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Dear Helena,
I pump milk at work for my baby and store it in the office fridge. I also leave parts of my pump drying in the drainage rack. No one would dare to tell me that I can't do this, but I feel like people are uncomfortable about it. They make little remarks like when they open the fridge door, see my "Mommy's Milk" bag, and say, "Whoa, bodily fluids! I wouldn't want to ingest that by mistake, hahaha!" Should I store my milk in a personal cooler and my pump parts out of sight? How should I deal with these people?
—Miffed Mama
Dear Miffed Mama,
You shouldn't feel uncomfortable about storing your milk in the public fridge or your pump parts in the drainage rack. Though exact laws vary by state, employers are required to support breast-feeding, not make it harder for you. Bringing your own cooler is a hassle, especially if you take public transport to work.
As a mom, it's probably hard for you to understand why anyone would object to nursing and its accouterments. I'm the mother of an 8-month-old, and I'm now so comfortable with breast-feeding that at a recent dinner with my husband's work colleagues, I spent the entire evening with the baby attached to my chest. However, nonmoms can be squeamish about these things. As evidence, check out the comments in response to this Table Manners column or this recent New York Times discussion thread.
The problem is cultural, says Kim Updegrove, executive director of the Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin. "We have sexualized women's breasts so much that we no longer look at them as of nutritional and medicinal value to the baby. ... If [more] people knew that [breast milk] passively immunizes the child, then they would be more likely to accept it the same way they would accept any other kind of medication being stored in the refrigerator, like insulin for a diabetic." In contrast, consider the Mongolian attitude toward breast milk: According to this article, breast milk is considered a healthy treat, even by adults. So much so that, in this story, someone steals a nursing mother's breast milk from the office fridge, much the way you'd pilfer a fellow employee's cupcake.
Side note: Some Westerners do believe in the healing power of breast milk for adults. A very sick friend recently requested some of mine, and I gave him a few bags. He said it tasted like "sweetened condensed milk" and made him "want a graham cracker."
So how should you respond to your coworkers' subtle digs? Prepare a script in advance that spells out the benefits of nursing, says Marsha Walker, executive director of the National Alliance for Breastfeeding Advocacy. That way you won't get flustered or fly into a rage (as I would do). Say: "You seem uncomfortable with me putting my milk in the fridge. But it's food for my baby just like you're putting food in the fridge for you. It boosts my baby's immune system so he's less likely to get sick and I don't have to stay home from work making you do my job." Since your colleagues' discomfort might stem from ignorant germ-phobia, explain: "OSHA specifically states that breast milk is not a potentially infectious material, so you don't have to worry that it will contaminate your sandwich."
If you're worried somebody will be offended by the sight of your milk, labeled or not, put it in a paper bag, hidden from the squeamish. But consider labeling it. It might seem unlikely that someone would be foolish enough to help themselves to the contents of an unmarked plastic bag or container, but you never know what people will take from the office fridge.
I’m not a mother and have chosen not to have kids for a variety of reasons, but I truly support working mothers who desire to exclusively breastfeed (1: it’s the best food for baby, formula doesn’t compare; 2: formula is expensive and isn’t very economical even for working parents; 3: formula is a processed food and is at risk for adulteration--I wouldn’t take that risk!).
In the state of...+READ
I’m not a mother and have chosen not to have kids for a variety of reasons, but I truly support working mothers who desire to exclusively breastfeed (1: it’s the best food for baby, formula doesn’t compare; 2: formula is expensive and isn’t very economical even for working parents; 3: formula is a processed food and is at risk for adulteration--I wouldn’t take that risk!).
In the state of Colorado, you’re allowed one 15 minute paid break after 4 hours of work. If you work eight hours, you’re allowed one 30 minute unpaid break and two 10 minute paid breaks. Most breastfeeding moms I know take about 15-20 minutes to pump, and they pump once at mid-morning, during their lunch break, and right before they go home. They are not pumping every hour, that’s not needed for most nursing women and is really a silly assumption. Their mid-morning pump break is also not a paid break. They clock-out for it, and some employers allow them to roll their two 10 minute paid breaks together for pumping. One friend of mine that is nursing right now is a salaried office manager. She doesn’t have a set work schedule so can fit pumping in wherever it’s convenient. As long as she gets her work done, management doesn’t care how many times she needs to pump. If she’s being productive and meeting the company’s goals, why should they care? Why would anyone care? She’s not being paid by the hour. This idea that nursing women are “milking” the clock is ridiculous and not fair to them at all.
To those child haters I’ve seen in the comments: Wow, bitter much? No matter how much it might stick in your craw, the family is the foundation for any stable society. Children are every nation’s and everyone’s future. Without children and the family units that rear them, we might as well just call it a day. We wouldn’t have a population to pass the flag to, so to speak. The fact that more and more families are deciding to have less children, or to have no children at all, makes it even more important that we give our future generations the best start that they can get (they are going to have to deal with a lot more challenges than our previous generations), and that foundation starts with breastfeeding and the social and emotional support nursing mothers need.
Both white collar and blue collar moms can nurse on equal terms. I work in a blue collar profession (baking and pastry), and the nursing moms I work with (as I outlined above) have no problem fitting in their pumping with their mandatory breaks. They even *gasp* eat their lunch and pump at the same time! If you can carry a cooler with you and have access to a sink, you can pump. It’s not that difficult. All of the nursing moms that I work with are determined to be successful at their jobs while nursing at the same time. They do this very well. They work hard and efficiently at their jobs, completing all the work they have to do in the times they are scheduled to work. My hat is off to them! Being a working mom is not easy by any means.
Also, the FMLA does not allow for 6 months of maternity leave. It’s 12 weeks only, and many women only take 6-9 weeks because they can’t afford to take 12 weeks or their employers pressure them to come back to work sooner.
I really don’t get the dissenters and the child haters. A nursing mother isn’t any of your business, and if she is getting all of her work done and being productive during the day, why would you care if she is breastfeeding and pumping at work? Again: None. Of. Your. Business.
I do agree that standards of politeness need to be observed. The women I work with don’t leave their pumps out for others to see and work around, and they put their breast milk in personal coolers or in the fridge in a discreet lunch bag, and nobody takes any notice. We have a small part of the break room screened off for them to pump in private, for which they are grateful.-COLLAPSE
I would play a joke on her and put it next to the coffee machine.
Honestly, it sounds to me like Mama is a drama queen who is deliberately trying to annoy people, just because she can. I think this woman has the "right" to do what she does, but she is very inconsiderate, since she has alternatives. Storing the milk in the fridge is understandable if she does not have alternative equipment, since it must be kept cold for safety's sake, but she said that she DOES...+READ
Honestly, it sounds to me like Mama is a drama queen who is deliberately trying to annoy people, just because she can. I think this woman has the "right" to do what she does, but she is very inconsiderate, since she has alternatives. Storing the milk in the fridge is understandable if she does not have alternative equipment, since it must be kept cold for safety's sake, but she said that she DOES have another way to handle it. Leaving the pump parts in the drainer is gross. How would she feel if someone put part of a colostomy set in the drainer? Even if they washed it carefully? Come to think of it, how nice would it be to see that someone had put a urine sample in the fridge?(it also should be kept cold), Again there is no real alternative, but it should be in a nondescript container and not have attention drawn to it, like a cute little "mommy milk" bag.-COLLAPSE
Let's sort out some facts from hyperbole here.
1. The woman in the article was storing her milk in a branded insulated carrying bag with the breast milk in closed containers within said carry bag. This practice is not only very common, but of NO risk for cross contamination with other food in the fridge. People are confusing the outer carrying bag with clear little plastic breast milk storage...+READ
Let's sort out some facts from hyperbole here.
1. The woman in the article was storing her milk in a branded insulated carrying bag with the breast milk in closed containers within said carry bag. This practice is not only very common, but of NO risk for cross contamination with other food in the fridge. People are confusing the outer carrying bag with clear little plastic breast milk storage bags (there are no breast milk storage bags in the market called Mommy's Milk, but there many insulated carrying bags with silly things on them). Having the little plastic storage bags in the fridge without the outer container could be risky for spills, but stored in the outer bag they are entirely safe.
2. While I understand people's squeamishness around seeing breast pump apparatus in the dish strainer (for aesthetics I agree it would be best to hand dry them and return them to the bag), the reality is your work kitchen is a hotbed of germs as so many people use the rest room before they get their lunch and don't wash their hands properly or at all. People sneeze on, cough on, and touch everything, it's just not in your face so you choose not to think about it.
3. If the employee works in an open work environment with cubical or work stations, pumping and storing privately may simply not be an option. Breast-milk degrades quickly at room temp, so keeping it in a crappy little cooler at your desk without real refrigeration simply doesn't work, especially for 8 hrs plus a 40+ minute commute home.
4. There are no federal labor laws regarding breaks for hourly workers, but many states have established different minimums, the most popular being 30 minutes per 4 hrs and 30 minutes for lunch. Salaried workers can be made to work as many hours as the employer wishes to pressure them to work with again no regulations on the federal or state level as to breaks.
5. Most women pumping breast milk take under 30 minutes per session and pump no more frequently that 1 x ever 3 hours (this is the rate that babies feed at home). Given the average work day is 8 hours, women should not need to exceed the industry standard of 30 minutes per 4 hrs and 30 min for lunch, so complaints they are getting extra time off are inaccurate. Most women will pump 3 times a day at work at most and will fit the 3rd pump in during their lunch break or before they commute home, so again this argument is moot.
6. If people are going to complain about women taking breaks to pump, they need to start restricting all of the men going out to grab coffee or to smoke. These breaks happen all the time and no one blinks.
7. The FMLA allows women up to 12 weeks unpaid leave, but many women come back sooner due to being unable to afford the loss of payroll. Whomever was quoting 6 months clearly lives in another country our is severely out of touch.-COLLAPSE
I love babies. I think they're cute. I love new moms. I think they're sexy. I am totally in favor of public breast feeding, although she should bring enough for everybody, and indicate where the line starts.
Seriously? If breast pumps parts make people nervous, be considerate. Wash and dry in private, carry parts to your desk/office/work station/locker/cubby hole, and let them dry there. Put...+READ
I love babies. I think they're cute. I love new moms. I think they're sexy. I am totally in favor of public breast feeding, although she should bring enough for everybody, and indicate where the line starts.
Seriously? If breast pumps parts make people nervous, be considerate. Wash and dry in private, carry parts to your desk/office/work station/locker/cubby hole, and let them dry there. Put your milk in a suitably subtle container, with your (or your child's) name on it.
Otherwise, you will APPEAR to be in-your-face offensive or at best, stupid and inconsiderate.
And guys, don't leave your penis pumps on the rack at work, either. If you care that much about the samples, get yourself a small-enough cooler for intermediate storage and transfer.
Oh, and miss? I'm out of half & half, can you top off my coffee?-COLLAPSE
I stored my breastmilk, containers, and pump parts in the insulated lunch bag that I transported it home in so it looked like any other "packed lunch" sitting in the work fridge.
wow it's true, everyone really does have a belly button!
Leave the mom alone (bleep) heads.
My coworker prepares dog food bowls in the work kitchen before leaving for the day. Big sloppy bowls of brown stuff, uses the sink to wash and fill with water. She needs to do this because she picks up her dogs from doggie day . care on the way home from work, and they get very hungry in the car. Makes me think twice about putting *my* food on the counter. Not the place I'd want to leave pump...+READ
My coworker prepares dog food bowls in the work kitchen before leaving for the day. Big sloppy bowls of brown stuff, uses the sink to wash and fill with water. She needs to do this because she picks up her dogs from doggie day . care on the way home from work, and they get very hungry in the car. Makes me think twice about putting *my* food on the counter. Not the place I'd want to leave pump parts drying, just saying.-COLLAPSE
OK I'm not going to make anyone happy here. There's nothing wrong with storing breast milk in a sealed container in the fridge. No one is going to come into contact with it unless it's by choice. However, I have to agree that putting your pump parts on the drying rack is pretty gross. Breast milk is a bodily fluid and can transmit more human diseases than mere saliva, and I can sympathize with...+READ
OK I'm not going to make anyone happy here. There's nothing wrong with storing breast milk in a sealed container in the fridge. No one is going to come into contact with it unless it's by choice. However, I have to agree that putting your pump parts on the drying rack is pretty gross. Breast milk is a bodily fluid and can transmit more human diseases than mere saliva, and I can sympathize with people not knowing just how well the pump parts were cleaned, and not wanting even a remote chance that your breast milk is coming into contact with their food. Just like I wouldn't want someone draining their blood into a cup, washing it with dishsoap, and putting it in the dish rack.
I say this as someone who has two children and pumped at work for both of them. It's not hard to dry the pump parts and store them with your pump.
Now. For those of you who confess to being anti-child: do you think that when you become old, you won't need anyone to govern your city/state/country, to repair and build roads, to engage teens in their community, to feed and dress you when you can't do it for yourself, etc.? I find it so supremely selfish and short-sighted to be anti-child. Anti-bad behavior, fine. But to suggest that you don't benefit from kids who have healthy food to grow on and calm, productive parents to learn from is pretty silly.
That is all.-COLLAPSE
As Miss Manners once said, 'the subject of breastfeeding tends to incite the flow of ink from the pen.' Boy, does it ever. Everybody with a grudge against babies and the people who have the nerve to have them is represented here.
On the other hand, anybody who's tacky enough to leave her breast pump parts to dry on the communal dishrack is the kind of person that gives "Breeders" a bad name, not...+READ
As Miss Manners once said, 'the subject of breastfeeding tends to incite the flow of ink from the pen.' Boy, does it ever. Everybody with a grudge against babies and the people who have the nerve to have them is represented here.
On the other hand, anybody who's tacky enough to leave her breast pump parts to dry on the communal dishrack is the kind of person that gives "Breeders" a bad name, not to mention the incredible variety of pathogens that she could be taking home to her baby. Why does she think that a bag that says "Mommy's milk" is appropriate for the work fridge? There are so many other alternatives- discreet alternatives.
One last point- anybody that would boost things out of other people's lunch bags in the office fridge deserves whatever they get.-COLLAPSE
@Newarkfoodie
Mommies do get special privileges because otherwise women either wouldn't have kids due to work or they would become stay-at-home moms. Since we've deemed it important as a society to have a moderate birth rate to replenish the work force and take care of an aging population, those that choose to have kids do get special privileges both at work and with taxes.
So no, you don't...+READ
@Newarkfoodie
Mommies do get special privileges because otherwise women either wouldn't have kids due to work or they would become stay-at-home moms. Since we've deemed it important as a society to have a moderate birth rate to replenish the work force and take care of an aging population, those that choose to have kids do get special privileges both at work and with taxes.
So no, you don't deserve that extra time off just because other people do.-COLLAPSE
I'm not going to comment on the article. But I do think it's funny how drinking milk from cows and other animals is acceptable however the milk we're meant to drink is considered gross.
"Breast feeding ... should be done modestly and in the confines of your personal domain" Hey, when the baby is hungry, the baby is hungry, and when the breasts are full, they are full! Breast milk is often the exclusive form of food and hydration for newborn infants. It is amazing how little regard some have for this right. For anyone doubting the value of breastfeeding, just google the per ounce...+READ
"Breast feeding ... should be done modestly and in the confines of your personal domain" Hey, when the baby is hungry, the baby is hungry, and when the breasts are full, they are full! Breast milk is often the exclusive form of food and hydration for newborn infants. It is amazing how little regard some have for this right. For anyone doubting the value of breastfeeding, just google the per ounce value of breastmilk. Thank goodness we have laws to protect public pumping and nursing. In many states, openly breastfeeding anytime, anywhere, is legally protected. A breastfeeding mother makes a lot of personal sacrifices for her child. My hat is off to women in the workforce who can't nurse on demand, and instead have to deal with pumping and being away from baby. These women deserve all the support we can give them. For nursing moms, you can also check out www.mothering.com (you'll also find out anything else you need to know about breastfeeding.) And remember you have a lot of supporters!-COLLAPSE
When people see that breast pump in the community drying rack, guess what the first thing that they think of is? In the way that plunging necklines and short skirts are inappropriate at work because they are distracting, so is bringing undue attention to breast pumping. Why not dry the pump parts with a paper towel or a clean cloth from home and put them away after use and put the milk in an...+READ
When people see that breast pump in the community drying rack, guess what the first thing that they think of is? In the way that plunging necklines and short skirts are inappropriate at work because they are distracting, so is bringing undue attention to breast pumping. Why not dry the pump parts with a paper towel or a clean cloth from home and put them away after use and put the milk in an inconspicuous container in the fridge that doesn't advertise its contents? If someone is the type to steal other people's lunches they will reap what they sow.
This is a situation where just because you can, doesn't mean you should.-COLLAPSE
I disagree!
Breast feeding is perfectly fine and should be done modestly and in the confines of your personal domain. The workplace is not your personal space and yes, I did tell our office manager that several of females were annoyed and offended with the newest mother leaving her breast pump on the office kitchen counter to dry or whatever. I suggested that it be taken to her personal ofice...+READ
I disagree!
Breast feeding is perfectly fine and should be done modestly and in the confines of your personal domain. The workplace is not your personal space and yes, I did tell our office manager that several of females were annoyed and offended with the newest mother leaving her breast pump on the office kitchen counter to dry or whatever. I suggested that it be taken to her personal ofice space.
Most all things can and should be done in moderation with thought to others and not ones self first and primarily.-COLLAPSE
Never mind the optics of the situation. You're asking your co-workers to leave their lunch in close quarters with one of your bodily fluids: food safety says Not Acceptable. (and what about your baby getting germs from the office?)
Remember the old saw that says no rights without responsibilities? Sure you have the right to pump, but you also have the responsibility to keep your intimate...+READ
Never mind the optics of the situation. You're asking your co-workers to leave their lunch in close quarters with one of your bodily fluids: food safety says Not Acceptable. (and what about your baby getting germs from the office?)
Remember the old saw that says no rights without responsibilities? Sure you have the right to pump, but you also have the responsibility to keep your intimate personal items away from common areas used by your co-workers. This article is correct to be posted under "Table Manners", because really we're talking about courtesy here.-COLLAPSE
Newarkfoodie, and mygirlbrakes Al - Whoa! It seems like you're both really bitter. And as far as "despising kids"... It's too bad you carry around so much anger, that stuff is poison in your body.
As for breast milk, as long as it's done respectfully, like anything else, what's the big deal. P.S. No kids here either, but we have to acknowlege and accept our fellow humans.
I have breast fed four children. I think if you are going to store your milk in a public place, you should have the good manners to keep it in a separate container/cooler/whatever. It is just too personal to subject it to other people - for their sake as well as yours.
Since I don't have children but I'm female, should I start insisting that every two years I get to have a couple of extra weeks off, and get to take ten-twenty minutes out of every hour off for 6-8 months, too? You know, because I have a uterus? While being allowed to keep my job and not get a pay cut?
Right now I'm entering peri-menopause. Shouldn't I get time off for hot flashes, and have a...+READ
Since I don't have children but I'm female, should I start insisting that every two years I get to have a couple of extra weeks off, and get to take ten-twenty minutes out of every hour off for 6-8 months, too? You know, because I have a uterus? While being allowed to keep my job and not get a pay cut?
Right now I'm entering peri-menopause. Shouldn't I get time off for hot flashes, and have a special couch in the break room so I can lie down? Since I get hot at work, should I be allowed to change my clothes at my desk because the body is natural? If people object, can I call them squeamish? What if it's more comfy for me to work in panties and a bra? Should I get upset if people feel my (un)dress is sexual?
And how about the men at work who are having prostate issues? Or who have colostomy bags? Can they leave their equipment in the drain? Or how about those with diabetes? Can they leave their sharps containers in the break room, too?
If the answer is no then why should mommies get special privileges? Put your milk in a bag, take you pump to your desk, and be grateful that you live in a time where women can hold jobs while in the middle of baby-making. Those of us who can't have babies or choose not to have them don't need you to flaunt your privilege in our faces.-COLLAPSE
I think the mother is throwing the fact she had a child and had to come back to work in the face of her co-workers. Poor her must breast feed at work because the government only gives 6 months off. Therefore, I'll show them attitude. She earns less respect for this behavior than gains in my opinion. You are not the first women to have a child and won't be the last. We have an unspoken policy at...+READ
I think the mother is throwing the fact she had a child and had to come back to work in the face of her co-workers. Poor her must breast feed at work because the government only gives 6 months off. Therefore, I'll show them attitude. She earns less respect for this behavior than gains in my opinion. You are not the first women to have a child and won't be the last. We have an unspoken policy at work among my co-workers. Majority rules. I just can hear the screams if someone moved the pump out of the drying rack when dry in order to put their dishes in. Sweetheart get a life. You decided to have children knowing full well you had to come back to work. I work with a pretty seasoned bunch of people. The men are all grandpas. Remember, they weren't even allowed in the delivery room. If it makes them uncomfortable why should they get over it. Are there rights not being infringed upon? You have already lost the battle by losing respect with your co workers (right or wrong). I think you picked a battle in which legally you are correct. But what are you going to do about the way they think of you. You give true women libbers a bad name. Mother of 3.-COLLAPSE
I think your last piece of advice hits the nail on the head. Put the milk away inconspiculously. Why is the milk not put in a bag in the fridge so people won't have to look at it? It's almost as if this woman has an in-your-face attitude and is trying to invite comment. And there's nothing wrong with drying the pump parts and putting them back away. You should be doing that with your coffee cup,...+READ
I think your last piece of advice hits the nail on the head. Put the milk away inconspiculously. Why is the milk not put in a bag in the fridge so people won't have to look at it? It's almost as if this woman has an in-your-face attitude and is trying to invite comment. And there's nothing wrong with drying the pump parts and putting them back away. You should be doing that with your coffee cup, too. It may be a right to breastfeed in public, but that doesn't mean you have to ignore others' feelings.-COLLAPSE
Next time I'm reading all the comments before writing. I see I'm not the only one grossed out not by breast feeding, but by putting the pristine breast pump equipment on the possibly germ-laden communal drying wrack. Come to think of it, my mug's not going there either!
and now that I've read the full story... I will had to come back to this after having a good couple of "Whaaat" 's ??!!"" and LOL LOL LOL !!! As a former BFeeding Peer & open breastfeeding parent.. I breastfed my child until Goodness knows,in 2000-? I pumped at the office and stored in the office fridge INcognito however but not any more than I would have my own lunch in a name label on the brown...+READ
and now that I've read the full story... I will had to come back to this after having a good couple of "Whaaat" 's ??!!"" and LOL LOL LOL !!! As a former BFeeding Peer & open breastfeeding parent.. I breastfed my child until Goodness knows,in 2000-? I pumped at the office and stored in the office fridge INcognito however but not any more than I would have my own lunch in a name label on the brown paper. I also encountered lot's of attitudes of taboo that would have never come out if I hadnt' told them I would be breastfeeding. Most of my peers just never discussed it even if they did it themselves. I was not breastfeed myself and never around infants much in my own childhood so I did even have a clue that such feelings and gossip could go on with others on such a natural function of human nature. I doubt Mary & Jesus ever had this problem, or Mohammed's mother even!
The drainage wrack at work!!..that's just plain tactless if it is shared with others. I brought my Medela pump and style on public transportation with pride and joy in DC's finest Metro rail and Bus!! With breast milk Incognito. It's only a pain if you let it be. I would never however have stored my the breast milk bottles in a community dish rack! If its a dish washer that is ran daily maybe no problem but come on. That's just tacky!! If there is a pumping room there should be storage in it for such things. As for the dinner with colleges with baby breast feeding, I would have done the same,and many times I was in the home of folks of Ethiopian , Latin American cultures and when I went to cover my daughters head while nursing, the women insisted I never cover her head! The men were in agreement and usually in another room anyway. North American Mom's just have to figure that out for themselves through experience, I guess. Find the strength in you gut to choose the battles but mainly just chill out about it. North American's would definitely be "put out by it" for sure. Federal Building guardsmen certainly have been. But those laws have changed, at least in DC, I think.
As far as taking things from the fridge, ever law office I ever worked in always had at least one or two life long partners in its office that seemed to not have a problem taking the lunches of his or her office support staff. I never encountered anyone taking breast milk bottles however, ha! What a concept though!!
It hasn't been that long ago that our grandmothers and mothers were somehow talked into the idea that breastfeeding was not the best for babies. Shoot when my handicapped brother was born, the doctor never told my mother there was anything wrong with him. Yet he told my father!! Neither one of them brought it up to her. She knew by looking at him and was offered no assistance in how to car for him. How did millions of years of breastfeeding being a staple for any child incarnating on this planet grind to such a halt in less than 2 centuries?? And it this Land of the Free too! That's just powerful to consider.
Keep on whippin' it out sisters!! Feed Your Children! Oh! And and when in labor.. stand up or sit up!! Let Gravity do you a favor for once! You wouldn't go to the bathroom on your back! Why would you deliver a child on your back either!! Goodness Gracious!!-COLLAPSE
Now this is my kind of PR!!
Even though you have every right to put your drying pump parts on the rack, why in the world would you? You must realize that that cupcake-swiping miscreant doesn't wash his/her mug/plate with any diligence before placing it in the rack next to baby Snook's meal ticket. As for putting medical items requiring refrigeration in the common fridge. I would, but probably in a securely-closed and...+READ
Even though you have every right to put your drying pump parts on the rack, why in the world would you? You must realize that that cupcake-swiping miscreant doesn't wash his/her mug/plate with any diligence before placing it in the rack next to baby Snook's meal ticket. As for putting medical items requiring refrigeration in the common fridge. I would, but probably in a securely-closed and private container. I trust no one when my child's health is concerned. Too many idiots have seen the Jackass movies. And yes, I did breast feed.-COLLAPSE
I am sorry. As a former nursing mother, I would never leave my pump drying in the drainage rack! No one wants their coffee cup next to your "maybe completely clean -maybe not completely clean" equipment. There are small racks that could be stored near your desk out of sight. I do think that your suggestion to put milk in a paper sack is a good one! While breast feeding is a natural part of life,...+READ
I am sorry. As a former nursing mother, I would never leave my pump drying in the drainage rack! No one wants their coffee cup next to your "maybe completely clean -maybe not completely clean" equipment. There are small racks that could be stored near your desk out of sight. I do think that your suggestion to put milk in a paper sack is a good one! While breast feeding is a natural part of life, common courtesy for those who find the sight of the milk disturbing is never a bad thing!-COLLAPSE
"So in essence, you are saying that men should be allowed to have kids without penalty, but women should not. How the hell is that NOT discrimination?? From your statement there's not a very far leap to saying women should just stay home if they want to have kids."
I think discrimination is a pretty strong word for it, but I do think that one person getting any kind of extra help for something...+READ
"So in essence, you are saying that men should be allowed to have kids without penalty, but women should not. How the hell is that NOT discrimination?? From your statement there's not a very far leap to saying women should just stay home if they want to have kids."
I think discrimination is a pretty strong word for it, but I do think that one person getting any kind of extra help for something she brought upon herself while the next person does not is a little off. I think the fact that a parent can take maternity/paternity leave and then return to their job is about as reasonable as you can get. So, take it. Until you can perform your job without being distracted by milking yourself or otherwise caring for your child, then sure, stay home.
People seem to completely ignore the fact that having kids is a choice. If you want to put your job or anything else first then by all means do that. You can't always have everything and being a parent comes with sacrifice.-COLLAPSE
It would be one thing to place your pump parts in your dish strainer at home, it's quite another thing at work. The same goes for your breast milk. Hopefully your co-workers are discreet with their behavior while at work, you should be too.
I don't care if someone puts breast milk in the fridge. Store it in a clear bag and write "MOM JUICE" on it for all I care. I don't care if someone put breast pump parts in the dish drainer, as long as they look clean and don't take up the entire drainer. Incidentally, neither urine nor breast milk are classified as a biohazard as long as there is no visible blood. Therefore why would it be any...+READ
I don't care if someone puts breast milk in the fridge. Store it in a clear bag and write "MOM JUICE" on it for all I care. I don't care if someone put breast pump parts in the dish drainer, as long as they look clean and don't take up the entire drainer. Incidentally, neither urine nor breast milk are classified as a biohazard as long as there is no visible blood. Therefore why would it be any more gross for a catheter to be in the dish drainer than a breast pump? If we're going with OSHA regulations and the "it's natural" argument I don't see how you could get behind one and not the other.
Anyway, what does bother me is the entitlement to take time off work to do something that is completely a choice. You can debate the merits of breastfeeding all you want but it is a choice. Hourly employees get a 15 minute break for every 4 hours worked. If I am a nursing mother I am permitted whatever time it takes me to pump breast milk as often as I need to do it. How is this fair or equitable?-COLLAPSE
I am supportive of discreet pumping at work and breastfeeding infants in other public places. The "sexualized breast syndrome" is not going to go away in our society (and members of all genders are responsible for that, not just men!), so we must all make compromises. At our office, there is a separate small fridge provided specifically for breast milk storage. And our nursing mothers have always...+READ
I am supportive of discreet pumping at work and breastfeeding infants in other public places. The "sexualized breast syndrome" is not going to go away in our society (and members of all genders are responsible for that, not just men!), so we must all make compromises. At our office, there is a separate small fridge provided specifically for breast milk storage. And our nursing mothers have always been good about putting away the pump equipment after cleaning it in the kitchen sink, but I expect that of any other food container or utensil, too.-COLLAPSE
Totally support you in the pumping and storing of your breast milk at work, however, respect your colleagues and put the breast milk in an opaque container.
She could, in respect of others.. she can bring a cooler.. ONE TIME.. then transport the milk as she does now.. in her breasts. It surely is great that women, or men that get pumped milk for their children, can bring their babies to work.. they really should have the self discipline to not "flaunt" their rights. .but do the right thing if others are uncomfortable. That is what is truly wrong in...+READ
She could, in respect of others.. she can bring a cooler.. ONE TIME.. then transport the milk as she does now.. in her breasts. It surely is great that women, or men that get pumped milk for their children, can bring their babies to work.. they really should have the self discipline to not "flaunt" their rights. .but do the right thing if others are uncomfortable. That is what is truly wrong in our country now. Entitlement. you have the rights .. for sure.. now show some personal empathy and be nice to others .. I know some are gonna go all balistic. .but you know.. others have the right to not like what you do as well. peace out..and juliesenorita.. this really has NOTHING to do with men.. get off your horse.. this is about breastmilk... not men..-COLLAPSE
QUOTE:
"Dear Miffed Mama,
You shouldn't feel uncomfortable about storing your milk in the public fridge or your pump parts in the drainage rack. Though exact laws vary by state, employers are required to support breast-feeding, not make it harder for you. Bringing your own cooler is a hassle, especially if you take public transport to work"
THAT response is COMPLETELY out of touch with...+READ
QUOTE:
"Dear Miffed Mama,
You shouldn't feel uncomfortable about storing your milk in the public fridge or your pump parts in the drainage rack. Though exact laws vary by state, employers are required to support breast-feeding, not make it harder for you. Bringing your own cooler is a hassle, especially if you take public transport to work"
THAT response is COMPLETELY out of touch with proper behavior - or norms of society.
Why bother putting doors on bathrooms if THAT is how you feel???
Look, I am NOT a prude, stiff, or "square". My wife and I raised 2 kids, and she breast fed.
*BUT* we did NOT make other people feel un-comfortable about it, nor would we ignore others comments that - as in your case - clearly an indication of an un-comfortable situation that you have created.
Get a cooler. Store your breast pump privately. Think about it....What if some guy in your office washed his undershirt in the break room sink at your workplace - and wanted to hang it to dry using the drain rack???
YOUR presumptive, and in-considerant behavior is hubris ridden. Get a grip, and get some manners.
T!-COLLAPSE
mygirlbakes AL - your attitude is absolutely ridiculous. Whether or not the poster should store her breastmilk in the fridge, suggesting that mothers are somehow getting special treatment by being allowed to pump on the clock is ludicrous. Just think about it for 10 seconds - a man can have a breastfed baby without taking any time away from his job to pump breastmilk. A woman who wants a...+READ
mygirlbakes AL - your attitude is absolutely ridiculous. Whether or not the poster should store her breastmilk in the fridge, suggesting that mothers are somehow getting special treatment by being allowed to pump on the clock is ludicrous. Just think about it for 10 seconds - a man can have a breastfed baby without taking any time away from his job to pump breastmilk. A woman who wants a breastfed baby has no choice but to periodically pump - she can't just save it up until the end of the day, it doesn't work like that. So in essence, you are saying that men should be allowed to have kids without penalty, but women should not. How the hell is that NOT discrimination?? From your statement there's not a very far leap to saying women should just stay home if they want to have kids.
So all of those against it - where is she supposed to store her breastmilk? Does she have to purchase her own refrigerator for the purpose? That seems pretty harsh. I really don't get the big deal - it's MILK. It's nothing like washing out a catheter which has URINE on it. The catheter should be washed out in the bathroom (if it's necessary to wash it). What's wrong with washing milk off of something in the kitchen sink???-COLLAPSE
LOL @ Mandalay!
I agree with the consensus "against" the practice. It has nothing to do with being against breastfeeding or motherhood in general. As was said in previous posts, its more an issue of using discretion and keeping the general population of the office in mind (translation: not always thinking about yourself). I've worked with someone with prostate problems, but he would never have...+READ
LOL @ Mandalay!
I agree with the consensus "against" the practice. It has nothing to do with being against breastfeeding or motherhood in general. As was said in previous posts, its more an issue of using discretion and keeping the general population of the office in mind (translation: not always thinking about yourself). I've worked with someone with prostate problems, but he would never have considered washing his catheter out in the kitchen sink nor leaving it in the dish drain. Same goes with breastfeeding. And as I said elsewhere, I would certainly not leave urine samples that I am taking to the Dr.-COLLAPSE
"BREAST MILK" in large letters on baggies in the office fridge. Congratulations, you had a child--just like billions of other women throughout the earth's existence. Stop expecting to be fawned over about it.
Did I miss something? Why can't the bag just be opaque? MY lunch is in an opaque bag in my work fridge...
Newarkfoodie is on the money. It's not about who's "squeamish" or not (although that's not a non-factor), it's about people who choose to give birth and therefore assume privileges that other people don't have.
If someone in an office is pumping breast milk on any given day, then every single person in the office should stop working when that person is not working (assuming they are still...+READ
Newarkfoodie is on the money. It's not about who's "squeamish" or not (although that's not a non-factor), it's about people who choose to give birth and therefore assume privileges that other people don't have.
If someone in an office is pumping breast milk on any given day, then every single person in the office should stop working when that person is not working (assuming they are still being paid, which they are). Your personal reproductive business is irrelevant to the workplace and you should either not get paid during that time, or if the workplace wants to pay you for it they should pay everyone else too.
If you choose to be a parent, you should accept certain effects (monetary, career-based lifestyle related and probably several other things) as results of your choice. Those of us who don't waste our life on kids shouldn't have to pay for other people's maternal instincts.
I know I'll be berated for this, but I stand by it. I despise kids and I'm annoyed by the sense of entitlement that people bring to parenthood or the idea that parents or kids should have something that *I* or anyone else wouldn't have.
In terms of restaurants or feeding in general, I think that if you choose to have kids AND you want to be a mother that breastfeeds or otherwise cares for your child directly for a certain period of time, then you forfeit your fun of going out until you're willing to put your child in someone else's care.
Choose what's more important to you. If caring for your child is more important, then stay home and care for your child. If going out to eat is more important, then do that but don't bring your offspring into the picture. You have to choose. Deal. You can't have everything you want, so face reality and be a mom (you know, if you want).-COLLAPSE
Not wanting to see 'Mommy's Milk' doesn't mean a person is squeamish. I wouldn't leave my uncovered food in a public fridge either. Not just because of germs, but because the world doesn't have to see my lunch and know my business.
I happen to like babies, and i'm comfortable around bodily fluids. But mother's milk is not the same as pureed pear. It's food that's ALSO a bodily fluid, and it's...+READ
Not wanting to see 'Mommy's Milk' doesn't mean a person is squeamish. I wouldn't leave my uncovered food in a public fridge either. Not just because of germs, but because the world doesn't have to see my lunch and know my business.
I happen to like babies, and i'm comfortable around bodily fluids. But mother's milk is not the same as pureed pear. It's food that's ALSO a bodily fluid, and it's rude to store bodily fluids where others have to touch them or be in contact with them. Besides, if somebody has to pump every 20 minutes, then that person would be taking up an awfully large amount of fridge space, and that's not fair.
as a non-smoking, non-baby-making woman, i'm rather sick of there people having constant breaks because they want to pump out babies, be addicted to cigarettes, what have you. I know I can't disappear whenever I want for 20 minutes at a time, and it annoys me that others think it's not only ok to do so but to be arrogant about it. The world won't collapse if women stop having babies while working in an office. Women who work many other jobs (teaching, being on a factory floor, cooking, driving a bus, and so on) don't get the privilege to walk off the floor and pump whenever nature calls, and make the world wait for them. This isn't about squeamishness so much as it's about privilege, class, and assumptions about how the rest of us are supposed to act like getting pregnant and having spawn (if a woman is middle class and white) is the most special, wonderful, exciting thing EVER. It isn't. If it was, some of these pump-happy mommies and their husbands would be working to ensure that all women in the US could have safe spaces in which to feed their children, and be assured of having food and a proper education for them, period. When I see breast milk in a fridge and pumping equipment on the job, I don't 'see' a happy mommy raising her baby; I see a privileged woman asserting her privilege. The women who clean the offices and empty the trash don't get to pump every 20 minutes and leave milk wherever they please.-COLLAPSE
I assumed the Mommy's Milk bags are the transparent, plastic Medela bags that women use to freeze and store their breastmilk. They are glorified Ziplock bags.
Also... (I have to mention this) I think it is telling that this writer says "No one would DARE to tell me that I can't".
She obviously doesn't work in MY office, because we have several folks who would most certainly dare, and she would not have gotten away with this inconsiderate and boorish behavior as long as she has already.
I work in an office where babies seem to pop out of SOMEONE every fifteen minutes or so.... and NO ONE loves babies more than I do. But I also realize that EVERYONE has the right to feel comfortable in teh workplace. Me included. Nudie mags and calendars are prohibited for that very reason (but hey, the human body is BEAUTIFUL, it's NATURAL). Overpowering perfumes are discouraged for that very...+READ
I work in an office where babies seem to pop out of SOMEONE every fifteen minutes or so.... and NO ONE loves babies more than I do. But I also realize that EVERYONE has the right to feel comfortable in teh workplace. Me included. Nudie mags and calendars are prohibited for that very reason (but hey, the human body is BEAUTIFUL, it's NATURAL). Overpowering perfumes are discouraged for that very reason. I (personally) do not want anyone's bodily fluids of ANY stripe in with my food. Period.
And what kind of animal would use a device to extract a bodily fluid and then leave it out to dry in a common area? Love and sympathy for babies and compassion for their needs and the "naturalness" of the process are beside the point.... I wouldn't want someone's old diabetes testing equipment or syringes laying around (hey, blood is NATURAL, we all NEED it), or used kleenex (hey, phlegm is NATURAL.... it's a gift from GOD) or (for that matter) toothbrushes.
Get a grip - LOTS of things are natural - if you've a co-worker who likes to masturbate (why not, it's NATURAL) in a common area? You are (indeed) getting X-amount of "extra" breaks during the day... it is only NATURAL that folks would resent that... carry a cooler, keep your equipment (biological AND practical) discreet, and get over it.-COLLAPSE
As others have said...keep your breast pump materials with you after they are washed. I keep mine at my desk drying on a little rack. I realize that some do not have an office of course, but even keeping the materials in a locker or drying in your car would keep people from unintentially touching them. I also keep my milk in a small cooler that came with my pump. My oumoing experience has been...+READ
As others have said...keep your breast pump materials with you after they are washed. I keep mine at my desk drying on a little rack. I realize that some do not have an office of course, but even keeping the materials in a locker or drying in your car would keep people from unintentially touching them. I also keep my milk in a small cooler that came with my pump. My oumoing experience has been pretty much hassle free. It doesn't have to impact others if you have some decorum about yourself.-COLLAPSE
hello to the folks screaming she should put the breastmilk in a bag, the "letter writer" clearly states. . . that she's got it in a labeled bag in the fridge. or maybe they are stating that her current "mommy's milk" labeled bag is "indiscreet" and it needs to be a plain one, to avoid irrepairable trauma to everyone but the snoop who thinks it may be a fifth of vodka. . . of course the labeled...+READ
hello to the folks screaming she should put the breastmilk in a bag, the "letter writer" clearly states. . . that she's got it in a labeled bag in the fridge. or maybe they are stating that her current "mommy's milk" labeled bag is "indiscreet" and it needs to be a plain one, to avoid irrepairable trauma to everyone but the snoop who thinks it may be a fifth of vodka. . . of course the labeled bag lets people make the passive-aggressive running commentaries that office environments seem to thrive on, so it's probably a nice compromise that will give the coworkers something to gossip about instead of working.-COLLAPSE
I have to agree with the other sentiments voiced...there is nothing wrong with pumping breast milk at work BUT I am personally put off and think it is unsanitary to leave your pump parts out in a communal dish drying rack. Knowing most offices, this rack is probably not the cleanest place in the world. I would suggest she wash the parts, dry them and take them back to her office. A discreet bag,...+READ
I have to agree with the other sentiments voiced...there is nothing wrong with pumping breast milk at work BUT I am personally put off and think it is unsanitary to leave your pump parts out in a communal dish drying rack. Knowing most offices, this rack is probably not the cleanest place in the world. I would suggest she wash the parts, dry them and take them back to her office. A discreet bag, such as the insulated lunch bags or soft side bags, to store the pumped milk in the fridge is also proper in my opinion. I don't really want to be reaching for my lunch and see "Breast Milk" propped up beside it...and I'm a mother!
I understand that it is allowed and how good it is for the baby, blah, blah, blah, but the bottom line is THIS IS A WORKPLACE, treat it and the other people as such. When someone has to urinate through a strainer due to a kidney stone, I'm sure they do not wash it off and leave it lying beside the sink in the bathroom or communal area. Keep your personal stuff personal. We appreciate you have a baby, you're given time to pump...now please appreciate that not everyone wants to share in the experience while in the workplace.-COLLAPSE
i want to know if Helena's friend drank the breast milk and was miraculously cured.
I am truly astonished at the number of people who are uncomfortable at the thought of seeing (just seeing, mind you, not touching or drinking) breast milk. Yes, it's a bodily fluid - so is cow's milk or any other milk. They look alike and in most respects are alike, it's just that human milk is much better for a human baby. I'd say these people are acting like children, but that would frankly be...+READ
I am truly astonished at the number of people who are uncomfortable at the thought of seeing (just seeing, mind you, not touching or drinking) breast milk. Yes, it's a bodily fluid - so is cow's milk or any other milk. They look alike and in most respects are alike, it's just that human milk is much better for a human baby. I'd say these people are acting like children, but that would frankly be an insult to children. Get over yourselves!-COLLAPSE
While breast pump materials need to be clean/sanitary - there's a difference between "clean, sanitary, goes in your mouth" vs "clean, sanitary, injected into a vein". Furthermore, my father recently had shoulder surgery and part of the his care was this massive, bizarre ice pack contraption that had it's own motor, various parts, etc. Certain bags and other bits of this ice pack he would clean,...+READ
While breast pump materials need to be clean/sanitary - there's a difference between "clean, sanitary, goes in your mouth" vs "clean, sanitary, injected into a vein". Furthermore, my father recently had shoulder surgery and part of the his care was this massive, bizarre ice pack contraption that had it's own motor, various parts, etc. Certain bags and other bits of this ice pack he would clean, leave on a drying rack at work, and there was never any suggestion that he should keep the nozels/bags away from other employees for any reason.
For whatever reason (cultural, religious, political, etc), I am having a hard time believing that people who suggest that she keep the milk and any reminders of breast feeding out of sight is shaming. And the whole "if it makes people uncomfortable, don't do it" - basically requests that a wide variety of hard fought for social acceptance on different issues be shoved into a closet.-COLLAPSE
Gratz on your eight month old Helena! Those co-workers really sound childish. I guess they have never read Grapes of Wrath. Personally I'd be way too paranoid to leave the milk or aparatus where anyone could have access to it.
Also, cresyd is absolutely right. The situation in the US for mothers (and fathers) is shameful. Mothers should be given longer maternity leave and full support to continue nursing once they go back to work. However, that's not the case in the US. And I don't believe the change comes from strongly forcing your views on everyone in the office. We have certain rules in the workplace, right? Don't...+READ
Also, cresyd is absolutely right. The situation in the US for mothers (and fathers) is shameful. Mothers should be given longer maternity leave and full support to continue nursing once they go back to work. However, that's not the case in the US. And I don't believe the change comes from strongly forcing your views on everyone in the office. We have certain rules in the workplace, right? Don't talk about religion or politics, among other things.
(I do believe that nursing in public is a good start for helping to change culture).-COLLAPSE
Is this a real question? I pump; I also store my milk in the fridge -- in a lunch bag. It's pretty simple. I am not uncomfortable about breast-feeding. But why make your nursing a noticeable activity for all your coworkers. Why remind them that you are taking multiple 20-minute breaks during the day to pump? Why make them sit in a meeting with you and visualize your boobs in some strange, dairy...+READ
Is this a real question? I pump; I also store my milk in the fridge -- in a lunch bag. It's pretty simple. I am not uncomfortable about breast-feeding. But why make your nursing a noticeable activity for all your coworkers. Why remind them that you are taking multiple 20-minute breaks during the day to pump? Why make them sit in a meeting with you and visualize your boobs in some strange, dairy cow contraption?
Yes, encourage your pregnant female colleagues to feel comfortable nursing. Help set-up a lactation facility. Get your management to support the time you need to pump. Let your work friends (men and women) know the importance of breastfeeding. But don't make it a scene.-COLLAPSE
people will just have to deal with it. but i agree with those who say they wouldn't want to leave things out where others will be touching it, where someone leans something else against it that might not be as clean as it should be (I've seen people lick a spoon clean and put it in the dish drainer at work), etc. I would also think I would want the milk in a clearly labeled bag in the fridge......+READ
people will just have to deal with it. but i agree with those who say they wouldn't want to leave things out where others will be touching it, where someone leans something else against it that might not be as clean as it should be (I've seen people lick a spoon clean and put it in the dish drainer at work), etc. I would also think I would want the milk in a clearly labeled bag in the fridge... not necessarily labeled as breast milk, but with the owner's name on it.-COLLAPSE
I do agree that I wouldn't leave the pump parts out where people could touch them anymore because someone will eventually and you never know whats on their hands or dishes.
You are correct about breasts being sexual, but not in the context of breastfeeding, that would be kind of perverted right? I just don't understand why anyone is so bothered by it, who CARES!? Its breast milk and a pump, not porn.
I wouldn't have a problem with the milk in the fridge; the fridge is for food, and human milk is food. But the drying rack is for plates and cups and utensils, not pumps you attach to your boobs. I don't think nursing mothers have anything to be ashamed of, but that doesn't mean they get free passes to treat a communal kitchen in a workplace like a nursery.
Everyone's talking about Americans'...+READ
I wouldn't have a problem with the milk in the fridge; the fridge is for food, and human milk is food. But the drying rack is for plates and cups and utensils, not pumps you attach to your boobs. I don't think nursing mothers have anything to be ashamed of, but that doesn't mean they get free passes to treat a communal kitchen in a workplace like a nursery.
Everyone's talking about Americans' prurience, and I get that. But I worry more about Americans' sense of exceptionalism and their attendant lack of humility. Humility is not the same thing as shame. (And yes, I am American.)-COLLAPSE
I want to add to my comment: I meant store milk in a bag/cooler *in the fridge.*
Advice from someone who pumped at work for 2 babies: store your milk in a personal bag or cooler. Dry your acoutrements and keep them with you in a clean-covered container instead of drying them on the grody common rack. A few reasons: mainly, you don't want anyone/everyone in the office touching something that needs to be super-sanitary. A secondary reason is you should try to avoid making your...+READ
Advice from someone who pumped at work for 2 babies: store your milk in a personal bag or cooler. Dry your acoutrements and keep them with you in a clean-covered container instead of drying them on the grody common rack. A few reasons: mainly, you don't want anyone/everyone in the office touching something that needs to be super-sanitary. A secondary reason is you should try to avoid making your coworkers feel uncomfortable--c'mon, breastfeeding IS natural, but do you really want the people you work with to know whether you need to use small or large-sized nipple shields??-COLLAPSE
It sound disguisting. Who knows what people are storing in the office fridge or how long their left overs have been sitting there molding? I would either get a cooler or keep the milk in a paper bag.
And I wouldn't want my breast pump in a communal area where it can be moved around and pieces lost, or for immature coworkers to play with.
It's great in coffee.
It's food. FOOD. For babies. Get a grip, people. As the mother, though, I would probably not feel comfortable leaving my pump out for other people to put their paws on, but, whatever.
Personally, I wouldn't want to leave my pump parts out to dry in a communal kitchen, if only because I wouldn't want anyone else messing with them (i.e. when making room in the rack for dishes). As for breast milk in the communal fridge, I have a co-worker who had a baby 10 months ago. She pumps and stores the milk in the fridge. I don't think anyone has ever really noticed, and if they did, they...+READ
Personally, I wouldn't want to leave my pump parts out to dry in a communal kitchen, if only because I wouldn't want anyone else messing with them (i.e. when making room in the rack for dishes). As for breast milk in the communal fridge, I have a co-worker who had a baby 10 months ago. She pumps and stores the milk in the fridge. I don't think anyone has ever really noticed, and if they did, they certainly aren't bothered by it. If you're offended by the sight of a few ounces of human breast milk, I hate to think happens when you see a gallon of bovine bodily fluids.-COLLAPSE
This is a truly sad commentary on the American approach to motherhood. In many European countries, maternity leave is for a year and where maternity leave isn't as generous often as long a as mother is breast feeding the place of business needs to provide her space to pump milk as well allowing these new mothers to leave work an hour early (while still being paid for an 8 hour day).
However,...+READ
This is a truly sad commentary on the American approach to motherhood. In many European countries, maternity leave is for a year and where maternity leave isn't as generous often as long a as mother is breast feeding the place of business needs to provide her space to pump milk as well allowing these new mothers to leave work an hour early (while still being paid for an 8 hour day).
However, despite breast milk not being remotely unsanitary (particularly compared to those who end up leaving old left overs in work fridges for weeks on end - and NOT the same as something that would come out of your ear), and should the breast milk even be HIV positive the only way you'd be exposed would be if you consumed it. So don't drink it. The fact that people feeling comfortable chastising this woman for not completely hiding the 'signs' of breast feeding is shameful.
Personally, I find sharps containers (that needles are disposed in) a bit gross. I don't like being reminded of injections, blood drawing, etc. But that doesn't mean that a sharps container shouldn't be at work if there is an employee who needs regular injections. That is my issue and I need to address, not to ask that the sharps container be hidden so that I am never forced to deal with my issues.-COLLAPSE
Going to have to agree - yes, breast feeding is wonderful for the baby, we all know this (to the point that mothers who have difficulty breast feeding feel like failures). However, not everyone needs to see the milk and the paraphanelia - keep it tucked in a bag, don't leave your pump in the sink. Simple.
Oh...and as far as having it in a communal fridge...it *can* carry some of the nastier germs (like HIV), but chances are an HIV+ woman wouldn't be breast feeding, so the risk is fairly minimal. There's a slight skeeve factor, but no real risk.
Slight tangent, but we haven't "sexualized women's breasts". They are sexual. Look at any other primate. Their chests are flat unless they're nursing. They walk on all fours, so their back end gives off the "female and fertile" message. We stand upright, so it's moved to the front. We don't get them until we're in mid-puberty and they droop fairly quickly when menopause hits....and (most) men...+READ
Slight tangent, but we haven't "sexualized women's breasts". They are sexual. Look at any other primate. Their chests are flat unless they're nursing. They walk on all fours, so their back end gives off the "female and fertile" message. We stand upright, so it's moved to the front. We don't get them until we're in mid-puberty and they droop fairly quickly when menopause hits....and (most) men don't really have them....much. Breasts are sexual.-COLLAPSE
Babies, the most adorable and innocent creatures of the planet drink breast milk. People just need to chill the frick out, I think there are more important things to worry about than the breast milk your coworker stores in the fridge for her child, its not like she is running around asking everyone to taste it. And the pump parts on the drying rack?? Really, that is an issue, is it getting in the...+READ
Babies, the most adorable and innocent creatures of the planet drink breast milk. People just need to chill the frick out, I think there are more important things to worry about than the breast milk your coworker stores in the fridge for her child, its not like she is running around asking everyone to taste it. And the pump parts on the drying rack?? Really, that is an issue, is it getting in the way or something? While I do think it is beyond ridiculous that anyone would care about breast milk being in the fridge and that it is totally bizarre that anyone would consider it gross or upsetting to their stomach, I have found that no matter what you say or how you say it, it is often difficult to completely change someone's perception of something so you might as well avoid the drama and put it in a paper bag or something, IF, someone says something totally negative about it. Otherwise, until then, I would just leave it be, it doesn't sound like too much of an issue yet. I just can't even believe people feel like it is a private matter, our nation has so over sexualized the female breast, its so silly and immature, some people need to just relax and open their mind a little, why is it such a big deal anyway?-COLLAPSE
I agree that a woman has the right to store breast milk in a shared fridge and use the drying rack for her pump, but I also find it off-putting personally. And I don't think it has anything to do with breasts; if it came out of your ear, I still don't want to think about it. (And yes, I find cow's milk just as off-putting.) A little discretion, while not necessary, would be a nice consideration....+READ
I agree that a woman has the right to store breast milk in a shared fridge and use the drying rack for her pump, but I also find it off-putting personally. And I don't think it has anything to do with breasts; if it came out of your ear, I still don't want to think about it. (And yes, I find cow's milk just as off-putting.) A little discretion, while not necessary, would be a nice consideration. Bananna's ideas seem right-on to me, too. And it has nothing whatsoever to do with letting a child run amok in a restaurant.-COLLAPSE
Amen, Banana85. I'm 100% convinced that breast milk is the best food for your baby, has many benefits, etc, but it's still a body fluid and I'm still just your colleague. Not a friend, not family, but someone who works with you and really doesn't need to see that when I'm trying to get my lunch.
One of my coworkers is a nursing mother and she keeps everything very discreetly in a bag. I don't...+READ
Amen, Banana85. I'm 100% convinced that breast milk is the best food for your baby, has many benefits, etc, but it's still a body fluid and I'm still just your colleague. Not a friend, not family, but someone who works with you and really doesn't need to see that when I'm trying to get my lunch.
One of my coworkers is a nursing mother and she keeps everything very discreetly in a bag. I don't think this is any kind of hardship for her, and it keeps things that should be private private.-COLLAPSE
I'm all for breastfeeding and the benefits that come along with it, but that doesn't mean I want to see your breast pump and milk when I reach for my sandwich.
How about instead of leaving the pump parts in the drying rack, you dry them off when you're finished using them and store them at your desk. And why not put your breast milk in a lunch bag in the fridge. This way, you can pump and store...+READ
I'm all for breastfeeding and the benefits that come along with it, but that doesn't mean I want to see your breast pump and milk when I reach for my sandwich.
How about instead of leaving the pump parts in the drying rack, you dry them off when you're finished using them and store them at your desk. And why not put your breast milk in a lunch bag in the fridge. This way, you can pump and store at work without offending anyone.
Win/Win-COLLAPSE
I can't believe how people lose all common sense and decency the moment they become parents. Case in point - how many parents think it's ok for their kids to run amuck in a restaurant or scream on a plane. This woman feels entitled because she decided to have a child. Nobody else benefited from her decision and they have to deal with her bodily fluids in the fridge and the equipment in the sink....+READ
I can't believe how people lose all common sense and decency the moment they become parents. Case in point - how many parents think it's ok for their kids to run amuck in a restaurant or scream on a plane. This woman feels entitled because she decided to have a child. Nobody else benefited from her decision and they have to deal with her bodily fluids in the fridge and the equipment in the sink. It's definitely her right, but maybe approach it with a little less attitude and a little more respect.-COLLAPSE