before bringing it up, and that resource is great!

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