Co-workers not being nice about pump breaks

[Ellie Bean]

So my son is 8.5 months old and ever since I came back to work when he was 7 weeks some of my co-workers have been very unsupportive of me having to take breaks to feed my child while I'm away. My son has had lots of issues; colostomy at 2 days old PSARP at 3 months and then colostomy reversal at 6 months. Bc of his tummy issues he has to have breast milk until age 2. I really feel that as a nurse and working with other nurses they should be more supportive and understanding, but they get mad and tell me in taking too long pumping.

Does anyone have any suggestions of how to pump more milk faster? I usually get 5-6oz total so 2.5-3oz out of each breast but it does take me some time to get a let down and I usually get 2-3 let downs each session. Is there a way to get more milk during each let down?

 

[noon_child]

My initial feeling was to tell them to f**k off, but I realise you have to work with these people.

Is there any way you could call a meeting with your manager or a third party there, so you could explain and ask for their support? Maybe just saying how their comments stress you out and that actually means it takes Longer to let down and pump milk, would get them to back off.

I really feel for you. An awful position to be in.

 

[5Miracles]

As a nurse, I AM quite frankly surprised they aren't more supportive---I know full well that being a nurse is NOT easy and each of you probably work the duties of 2 people, but it's not like you're going out to gab/goof off---you're providing for your child, a child who needs your mamamilk for his health...they can't understand that?!?

I worked in the legal field, and when I was back to work, the facilities manager was nice enough to give me a key to an unused office so I could pump in peace---I still love that man 8 years later because of his kindness! On the other hand, my coworkers were rather snarky about my pumping...I got everything from rude to passive aggressive comments constantly until I one day blew up at them and said if they can find ZERO fault for those going out to light up their cancer-sticks, taking a 30 min break every single time instead of the mandated 15 , then they better back off of a right protected by law...that shut them up. I realize it was not professional, and I honestly have no issue with people who smoke--but that they got 0% guff for that and I was getting crapola for getting my son mamamilk, something ain't kosher.

I like noon_child's idea of maybe having a small pow-wow with a manager/supervisor...my only worry are people can be so snitty, they may become more rude because you did involve management...UGH!!!!

Sorry---I have no suggestions for pumping faster...I do wish you the best of luck...

 

[winterbabies3]

Wow, that's awful that you feel rushed and have no support! Do these other nurses not have kids? I would suggest the meeting also! There is no reason for their behavior (specially for being nurses who are suppose to help people.) Wishing you luck! Xx

 

[Ellie Bean]

Thanks ladies! I appreciate your support! They actually called a meeting today and I hear to meet worth my clinic manager my nurse manager and both of our HR people to discuss my pump breaks and they've now decided I must clock out for my pump breaks and they're trying to figure out more places for us to pump bc there are 5 moms that are nursing so sometimes it tales 5-10 min just to find a room to pump in! Most of my co-workers just feel like it's an inconvenience to them bc someone has to cover for me while I'm gone and then they think I'm gone too long which in my opinion is none of their business. My clinic manager and nurse manager were also trying to say that our policy states that they only have to give me breaks until Blakes 1 year old but I already got a note from Blake's surgeon staying that he needs breast milk until he's 2 and HR already told me that wasn't an issue that I was good to pump longer so it was nice to kind of push that in their faces to price that they're being childish. Lol just crazy that they keep coming back to this and making a big to do about me feeding my child.

 

[wannabemomy37]

I worry about this happening as PP said I have coworkers who can easily take a cigarette break but nobody else there breastfeeds/pumps so it'll be a first and I hope people don't give me shit for nurturing my son while I'm an hour away at work each day...
I plan to breastfeed until age 2 also but I'm unsure of laws so I might have to pump outside of work if there's a cutoff age.
I also work at a place that has less than 50 employees so I'm not even sure if they legally have to provide pumping breaks. Ugh

 

[Ellie Bean]

In the US the law states employers of a company with 50 or more employees must let u take breaks when needed to pump until your child turns 1. I would def talk to your HR dept plenty of time in advance to see where they stand on this and I would mention that other people get smoke breaks so you should be allowed to have a pump break...

 

[Lotus Womb]

How awful. I think I would of lost it too.
You feeling rushed is not going to help. Have you tried thermo pads that you warm up then pop in your bra a few minutes before you pump. Can help let downs and milk coming more quickly. Also have picture of your little one to look at while pumping. Helps trigger oxytocin help the milk to flow too.
This is what I did when I returned to work with my Son. I am due back 3 days in May. Not looking fwd to pumping at work as mill supply seemed to drop and as not with him as much.
This time I think it will be different as I already away when I teach Pregnancy yoga and have Doula client's but nit away for as long or consistently. Wishing you the best x