pumping time at work

Beck - posted on 03/16/2010

I have never worked in a profession where smokers get a break - child care and now fitness. So I supose I am not used to dealing with people have 'smokers breaks`.

Aicha - posted on 03/16/2010

what state do you live in I would consulate a lawyer in your state on work place laws

Geralyn - posted on 03/16/2010

Here is a link with the relevant laws listed by state. http://www.ncsl.org/default.aspx?tabid=1...

I am not sure whether its up to date. Its surprising to me how some states are so backwards....

Nicole - posted on 03/16/2010

I can pump while doing parts of my job. Oh yeah, Beck- do you make your smoking employees clock out? I sure hope so.

Bridget - posted on 03/16/2010

This is not one bit cool whatsoever!!!!!!!! Please look up your state laws and get that fixed!!!! i have also had problems with pumping at work.....managers walking in the office, a video camera is on me the whole time, harassment while pumping, you name it. Stand up for yourself and your baby! Hope all works out!!!

Jeanna - posted on 03/14/2010

No not at all! Arent there laws to protect you?

Andria - posted on 03/14/2010

Yea i would look up the laws in your state. The does not sound right. like nicole beck said they dont do that for the smokers why make you do it. I would go higher up in bosses and find someone who is goin to fix this for you. i wouldnt let it happen. its not right.

Allison - posted on 03/14/2010

Beck - sure, makes total sense. I only pumped during breaks. BUT...if they are making her drive somewhere else that takes time to get to, should she really have to use her sick time for that? And depending on the job, you can pump WHILE you're working (like a double, hand-free pump that you can use while replying to email, doing data entry, driving, or making phone calls). If you had an employee willing to do those things, would you try to accommodate her so she *didn't* have to use her PTO? New moms often don't have that time to use - either they've taken the time off for maternity leave, or they need the time off for doc appointments and when/if baby gets sick. Pumping is beneficial to the employeer because babies who receive breastmilk tend to get sick less, which increases the time mom can be at work.

Beck - posted on 03/14/2010

Hmmm I may start a few issues on here... BUT whilst I agree that you shouldn't have to use your holiday I can also see the other side. I am an employer and every staff hour is precious. Also as an employee I may be a little annoyed to see another employee get 2.5hrs a week off with pay. Now dont get cross, I am a breast feeding mum of a one year old who has always been able to feed during my casual work hours BECAUSE I make up the time. I feel thats only fair. So I do see both side here.

Jennifer - posted on 03/14/2010

Sounds pretty ridiculous to me. Definitely look up the state laws and see if you can this changed. I bet the local La Leche League and lactation consultants will also know the state laws.

Nicole - posted on 03/13/2010

hell no! that's illegal. I pump anywhere I feel like and I don't clock out since my employer doesn't make smokers clock out,

Allison - posted on 03/13/2010

Heck - just pump in your car! I know plenty of women who've done that. At least then you won't have to drive somewhere else. Best senario is for them to find a place on-site for you, and if your state law provides for that the I'd say fight for it. But if not, the car works really well.

Keep in mind breastmilk does not need to be refrigerated for many hours (6, I think, but you can look it up at kellymom) so you don't need to worry about getting it somewhere immediately. Also, I didn't clean my pump until I got home, so I'd pump in the am, put it away as-is (no rinsing - I figured I'd only expose it to more germs by rinsing in a bathroom or public kitchen) and use it again in the afternoon. Then I'd go home and rinse and sterilize (or wash in the dishwasher).

Ellen - posted on 03/13/2010

I think it's absolutely ridiculous for them to say you have to use your vacation time to pump! I don't know how to find out what the state laws are, but that seems like discrimination to me. Is there a place at work that you could pump, rather than driving? How frustrating. Best of luck with this issue.

Allison - posted on 03/13/2010

What state are you in? You can type your state and "breastfeeding laws" in google, or go to your state statues page and type breastfeeding. or pumping. LLL might even have links from their site, too.

Honestly, if they are not able to find a place closer to where you are working, I don't think you should be told to take your sick time. If that is the case, I'd pump right where I was to save time and allow me to get back to work quicker. When I pumped at work, I asked around and one of the department heads had a storage room with a door that locked that he allowed me to use everyday.

Good luck!

Lauren - posted on 03/13/2010

I don't know what my state laws are. How can I find out? And, I do pump on my lunch break and I get two 15min breaks that I use to pump. However, I have to drive a little to get to a "clean" area that work has provided for me to pump. In total it takes about 30min to pump so each day I will be using 30min of my sick/vacation time.

Allison - posted on 03/13/2010

No, I don't think it's right. What are your state laws?



No matter what, you should be able to pump on your lunch break and other allotted break times.