Question about pumping at work.

BookwormRN · Jun 15, 2008

Had a couple of co-workers who pumped at work---they worked med/surg and ICU as well as one supervisor...It did not seem to be a problem.

They used a room on the OB unit...said they were going to pump so we knew where they would be. One of the nurses even had her hubby bring baby in to feed during that break.

I think you'll be ok...good luck!

cherokeesummer · Jun 15, 2008

Well we don't have break time on our unit LOL but I imagine if I were breastfeeding I would find a way or just be behind a bit to make sure I got to do it. I think as long as you make it known that you will need to do that and where you are in case of emerency they should be ok with it.

Barkow · Jun 15, 2008

We've had a few who pump and it's not usually a problem. Just make sure your patients are taken care of before you run off - it seems that within five minutes of someone going to pump their patients suddenly need pain meds, etc. Also, as a new employee try to get a feel for the way breaks are done on your floor and make sure it doesn't seem like you're trying to get something extra.

hikernurse · Jun 15, 2008

It's pretty much a non-issue on my unit. If a person needs to pump, then they need to pump. Like others have said, make sure the big stuff is done (pain meds, etc.) then do what you need to do :).

If some give you grief, remember there's one in every crowd .

babyktchr, BSN, RN · Jun 15, 2008

We have a room in our newborn treatment room that is used for a "pumping station". Employees come armed with pump kits from all over to hook up and pump. Seems to be a non-issue. Just have to let folks know where you are.

jenrninmi, MSN, RN · Jun 15, 2008

If it's a problem at all, I'd wonder what kind of work environment you were working in. We have several nurses here that pump. We have a room dedicated for for hospital employees to pump on our unit.

Vito Andolini · Jun 15, 2008

Well we don't have break time on our unit LOL but I imagine if I were breastfeeding I would find a way or just be behind a bit to make sure I got to do it. I think as long as you make it known that you will need to do that and where you are in case of emerency they should be ok with it.

You are quite the optimist!

I hope you are right and that her coworkers are as understanding as you express (get it? Express? pun, pun, LOL)

I think it will depend on how busy the floor is, who she's working with, and their moods. I doubt they will look kindly on her need to pump or nurse if there are emergencies happening. She is going to work, after all, where lives are at stake. Also, most states do not guarantee rest periods. The unpaid meal break is one thing but paid rest breaks are usually not guaranteed. She might need to be on FMLA or have some written guarantee that she will be able, no matter what, to have a break time or 2 to tend to this need. Sad but sometimes true.

Personally, as much as I understand and as much as part of me would want her to be able to do this, another part of me would be resentful if I felt she was getting a break that I wasn't or if I thought she was abusing it. Sorry, I'm not trying to be mean or ugly, just being truthful. I do wish her well.

elizabells, BSN, RN · Jun 15, 2008

Just make sure you know where to store your milk - we had a big problem with an NP who was putting it (unlabeled) in the patient EBM fridges - unlabeled milk gets thrown out. - and she threw a massive fit. Oh, and don't put your pump in the breakroom microwave to clean it. People get icked out.

scribblerpnp · Jun 15, 2008

For the most part, it shouldn't be too hard. Talk with your manager saying something along the lines of, "Wow, this mother baby unit sure is supportive and concerned with the new mom's breastfeeding! Will I be able to be this supported when I need to pump at work?" You may be surprised to find a policy. For some certifications or awards, many hospitals have to show how they support breastfeeding to their new moms as well as for their employees.

So long as you time your breaks right, don't seem like you are dillydallying during your pump break, and maybe take a slightly shorted lunch, it may not be as big a deal as you think. It seems to me (from my personal work experience) that peds and OB are more forgiving of leaving to pump than other floor since those nurses have a big interest in the welfare of kids.

LDRNMOMMY, BSN, RN · Jun 15, 2008

It seems to me (from my personal work experience) that peds and OB are more forgiving of leaving to pump than other floor since those nurses have a big interest in the welfare of kids.

You would think that. That was not the case where I used to work. My co-workers were the total opposite. :cry: I stopped pumping shortly after I returned to work. We were always so busy that sometimes another nurse was not available to cover my patients. I would be in so much pain by the end of my shift.

I hope that it works out for you and your co-workers are supportive.

CEG · Jun 15, 2008

You are quite the optimist!
I hope you are right and that her coworkers are as understanding as you express (get it? Express? pun, pun, LOL)
I think it will depend on how busy the floor is, who she's working with, and their moods. I doubt they will look kindly on her need to pump or nurse if there are emergencies happening. She is going to work, after all, where lives are at stake. Also, most states do not guarantee rest periods. The unpaid meal break is one thing but paid rest breaks are usually not guaranteed. She might need to be on FMLA or have some written guarantee that she will be able, no matter what, to have a break time or 2 to tend to this need. Sad but sometimes true.
Personally, as much as I understand and as much as part of me would want her to be able to do this, another part of me would be resentful if I felt she was getting a break that I wasn't or if I thought she was abusing it. Sorry, I'm not trying to be mean or ugly, just being truthful. I do wish her well.

In many states you are guaranteed the right to pump while you work. Check with your local la leche league to see what the laws are in your area. To be honest, I wouldn't count on your colleagues being super-supportive. Although we "promote" breastfeeding, few of the nurses I work with are that into it. That said- they will disappear for smoke breaks, long lunches, etc, so I wouldn't feel bad about pumping. I would see how things go on your first few days, bring some extra bra pads, and play it by ear. Then after a couple of days try asserting yourself in terms of getting your break.