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Booklady1017
Information Goddess
Member since 5/05 4149 total posts
Name:
Michelle
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Re: Discussion....Breast feeding at your desk in the office
Yeah I could see why some people would feel uncomfortable.
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Posted 3/5/07 10:04 PM  |
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neenie
Member since 5/05 22351 total posts
Name:
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Re: Discussion....Breast feeding at your desk in the office
Posted by Disneygirl
Posted by Shelly
I have to say, I get very frustrated at times. There is SO MUCH pressure for a woman to breastfeed. In fact, a report from the government likened not breastfeeding to smoking while pregnant (not that I agree with this at all).
BUT no one wants women nursing in public and people aren't willing to make accomodations. So what is a woman to do? Severeal women I know gave up breastfeeeding because at work there was no place to pump but the bathroom. It gets so frustrating at times.
Well said! 
I think the bigger issue is why is her husband and child coming to work with her? If the baby for some reason won't take the bottle at all and she has to nurse than she should have already made arrangements with the boss to feed him simply because I don't think she can be doing her job 100% if she is busy nursing her child. I'm all for breastfeeding but if it's consuming her time at work then what is she getting paid to do?
Well said!!!
I'm thrown off by the baby coming to the office.. IN the office...
BUt... I've really been researching this alot lately, and while i used to be anti public breast feeding, i've really done a 180 on my stance. Mothers are pushed and pushed and pushed to breastfeed b/c of all of the benefits that it offers, but society makes it absolutely frustrating in every sense to actually make this happen. Most mothers will have every intention of continuing to BF when they return to work, only to find that the workplace poses more hurdles than they ever could have imagined. There are no strict laws giving rights to BF'g mothers, so its really up to your employer... and Then, if you're even lucky enough to have an understanding employer, you're surrounded by catty coworkers going behind your back and causing drama about it because they think you're getting an added benefit.
I can understand how people would be thrown off by it, but honestly who cares what you think? My (future) child's nutrition would take precendence over anyone's opinions anyday.... but it would still be nice if we, as women, could attempt to make life a little bit easier for each other once in a while.
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| Posted 3/5/07 10:07 PM |
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MelToddJulia
Love my Family!
Member since 7/05 29064 total posts
Name:
Mel
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Re: Discussion....Breast feeding at your desk in the office
Posted by prncssrachel
I mean, technically, she can bf wherever she wants. Her son needs to eat, but I'm sorry, your desk is not the place to do it. I wouldn't even eat at a desk!
I agree!
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| Posted 3/5/07 10:07 PM |
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Jessica
I'm a mommy :)
Member since 1/06 7322 total posts
Name:
~Jess~
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Re: Discussion....Breast feeding at your desk in the office
well she CAN breastfeed there
BUT, i think its highly awkward for her fellow coworkers. I can see a restaurant, a park, etc....
But ot a public workplace.
Im not even allowed to eat at me desk!
And, *** is up with the husband..Why does he need to be there while she's working?
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| Posted 3/5/07 10:10 PM |
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4monkeys
boys will be boys =)
Member since 9/05 7205 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: Discussion....Breast feeding at your desk in the office
Posted by neenie
Mothers are pushed and pushed and pushed to breastfeed b/c of all of the benefits that it offers, but society makes it absolutely frustrating in every sense to actually make this happen. Most mothers will have every intention of continuing to BF when they return to work, only to find that the workplace poses more hurdles than they ever could have imagined. There are no strict laws giving rights to BF'g mothers, so its really up to your employer... and Then, if you're even lucky enough to have an understanding employer, you're surrounded by catty coworkers going behind your back and causing drama about it because they think you're getting an added benefit.
I can understand how people would be thrown off by it, but honestly who cares what you think? My (future) child's nutrition would take precendence over anyone's opinions anyday.... but it would still be nice if we, as women, could attempt to make life a little bit easier for each other once in a while.
VERY WELL SAID ! 
While I DO agree with the need for it to be done privately, I feel very strongly about the bathroom as being the place that people always mention.
While I only caught a "glimpse" of the life of a mommy BFing, and NEVER was working so cant even imagine the pressure of combining BF and work, I think it's soo sad that we have to tell moms that BF to go to the BATHROOM.
I find that incredibly offensive on their behalf.
It should be a relaxing time, not a time to sit in a public bathroom stall.
Just the way the feelings of others should be taken into consideration when a mom is BFing, so should her feelings when telling her which corner to stick herself into as if she's a nuisance to society. 
And as for employers that are not open to it, i thought there WERE laws protecting BF moms?
For all the "cigarette breaks" that smokers get, I dont think a few "boobie breaks" will interfere with work.
I think the opposite. Making this so difficult for a BF mom will only cause stress, which will inevitably affect work.
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| Posted 3/5/07 10:31 PM |
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nrthshgrl
It goes fast. Pay attention.
Member since 7/05 57538 total posts
Name:
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Re: Discussion....Breast feeding at your desk in the office
As someone who pumped at her desk for 11 months (with a closed door), I say it's inappropriate. Not because she breastfed at her desk. It's inappropriate because children are not allowed in your workplace.
That needs to be the focus of your boss's argument. Anything else and he could find himself in court. He can say that he will make arrangements for her to pump, she can feed her child off-site but her child is not allowed in the office, nor should her husband be allowed. What is this? Bring your huband & child to work day?
Message edited 3/6/2007 10:49:31 AM.
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| Posted 3/5/07 11:06 PM |
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MsMBV
:P
Member since 5/05 28602 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Discussion....Breast feeding at your desk in the office
Posted by MrsTC
Is there any place private besides the bathroom she can use? I have had to find empty offices and turn them into the official pump room at my old company...just for privacy. The women felt the bathroom was too germy.
The bathroom is one of the worst places. Actually I think the law is that the company needs to provide a prive non-bathroom facility for BF or pumping.
If she is forced to do it at her desk maybe your company will do something about it & accomodate her properly. Sorry but the kid has to eat.
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| Posted 3/6/07 7:21 AM |
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2PreciousBlessings
The Perfect Pair
Member since 5/06 19861 total posts
Name:
Best Wife & Mommy
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Re: Discussion....Breast feeding at your desk in the office
Posted by MsMBV
Posted by MrsTC
Is there any place private besides the bathroom she can use? I have had to find empty offices and turn them into the official pump room at my old company...just for privacy. The women felt the bathroom was too germy.
The bathroom is one of the worst places. Actually I think the law is that the company needs to provide a prive non-bathroom facility for BF or pumping.
If she is forced to do it at her desk maybe your company will do something about it & accomodate her properly. Sorry but the kid has to eat.
ITA!!
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| Posted 3/6/07 7:22 AM |
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MsMBV
:P
Member since 5/05 28602 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Discussion....Breast feeding at your desk in the office
Posted by neenie
Mothers are pushed and pushed and pushed to breastfeed b/c of all of the benefits that it offers, but society makes it absolutely frustrating in every sense to actually make this happen. Most mothers will have every intention of continuing to BF when they return to work, only to find that the workplace poses more hurdles than they ever could have imagined. There are no strict laws giving rights to BF'g mothers, so its really up to your employer... and Then, if you're even lucky enough to have an understanding employer, you're surrounded by catty coworkers going behind your back and causing drama about it because they think you're getting an added benefit.
I can understand how people would be thrown off by it, but honestly who cares what you think? My (future) child's nutrition would take precendence over anyone's opinions anyday.... but it would still be nice if we, as women, could attempt to make life a little bit easier for each other once in a while.
Brava neenie!
We are having issue now at our job. Currently we have a daycare with a separate lactation room. Our company is moving to a new building & there will be no daycare. Furthermore, there will be no offices anymore either (we currently have offices for management & higher). Currently, it is OK for a mother to close her office & draw the shades to pump if her schedule does not allow for BF frequencies. (ie you can take a conference call or even continue to work while pumping vs going into the lactation room). Once we move there is NO facility for us to BF or pump. I will BF, I don't care what my company thinks is right or what is good to "optimize space." I will find the open conference room & draw the shades & do what I have to do for my child. But the fact that we had the right & now we are faced with this change has created quite a stir in our company. People who do not have kids (for the most part) are complaining that the working moms get extra "benefits" by being able to leave & BF your child. Well the smokers get to leave just as much during the day...so how come no one is mentioning that?
Maybe this is just a hot topic for me now, but in this country we claim to be family-friendly, but in reality I think we are one of the worst.
(ok getting of soap box)
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| Posted 3/6/07 7:27 AM |
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Diane
Hope is Contagious....catch it
Member since 5/05 30683 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: Discussion....Breast feeding at your desk in the office
Posted by mrswask
I don't think it's appropriate to do that at your desk in the workplace!! Especially since there is somewhere else she can go!
I agree
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| Posted 3/6/07 7:27 AM |
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HarleyGirlFLA
Come on in
Member since 5/05 9674 total posts
Name:
Mel
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Re: Discussion....Breast feeding at your desk in the office
Posted by nrthshgrl
As someone who pumped at her desk for 11 months (with a closed door), I say it's inappropriate. Not because she breastfed at her desk. It's inappropriate because children are not allowed in your workplace.
That needs to be the focus of your boss's argument. Anything else and he could find himself in court. He can say that he will make arrangements for her to pump, she can feed her child off-site but her child is not allowed in the office, nor should her husband be allowed. What is this bring your huband & child to work day?
That's what I stressed to my boss in the email that the husband and child should not be in the office just sitting at her desk. She can go to a private room if arrangements are made and he can wait in the reception area or something. I even suggested the old COO's office, just leave the door unlocked but closed for her and dont tell anyone that it's unlocked. It's a corner office with blinds so she can have privacy in a big office.
She needs to nurse I think we can all be fine as long as the employeer makes special arrangements for her. But to have her DH and nursing at her desk is not allowed. She was spoken to about it and she's doing it again when she thinks it's ok because it's a saturday. If it's not ok during the week what makes it alright on Saturday?
I hope my boss listens to me because I dont want to see him get into trouble. I adore him and dont want to see him getting into any trouble over this.
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| Posted 3/6/07 7:29 AM |
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HarleyGirlFLA
Come on in
Member since 5/05 9674 total posts
Name:
Mel
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Re: Discussion....Breast feeding at your desk in the office
Posted by MsMBV
If she is forced to do it at her desk maybe your company will do something about it & accomodate her properly. Sorry but the kid has to eat.
Dont be sorry. I hope my company does learn from this. She's not the only female that can have children. I wonder what will happen with me in time. If I have children will the company be accomodating, will they understand, will they let me work from home, etc...
I hope they do take this as a learning experience and when it's time to move to a bigger office will they make special arrangements?
Dont be sorry at all...this topic was posted for friendly discussion. 
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| Posted 3/6/07 7:33 AM |
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Faithx2
All good things in 2016!!
Member since 8/05 20181 total posts
Name:
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Re: Discussion....Breast feeding at your desk in the office
Posted by MelTodd604
Posted by prncssrachel
I mean, technically, she can bf wherever she wants. Her son needs to eat, but I'm sorry, your desk is not the place to do it. I wouldn't even eat at a desk!
I agree!
I agree as well.
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| Posted 3/6/07 8:05 AM |
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saraH
happy birthday sweet kate!
Member since 5/05 16555 total posts
Name:
I know that God exsists, I held her in my arms...
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Re: Discussion....Breast feeding at your desk in the office
i get that the kid has to eat, i don't think anyone is arguing that he/she shouldn't be fed. but i can't imagine sitting at my desk with my child latched on....too many nosey people around. i would definitely make arrangements if that was the case.
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| Posted 3/6/07 8:08 AM |
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Re: Discussion....Breast feeding at your desk in the office
I agree with Shelly and Marissa. She should not have to BF her child in the bathroom. I wouldnt unless it was a ladies lounge and the bathroom stalls were completely seperate. Your office should really try to accomidate her with some sort of private office. If they can't accomidate her then I don't see a problem with her BF at her desk as long has she has some sort of thin blanket or nursing blanket to cover the baby while feeding.
BF is natural and if someone doesn't feel comfortable around her then they should look especially since she doesn't have a place to do it. I mean do you really think she enjoys feeding her child at her desk in the first place? Probably not but she doesn't have any other options.
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| Posted 3/6/07 8:21 AM |
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Lisa
I'm a PANK!!!
Member since 5/05 22334 total posts
Name:
Professional Aunts No Kids
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Re: Discussion....Breast feeding at your desk in the office
I dont agree with her BF at her desk but I do think that there should be a room, other than the bathroom, for her to go and feed her baby!
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| Posted 3/6/07 8:24 AM |
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LIMOMx2
...
Member since 5/05 24989 total posts
Name:
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Re: Discussion....Breast feeding at your desk in the office
Posted by MelTodd604
Posted by prncssrachel
I mean, technically, she can bf wherever she wants. Her son needs to eat, but I'm sorry, your desk is not the place to do it. I wouldn't even eat at a desk!
I agree!
I to agree
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| Posted 3/6/07 8:26 AM |
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Stacey1403
Where it all began....
Member since 5/05 24065 total posts
Name:
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Re: Discussion....Breast feeding at your desk in the office
Posted by neenie
Well said!!!
I'm thrown off by the baby coming to the office.. IN the office...
BUt... I've really been researching this alot lately, and while i used to be anti public breast feeding, i've really done a 180 on my stance. Mothers are pushed and pushed and pushed to breastfeed b/c of all of the benefits that it offers, but society makes it absolutely frustrating in every sense to actually make this happen. Most mothers will have every intention of continuing to BF when they return to work, only to find that the workplace poses more hurdles than they ever could have imagined. There are no strict laws giving rights to BF'g mothers, so its really up to your employer... and Then, if you're even lucky enough to have an understanding employer, you're surrounded by catty coworkers going behind your back and causing drama about it because they think you're getting an added benefit.
I can understand how people would be thrown off by it, but honestly who cares what you think? My (future) child's nutrition would take precendence over anyone's opinions anyday.... but it would still be nice if we, as women, could attempt to make life a little bit easier for each other once in a while.
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| Posted 3/6/07 8:44 AM |
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LFitzy79
can hardly wait
Member since 5/05 2650 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: Discussion....Breast feeding at your desk in the office
I'm sorry, but I completely disagree with the posters that think the company should provide a private room for her to breastfeed-I have a very close friend at work whose daughter is 6.5 months old, and she takes her lunch hour to drive to daycare to feed her baby-the office is no place for a baby, the desks aren't clean, there is no privacy and it's a huge distraction. When smokers go outside to smoke-they take thier distraction OUTSIDE. They aren't smoking at thier desks, causing a distraction within the office. She needs to make other arrangements to feed her child, she's a part time employee, she needs to rework the babies feeding schedule, to be more condusive to her working, she knew she was going to be returning to work at some point, it's not the companies responsibility to work out her BFing her child.
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| Posted 3/6/07 9:01 AM |
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BabyAvocado
Happy New Year
Member since 5/05 17334 total posts
Name:
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Re: Discussion....Breast feeding at your desk in the office
Posted by LFitzy79
I'm sorry, but I completely disagree with the posters that think the company should provide a private room for her to breastfeed-I have a very close friend at work whose daughter is 6.5 months old, and she takes her lunch hour to drive to daycare to feed her baby-the office is no place for a baby, the desks aren't clean, there is no privacy and it's a huge distraction. When smokers go outside to smoke-they take thier distraction OUTSIDE. They aren't smoking at thier desks, causing a distraction within the office. She needs to make other arrangements to feed her child, she's a part time employee, she needs to rework the babies feeding schedule, to be more condusive to her working, she knew she was going to be returning to work at some point, it's not the companies responsibility to work out her BFing her child.
Are you seriously comparing breastfeeding in an office to SMOKING in an office?? Last time I checked, breastfeeding around other people did not cause cancer. 
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| Posted 3/6/07 9:04 AM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Discussion....Breast feeding at your desk in the office
Posted by Shelly
I have to say, I get very frustrated at times. There is SO MUCH pressure for a woman to breastfeed. In fact, a report from the government likened not breastfeeding to smoking while pregnant (not that I agree with this at all).
BUT no one wants women nursing in public and people aren't willing to make accomodations. So what is a woman to do? Severeal women I know gave up breastfeeeding because at work there was no place to pump but the bathroom. It gets so frustrating at times.
I couldn't agree more. Women judge each other so harshly on this particular issue and literally throw daggers from their eyes if one mommy finds out another isn't BFing, but despite all the pressure these days to BF, there is simply NO support in public or at work. I'm lucky - I have a private office so I was able to pump at work, but at my new job, I won't, and this is one of the issues I'm seriously grappling with now that we are considering TTC.
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| Posted 3/6/07 9:08 AM |
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MsMBV
:P
Member since 5/05 28602 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Discussion....Breast feeding at your desk in the office
Posted by LFitzy79
I'm sorry, but I completely disagree with the posters that think the company should provide a private room for her to breastfeed-I have a very close friend at work whose daughter is 6.5 months old, and she takes her lunch hour to drive to daycare to feed her baby-the office is no place for a baby, the desks aren't clean, there is no privacy and it's a huge distraction. When smokers go outside to smoke-they take thier distraction OUTSIDE. They aren't smoking at thier desks, causing a distraction within the office. She needs to make other arrangements to feed her child, she's a part time employee, she needs to rework the babies feeding schedule, to be more condusive to her working, she knew she was going to be returning to work at some point, it's not the companies responsibility to work out her BFing her child.
It is not a matter of disagreeing - it is a matter of what is legally required.
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| Posted 3/6/07 9:10 AM |
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CathyB
Member since 5/05 19403 total posts
Name:
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Re: Discussion....Breast feeding at your desk in the office
Posted by LFitzy79
I'm sorry, but I completely disagree with the posters that think the company should provide a private room for her to breastfeed-I have a very close friend at work whose daughter is 6.5 months old, and she takes her lunch hour to drive to daycare to feed her baby-the office is no place for a baby, the desks aren't clean, there is no privacy and it's a huge distraction. When smokers go outside to smoke-they take thier distraction OUTSIDE. They aren't smoking at thier desks, causing a distraction within the office. She needs to make other arrangements to feed her child, she's a part time employee, she needs to rework the babies feeding schedule, to be more condusive to her working, she knew she was going to be returning to work at some point, it's not the companies responsibility to work out her BFing her child.
I'm assuming you don't have any children, since you clearly don't understand how BFing works. You can't just "re-work" how you are lactating. There's not an on/off switch. A mother's body begins the let down process in anticipation of her child needing nourishment, based on how the baby's been feeding in the past. She's been on this schedule for 6.5 months. She can't just say "Oh, I am at work now, I'll hold it in."
Secondly, in most states BY LAW you have to provide nursing mothers the ability to pump milk when needed, and in some states businesses are encouraged to allow mothers to nurse their child at the job site.
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| Posted 3/6/07 9:12 AM |
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LFitzy79
can hardly wait
Member since 5/05 2650 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: Discussion....Breast feeding at your desk in the office
Posted by BabyAvocado
Posted by LFitzy79
I'm sorry, but I completely disagree with the posters that think the company should provide a private room for her to breastfeed-I have a very close friend at work whose daughter is 6.5 months old, and she takes her lunch hour to drive to daycare to feed her baby-the office is no place for a baby, the desks aren't clean, there is no privacy and it's a huge distraction. When smokers go outside to smoke-they take thier distraction OUTSIDE. They aren't smoking at thier desks, causing a distraction within the office. She needs to make other arrangements to feed her child, she's a part time employee, she needs to rework the babies feeding schedule, to be more condusive to her working, she knew she was going to be returning to work at some point, it's not the companies responsibility to work out her BFing her child.
Are you seriously comparing breastfeeding in an office to SMOKING in an office?? Last time I checked, breastfeeding around other people did not cause cancer.
No, I'm not, other posters said that since smokers get to take thier breaks to smoke, women breastfeeding should get extra time to breast feed, and while I don't think anyone should get any extra time at all-the smokers are going outside, they aren't doing it in plain site.
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| Posted 3/6/07 9:13 AM |
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Lucky09
2017!
Member since 1/06 7537 total posts
Name:
DW
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Re: Discussion....Breast feeding at your desk in the office
Posted by Beth1210
at my job the women that pump do it in a empty office
Same here. I don't think it is appropriate to do it in "out in the open" in the office!
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| Posted 3/6/07 9:15 AM |
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