5 Things Moms Worry About While Pumping at Work
Updated June 08, 2015.
Moms worry about pumping at work, just ask them. When I was pumping at work, I know I had my fair share of concerns. So here are some of the things that moms worry about while pumping at work, and some solutions.
- Time to Pump
Time is a huge issue for many moms. They are often concerned that the time that they spend pumping will be held against them in some manner, like the removal of time to go to the bathroom, eat lunch etc. But, according to the Department of Labor (DOL), the vast majority of workers are protected and should be given reasonable time to pump as often as needed. They don't have to pay you for this time unless they pay others for breaks (like smoke or bathroom breaks). And they cannot dictate what you do on your break, like use your lunch. The DOL also says that these protections are good for a year.
- Noise From the Breast Pump
Breast pumps are quieter these days but still all of the ones I've heard recently have a distinctive whir to them. This can make some women feel self conscious about the noise produced while pumping. If you have a remote area to pump this may not be a big deal. Some mothers said that they tried to drown the noise out or dampen it with a white noise machine or played music from a radio, cell phone or computer while pumping. - What Co-Workers Think
Some women have said that they worried about what the co-workers will think of them for pumping, like it's special treatment. There isn't much you can do about what other people think, only what you think. This is not an accommodation that will last forever and in the end it helps you be a better employee by reducing your days away from the office because of a sick baby, etc. Some women said that they did minor education campaigns, others said they worried in pregnancy but got over it once they started pumping at work. - Storing Breast Milk
Breast milk storage is another issue moms worry about, though usually this is prior to pumping. Many places have a fridge that can be used to store milk or you can use ice packs and a cooler. Even when using a fridge, I encourage moms to keep their milk in a cooler for faster portability.
- Where to Pump
You have to be given a secluded spot that is not a bathroom to pump according to the DOL and free from intrusion. This can be your office, the office of another period, a corner of a room with a shield… Women get really creative about where they will pump. One mom even said she just preferred to go to her car in the back of the parking lot. Talk to other moms if you know them and ask where they would pump or where they have pumped. You may even find the perfect space and convert it with the permission of your supervisors. The area should have a place to sit, a plug and a sink nearby.
