do you pump at work? what do your co-workers think, or do they know? i just went back to work... today's my

Question

second day back and i just told my supervisor "i'm still going to be here, i'm just going to close my door so i can pump." her reaction and my other's co-workers' reactions were all of surprise... like they think it's weird. i guess it kind of is to think that your co-worker is in the next office "milking" herself. what was your experience and how would you feel about your co-worker pumping at work (i work with women... or only tell the women that i'm closing my door to pump.) thanks =D

Answer 1

I worked in a very small office (two male bosses and a female office helper) so we were all very close and they had absolutely no problem with me pumping at work. I live in California and I think maybe we are a bit more open to healthy options like breastfeeding.

After the novelty wears off, I don't think anyone will even think twice about what goes on behind your closed door :P

Answer 2

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Answer 3

One of my bosses did it a couple of years before I had my first so I felt very comfortable letting them know I would be doing that. I had my own office - but with a glass door.... So I brought in a bed sheet and placed it over the top of the door (wedging it b/w the door and frame) and closed the door and let the sheet drape down on the inside over the glass. I also had a little note that I would stick to the door when the sheet was on it that said, please call my extension or message me if you need me before I open the door, otherwise, do not disturb. I would pump 3 times during the work day taking about 20 minutes total ieach time ncluding rinsing pump parts, storing, etc. Also, I would just take my stuff into the bathroom to rinse out and transfer to my storage container that way no one else had to feel awkward about seeing me do it in the kitchen. Be sure to label your storage container very well so no one mistakenly drinks your "liquid gold."

Answer 4

I think you should count your lucky stars that you have an office with a door! Don't let anyone tell you that you can't pump at work - there is legislation that guarantees that, yes, you certainly can.

With my first three, I was a stay-at-home mom and never bothered with a pump (we just nursed all over creation). With my baby, though, I'm in college and didn't wean her until she was 15 months. I raced into the bathroom between classes to use a cheap-a.. uh, inexpensive manual pump that actually broke at the handle and lost it's rubber gasket (I jimmy-rigged it back together with a rubber band and some band-aids, and surprisingly, it worked better!) and I carried around an insulated lunch box with ice to all my classes to keep the milk chilled until I could get home. That sucked. A bathroom stall at a university between classes - it might as well have been a bus station!

Best of luck to you!

Answer 5

I work in an office full of men...and I'm a a cubicle...so we ahve a dedicated conference room with a lock on it.

We actually have a sign on the door telling them exactly what we're doing in there (So they don't interrupt)...

I think they are a little uncomfortable with it...but that's too bad isn't is...lol

There are three of us here that use the room throughout the day...and it's a little odd...but whatta ya gonna do? lol

I've been at it for 6 months now and still going strong...we haven't had any real problems ...everyone's been really supportive.

Answer 6

I pump- they will be really surprised when I go back in 2 weeks still pumping and she is 1!!! Ahhh well...

They were not surprised really, but some were uncomfy with it. They got over it.

My Principal is male and he knows too. He was actually better about it than some of the women I work with! Surprised me too!

Good job on the breastfeeding and pumping- and how was your first 2 days back???

Hugz! It gets easier as you go!

Answer 7

I didn't have a problem with any reactions, but because of my job I found it hard to find time so was not really able to keep up my milk supply, so after 10 weeks I had to switch to formula.

Answer 8

Atleast you can close your door and pump. I sat in a toilet stall and did it...and it didn't last long, I gave up breastfeeding. Be discreet, keep up on your work, and they'll get used to it. Good luck.

Answer 9

its natural and if you dont pump you run the risk of leaking....so unless your coworkers want to bring extra shirts for you to wear then there is nothing wrong with it...as long as no one else can see you and just make an effort to be private about it...or head to the restroom, or your car even