Breastfeeding moms who work on busy units

Nurses General Nursing

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So...I'm not even pregnant yet. But I want to be someday relatively soon. I want to breastfeed. I work in an ICU where I almost always get a 30 minute lunch break (time is very unpredictable though) but often don't get any other breaks beyond that. If I wanted to pump breastmilk, I guess I'd just have to quit my job. Right? What have other women in this situation done?

Specializes in L & D; Postpartum.
Okay, now that you put it that way your feelings are a lot more understandable, TNT. In your first posts it sounded like you were against breastfeeding moms..

Not at all. But I also don't feel it my place, or responsilibility to go out of my way to make it happen for them either. Or for any of those other groups;)

Well, unless another fabricaholic wanted to go to the fabric store; and then I'd feel obligated to accompany her....you know, to make sure she did it right.

I believe you are correct in assuming that my feelings on the subject are tainted by a bad experience. If it were me, I'd have to be as subtle as possible about it (which is one of the reaons I never BF either of my kids), but in the case of this particular co-worker, her breastfeeding prowess as well as most other intimate personal topics were openly and freely discussed. We were all so sick of it.

I wouldn't wish any difficulty for any mom who wants to continue breastfeeding and working; but bear in mind that although it's your right to do it, it's not the world's responsibility to roll out the red carpet so that you can. At least, not in my humble opinion.

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I wouldn't wish any difficulty for any mom who wants to continue breastfeeding and working; but bear in mind that although it's your right to do it, it's not the world's responsibility to roll out the red carpet so that you can. At least, not in my humble opinion.

TNT, not once has anyone said that we wanted/deserved a red carpet!!! I personally worked with nurses who were very willing to help out, and in turn I helped out when others after me needed to pump. We never threw a tantrum and said "But why not??" You're right, we don't deserve red carpet treatment, but most of us don't ask for that!

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Specializes in L & D; Postpartum.
TNT, not once has anyone said that we wanted/deserved a red carpet!!! I personally worked with nurses who were very willing to help out, and in turn I helped out when others after me needed to pump. We never threw a tantrum and said "But why not??" You're right, we don't deserve red carpet treatment, but most of us don't ask for that!

I guess the ones, and not just working nurses, who DO throw tantrums, even if in the form of a breast feeding sit-in in a public place, give the rest of you a bad name. Those women, IMHO, do not do the rest of you any favors by getting so "in your face" about it. And I believe that there are some who do expect a red carpet. Glad you're not one of them;)

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Specializes in Neuro/Med-Surg/Oncology.

It sounds like the only reason this woman got breaks was because she was willing to push for them. The fact that she was breastfeeding/pumping is secondary. You should be pushing for the breaks you are entitled to also. Everyone should. (Actually, no one should have to push for them. Taking them should just be a given.) She should also be willing to return the favor and cover for her co-workers too. Everyone is entitled to keep his or her sanity at work and 15 minutes to yourself to do whatever is a small price to pay. She shouldn't have been leaving her pumping supplies out and about though. I wouldn't want to be taking those germs back home. Blech!

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She shouldn't have been leaving her pumping supplies out and about though. I wouldn't want to be taking those germs back home. Blech!

Breastmilk has germs? :clown::D

I didn't leave my equipment out. I did put my milk in the fridge but in a paper bag. I realize everyone is different - I don't think a bottle of breastmilk is gross but some do. I try to be nice, not confrontational.

I agree that you need to insist on your breaks.

steph

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Putting bottles of breastmilk in the fridge is no big deal. Leaving the pump equipment out for everyone to see can make some uncomfortable.

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Putting bottles of breastmilk in the fridge is no big deal. Leaving the pump equipment out for everyone to see can make some uncomfortable.

Tazzi - it was a big deal to the male nurses and some of the older female nurses.

steph

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Really?? Why????

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Really?? Why????

Well, I think the older nurses didn't breastfeed so it probably seemed weird - women of my mom's generation were encouraged to bottle feed. Hardly anyone breastfed, much less used a double pump. ;)

As to men . . . . I dunno - too private a body fluid I guess.

steph

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Wienies! Men are supposed to be big and brave.....HA!

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Wienies! Men are supposed to be big and brave.....HA!

Nevermind - I'll pm you.

steph

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Specializes in Neuro/Med-Surg/Oncology.
Breastmilk has germs? :clown::D

I didn't leave my equipment out. I did put my milk in the fridge but in a paper bag. I realize everyone is different - I don't think a bottle of breastmilk is gross but some do. I try to be nice, not confrontational.

I agree that you need to insist on your breaks.

steph

Not the breastmilk. Just the hospital in general. Who knows what is crawling on those flanges after they were left sitting out in that environment? Eeeew! I usally wipe off the table I use with the sanitizer wipes and keep my stuff in the tote that came with the pump. At least the germs inside of it are my own. I keep the pumped milk in the inside tote with the freezer packs. I've found it easier to just have everything in one place. If I put the milk in the fridge I would probably wind up forgetting it.

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