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maybebaby
LIF Adult
Member since 11/05 6870 total posts
Name:
Maureen
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Posted by Janice
that's a tough one. I have a big supply. I agree she can pump in the 45 minute timeframe...but if that's her only free time, should 20 minutes of it be spent pumping?
In this situation, yes I think it should be spent pumping.
I do not and have never breastfed my son...so it is hard for me to answer...
BUT...i can't help but think that this is another situation that sounds like a ridiculous lawsuit. I think a 45 minute break is a good amount of time...like someone else said...she can pump before, during her break and right after...is she going to be THAT affected???
Say they give this lady additional breaks to pump...well does than then entitle so and so to take additional breaks for their medical condition? I can see a million reasons occuring as to why others now need additional breaks.
I just don't get it. I think she is capable of getting through this one challenge. That is my honest opinion.
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Posted 9/13/07 12:13 PM  |
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Juliet
Family is Complete!
Member since 5/05 5913 total posts
Name:
Juliet
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Posted by JessieQ
Although I think when she chose this profession she should have known that it was going to be hard to also have a family, I agree that 9 hours is a lot to ask with so little break. I have never taken a test this long so I don't know how feasible this would be, but I wonder though if there is another way she can do this without having to set a precedent. Can they give her a private room (or at least a private area of the room, like in the back) so she can pump while the test is going on (there are hands-free versions that you can fit under your clothes) so maybe she wouldn't need extra time. she could just pump and dump, this way she wouldn't need to worry about milk storage or washing the equipment between pumping. I'm not sure how distracting that would be (both to her and to the other test-takers or proctors), but it seems that if she really wants to do both she will have to make some sacrifice.
I feel bad for her, it's hard for women, we were brought up being told we could do anything, but also feel the pressure to be the perfect mother, which includes breastfeeding our children. But I think though she needs to be willing to do what it takes if she want to be a doctor and not give up nursing her child.
I was thinking this, too. And she could store it in a cooler bag. There should be a happy medium where she gets to pump but follow the rules of the exam closer.
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| Posted 9/13/07 12:16 PM |
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MommyTeffi
Yummy!!!
Member since 2/06 1827 total posts
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Here's the whole article in case anyone is interested. It gives more details.
Woman Seeks to Settle M.D. Exam Dispute
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| Posted 9/13/07 12:21 PM |
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Janice
Sweet Jessie Quinn
Member since 5/05 27567 total posts
Name:
Janice
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Posted by maybebaby
Posted by Janice
that's a tough one. I have a big supply. I agree she can pump in the 45 minute timeframe...but if that's her only free time, should 20 minutes of it be spent pumping?
In this situation, yes I think it should be spent pumping.
.
I don't think 45 minutes is long enough to go to the restroom, eat, stretch, pump, call home to see how the baby is doing...
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| Posted 9/13/07 12:26 PM |
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maybebaby
LIF Adult
Member since 11/05 6870 total posts
Name:
Maureen
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Posted by Janice
Posted by maybebaby
Posted by Janice
that's a tough one. I have a big supply. I agree she can pump in the 45 minute timeframe...but if that's her only free time, should 20 minutes of it be spent pumping?
In this situation, yes I think it should be spent pumping.
.
I don't think 45 minutes is long enough to go to the restroom, eat, stretch, pump, call home to see how the baby is doing...
I only speak from hearing my SIL say how she can get a few things done while she uses the hands free pump which leads me to believe it can be done, but I am not sure of course.
The thing that gets to me...is that other people prob have had things going on and needed to get done in a shorter amount of time than they are used to you know? I'm sure others have taken medication, called their family, had lunch or tested their insulin if diabetic etc....for ONE day of this womans life she can't make arrangements knowing that yes, she may be rushed and it might not be comfortable with a longer stretch but ultimately she CAN get it done?
I just don't know what to think. It is hard to know when you aren't the one in the situation but it seems as if she's making a way bigger deal than needs to be made on this
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| Posted 9/13/07 12:32 PM |
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JessieQ
Rest in Peace baby Rogan
Member since 6/07 1122 total posts
Name:
Jessica
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Ok so I read the article. I think it is amazing that she has accomplished everything that she has, getting into a MD/PhD program is ridiculously hard in the first place, and finishing this program while having 2 children is even harder, and especially with the dyslexia and ADD as well. That being said, I think there are many people out there that have gone through as many hardships or more and just accepted that they have to sacrifice something. She is asking for an extra hour each of the 2 days she gets to take the test (that is more than double what they give in the first place). I think that is asking a bit much, although my guess is maybe she figures if she asks for that much then maybe they will compromise and give her a half hour extra.
I still think using a hands-free pump while taking the test and just dumping the milk is feasable and is more along the lines of an acceptable request. If she wants to be a doctor and be a mother she will have to make compromises.
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| Posted 9/13/07 12:58 PM |
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Kidsaplenty
Sister love
Member since 2/06 5971 total posts
Name:
Stephanie
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Good for her. I remember one time at work I was so engorged I couldn't focus on anything, I felt feverish and I was in a ton of pain. There is no way as a breastfeeding Mom you could go through 9 hours with just a 45 minute break. I think its unfair that they would expect her to do that.
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| Posted 9/13/07 12:58 PM |
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stickydust
Now a mommy of 2!!!
Member since 4/06 3164 total posts
Name:
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
You know, as a mom and as someone who has taken the bar exam (similar to medical boards) I really do not think she should be allotted extra time. I think it is unfair to everyone else who has had to work around their lives to take the exam. During her extra breaks, and while pumping, she could feasibly be studying as well, plus it makes it more difficult to control the test-taking envionment.
Everyone has stuff going on...when we took the bar my friend came down with a stomach virus - she did not get any special concessions, her options were to not take it and ty in February instead or suffer through it. I am sure there are many people in similar types of situations.
I am sorry, and this may sound bad, but as someone who has taken pains to plan things in my life - she frankly should have planned better - whenever life has thrown a wrench in my plans I adjust accordingly and bend but I ceertainly don't expect everyone to adjust to me...
(sorry for rambling - I think I am just cranky today  )
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| Posted 9/13/07 1:08 PM |
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pinkandblue
Our family is complete, maybe
Member since 9/05 32436 total posts
Name:
Stephanie
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Posted by smdl
Honestly, I am shocked by some of the answers I read here. .
me too and that is all I will say on this topic
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| Posted 9/13/07 1:22 PM |
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pinkandblue
Our family is complete, maybe
Member since 9/05 32436 total posts
Name:
Stephanie
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Posted by JessieQ
I still think using a hands-free pump while taking the test and just dumping the milk is feasable and is more along the lines of an acceptable request.
I honestly hope that was a joke.....
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| Posted 9/13/07 1:24 PM |
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LuvMy2Girls
@>---------
Member since 5/05 11165 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Posted by Janice
that's a tough one. I have a big supply. I agree she can pump in the 45 minute timeframe...but if that's her only free time, should 20 minutes of it be spent pumping?
absolutely! Yes it should be.
Free time during the test is free time.
I think if she gets extra time to pump, everyone else should get time to what they want to do.
How many of those test takers are dying for a cigarette or a drink of water or even have to pee in the worst way?
Fair and consistent that's all.
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| Posted 9/13/07 1:28 PM |
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LuvMy2Girls
@>---------
Member since 5/05 11165 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
I saw her on tv a while back.. she was interviewed on the news up here in ct.
Her issue is that she DOESN'T want to spend some of her 45 min free time pumping and wants the extra time for herself during that time and wants extra time off during the test when no one else has a break..
Message edited 9/13/2007 1:35:17 PM.
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| Posted 9/13/07 1:34 PM |
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Eleanor
LIF Adult
Member since 2/06 2223 total posts
Name:
Ellie
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
My first thoughts were that 9 hours would be AWFUL to get through taking a test.
Then I saw the 45 minute break and I thought - lucky her - I only had a 10 minute break when I was BFIng and getting my Masters and I couldn't even wear my seatbelt coming home I was in so much pain after 2 3hour classes.
But I'm all for her standing up for herself, so I wish her the best of luck which ever way the decision goes.
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| Posted 9/13/07 1:38 PM |
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
I don't want to target anyone but for those who use the "hand free" pumping, we all know what it is.
So for those who don't. You have a strapless bra with 2 openings. You have to insert a shield with the attached bottle in each hole. NOW the tricky part. Lift your shirt, put the strapless bra on top of your bra, open the cups of your nursing bra , pump, when finished.. removed the shield with bottles full of milk, reattach the cups of your nursing bra, remove strapless pumping bra. Of course... all of that while trying to maintain your privacy and being covered. Good luck!!!!!! I pump that way every day at home. I can't imagine doing that in front of tons of people.
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| Posted 9/13/07 1:53 PM |
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JessieQ
Rest in Peace baby Rogan
Member since 6/07 1122 total posts
Name:
Jessica
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
From what I see, she has two 4 hour blocks of time during the test where she will need to express milk somewhere in the middle so she is not too engorged she risks blockage, mastitis, etc. Ok, so I understand her problem and sympathize with her. However, she expects the National Board of Medical Examiners to give her more than double the break time that everyone else has, including I am sure many other breastfeeding mothers. I was just suggesting that there is an alternative, because I agree she shouldn't risk infection by going that long without pumping. There are quiet, hands-free breastpumps available, yes it may be a little embarassing in a room full of people, but it would allow her to express the milk to keep her healthy and still take the test in the allotted time period. She can pump before the test and assemble/attach the hands-free pump right before she starts. she can just turn on the pump 2 hours into the test, then at her break she can pump again, go to the bathroom, set up the hands-free pump, and do it all over again. If she's just worried about the engorgement and has pumped enough extra milk for her baby before-hand, then she can just dump the milk pumped during the 4-hour blocks of testing. Would it be easy, no, would it be comfortable, who knows, but she's doing something that most women don't even attempt because it's hard. I'm all for supporting breastfeeding, and hey, maybe her complaining can change the way the test is formatted in the future for everyone, but I think she can make it work without requiring them to change the format of their test specifically for her.
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| Posted 9/13/07 1:55 PM |
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JessieQ
Rest in Peace baby Rogan
Member since 6/07 1122 total posts
Name:
Jessica
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Posted by smdl
I don't want to target anyone but for those who use the "hand free" pumping, we all know what it is.
So for those who don't. You have a strapless bra with 2 openings. You have to insert a shield with the attached bottle in each hole. NOW the tricky part. Lift your shirt, put the strapless bra on top of your bra, open the cups of your nursing bra , pump, when finished.. removed the shield with bottles full of milk, reattach the cups of your nursing bra, remove strapless pumping bra. Of course... all of that while trying to maintain your privacy and being covered. Good luck!!!!!! I pump that way every day at home. I can't imagine doing that in front of tons of people.
You're right, I have never used the hands-free pump so I really don't know how hard it is. I was thinking that she could set it up before the test began and only turned it on 2 hours in. I know it's not glamorous, and I'm sure it would be uncomfortable and distracting. I was just trying to find an alternative to changing the timing of the test, it's not a perfect alternative but I was just throwing it out there.
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| Posted 9/13/07 2:13 PM |
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Janice
Sweet Jessie Quinn
Member since 5/05 27567 total posts
Name:
Janice
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
I am so much more comfortable BFing in front of people then I ever would be pumping. I feel like a cow getting milked. I don't like doing it in front of even DH, let alone a class full of test takers.
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| Posted 9/13/07 2:17 PM |
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JessieQ
Rest in Peace baby Rogan
Member since 6/07 1122 total posts
Name:
Jessica
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Posted by Janice
I am so much more comfortable BFing in front of people then I ever would be pumping. I feel like a cow getting milked. I don't like doing it in front of even DH, let alone a class full of test takers.
I definitely wouldn't either, whenever there was someone else in the pumping room when I was pumping I was so uncomfortable. But I would rather deal with the embarassment than demand extra time. However, I know that if everyone felt this way we wouldn't have the advantages we have today (if breastfeeding moms didn't have "sit-ins" in stores, etc, never mind other civil rights that we have gained from ordinary people fighting the system), so maybe she is on the right track. I tend not to buck the system, and also being in a related field I know the inherent biases and I just feel like if she expects to get extra time once she starts working she's in for a rude awakening. Not that it's right, but it's the reality today.
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| Posted 9/13/07 2:30 PM |
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clydrak
LIF Infant
Member since 2/06 141 total posts
Name:
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
I read the article and honestly, she's already getting to take the nine hour test over 2 days due to her learning disabilities so she its not as though its a single 45 min break during 9 hours in one day.
I think she's suing for the principle of it all, rather than concern for risk of infection or engorgement or because the 45 min isn't enough time.
I applaud her for trying to bring attention to the issue but I don't think she has that much of a case....
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| Posted 9/13/07 2:31 PM |
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Posted by JessieQ
Posted by smdl
I don't want to target anyone but for those who use the "hand free" pumping, we all know what it is.
So for those who don't. You have a strapless bra with 2 openings. You have to insert a shield with the attached bottle in each hole. NOW the tricky part. Lift your shirt, put the strapless bra on top of your bra, open the cups of your nursing bra , pump, when finished.. removed the shield with bottles full of milk, reattach the cups of your nursing bra, remove strapless pumping bra. Of course... all of that while trying to maintain your privacy and being covered. Good luck!!!!!! I pump that way every day at home. I can't imagine doing that in front of tons of people.
You're right, I have never used the hands-free pump so I really don't know how hard it is. I was thinking that she could set it up before the test began and only turned it on 2 hours in. I know it's not glamorous, and I'm sure it would be uncomfortable and distracting. I was just trying to find an alternative to changing the timing of the test, it's not a perfect alternative but I was just throwing it out there.
I think a lot of us would try to find a solution like the one you posted to make it work.
I do agree though that, like the other poster mentioned, she is doing it for the principle.
I applaude her for that. I BF but totally understand moms who give formula. That being said, it is time that workplace, public places, etc... offer time and areas to BF moms. Just like smokers can take breaks at work without ever justifying.
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| Posted 9/13/07 2:38 PM |
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LuvMy2Girls
@>---------
Member since 5/05 11165 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Posted by smdl
Just like smokers can take breaks at work without ever justifying.
Totally off the topic, but I TOTALLY AGREE with you on this! Totally ridiculous!
I am one of those people that will go out and take a non smoke break if the people i work with are smoking outside. I have done it many times and when asked, i say i was taking a non smoking break just like so and so was taking her 5th smoking break
 
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| Posted 9/13/07 2:51 PM |
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Karen
Just chillin'!!
Member since 1/06 9690 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
I was just thinking of something else - when they say 9 hours - do you stay for the entire test? I remember the CPA exam was 4 - 4.5 hours a session and so are the teacher's exams, but most people didn't take the entire time. Do you actually sit for the entire 9 hours, or are you free to leave as you finish?
I don't know, this is tough. I still think the 2 days worth of exams is going to be the least of her worries. Even when my SIL was just doing her rotations, there was no way she was guaranteed a break every 3 hours. I don't know how in medicine you can be guaranteed time off every 3 hours and not have it be held against you. Very interesting.
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| Posted 9/13/07 2:53 PM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Posted by Karen
I was just thinking of something else - when they say 9 hours - do you stay for the entire test? I remember the CPA exam was 4 - 4.5 hours a session and so are the teacher's exams, but most people didn't take the entire time. Do you actually sit for the entire 9 hours, or are you free to leave as you finish?
I don't know, this is tough. I still think the 2 days worth of exams is going to be the least of her worries. Even when my SIL was just doing her rotations, there was no way she was guaranteed a break every 3 hours. I don't know how in medicine you can be guaranteed time off every 3 hours and not have it be held against you. Very interesting.
I think this is the whole point, really. That is, why should it be so hard to expect that she can take a break every 3 hours? Women are pushed in so many ways - we now have the freedom to work, and pursue our careers, but with that comes SO much judgment with regard to how much time we are dedicating to our families. So, then we are pushed to breastfeed.
I see the whole point of what she is doing is breaking these barriers - these stupid, assinine assumptions, like, if you work as a doctor, you should "expect" and "know" that, as a young BFing mother, you can't have a break every 3 hours.
I'm sure 20 years ago it was simply unheard of to do many of the things that we don't even bat an eye over now - i.e. family medical leave, equal pay for men and women, etc. It's only because there were women who were brave enough to stand up and say hey, this status quo is STUPID that things started changing.
I don't see her as "milking" the system at all - she has very valid disabilities which require extended time - that shouldn't count AGAINST her in her fight for breastfeeding rights. The whole point of anti-discrimination laws, including those that protect people with disabilities, is to put everyone on equal footing, so that no one is restricted, or held back due to reasons associated with their age, disability, race or, most important here, gender.
I applaud her for the effort she is making. I think it's particularly relevant here considering it's the very same medical profession which pushes so strongly for BFing, so much so that in NY they've banned free cans of formula in the hospitals.
Good for her...
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| Posted 9/13/07 2:59 PM |
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Posted by Bxgell2
Posted by Karen
I was just thinking of something else - when they say 9 hours - do you stay for the entire test? I remember the CPA exam was 4 - 4.5 hours a session and so are the teacher's exams, but most people didn't take the entire time. Do you actually sit for the entire 9 hours, or are you free to leave as you finish?
I don't know, this is tough. I still think the 2 days worth of exams is going to be the least of her worries. Even when my SIL was just doing her rotations, there was no way she was guaranteed a break every 3 hours. I don't know how in medicine you can be guaranteed time off every 3 hours and not have it be held against you. Very interesting.
I think this is the whole point, really. That is, why should it be so hard to expect that she can take a break every 3 hours? Women are pushed in so many ways - we now have the freedom to work, and pursue our careers, but with that comes SO much judgment with regard to how much time we are dedicating to our families. So, then we are pushed to breastfeed.
I see the whole point of what she is doing is breaking these barriers - these stupid, assinine assumptions, like, if you work as a doctor, you should "expect" and "know" that, as a young BFing mother, you can't have a break every 3 hours.
I'm sure 20 years ago it was simply unheard of to do many of the things that we don't even bat an eye over now - i.e. family medical leave, equal pay for men and women, etc. It's only because there were women who were brave enough to stand up and say hey, this status quo is STUPID that things started changing.
I don't see her as "milking" the system at all - she has very valid disabilities which require extended time - that shouldn't count AGAINST her in her fight for breastfeeding rights. The whole point of anti-discrimination laws, including those that protect people with disabilities, is to put everyone on equal footing, so that no one is restricted, or held back due to reasons associated with their age, disability, race or, most important here, gender.
I applaud her for the effort she is making. I think it's particularly relevant here considering it's the very same medical profession which pushes so strongly for BFing, so much so that in NY they've banned free cans of formula in the hospitals.
Good for her...
I think you summed it all up. Very well said!
It's about "fighting" and give women the rights they deserve. That may sound cheesy but as women, we should all be "sisters" and support each other.
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| Posted 9/13/07 3:07 PM |
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Karen
Just chillin'!!
Member since 1/06 9690 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Posted by Bxgell2
I think this is the whole point, really. That is, why should it be so hard to expect that she can take a break every 3 hours? Women are pushed in so many ways - we now have the freedom to work, and pursue our careers, but with that comes SO much judgment with regard to how much time we are dedicating to our families. So, then we are pushed to breastfeed.
What's going to happen when she is in the middle of surgery?? Medicine is not a career where you can just start and stop what you are doing. I think the reality of a medical career is just vastly different than others.
As a CPA, I could have easily stopped every 3 hours to pump (now where I would have done it is a different issue). Now as a teacher, it's much harder based on my schedule, but still pretty doable.
Like I said previously, I am really, really torn on this. On the one hand I think what she is doing is great. But on the other hand - at some point you need to be realistic. Will she just not sign up for surgeries that are going to be over 3 hours?
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| Posted 9/13/07 3:08 PM |
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