What do you think about a nurse breastfeeding infant at nurse's station during break?

Baloney Amputation, BSN, LPN, RN · Jun 23, 2008

If she would be allowed to bottle feed her baby there, then she should be allowed to breastfeed her baby there. That's just my opinion, though.

brighella · Jun 23, 2008

I certainly wouldnt want to bring my baby into a hospital on a regular basis, if it was me, and for instance someone was bringing the baby to me at work, id rather go out to the car and nurse than expose the kiddo to who knows what. I wouldnt be able to set it down anywhere. :no:

clairebearrn · Jun 23, 2008

in my opinion, I think it is a woman's right to breastfeed. if there is a lactation room, why doesn't she use it? Still, I think it should be allowed. She is trying to do it on her break so it doesn't interfere with her job. I bet it would interfere otherwise, if she had to work while being engorged and not feeding her baby.

I had to pump in a bathroom and would rather do this than to do it in front of others, but I'm shy...I give it to her...props...

sjt9721, BSN, RN · Jun 23, 2008

I agree with post regarding no food/drinks allowed in the nurses station. I can't see JCAHO or any other regulatory agency condoning any type of feeding for anyone at a nurses station.

Even as a supporter of breastfeeding, I still believe it crosses a line. We're not talking about a mom breastfeeding on a bench at the mall.

If you're taking the time to breastfeed/pump during your shift, then I consider you "on break". Breaks aren't at the nurses station. You wouldn't be readily available to help with an emergency while sitting at the desk feeding your child.

Would you object to your therapist breastfeeding during your session? Would you mind the girl at Wendy's breastfeeding while taking your order?

To me this isn't a "breastfeeding in public" issue, but an "at work vs. on break" issue.

FWIW...my :twocents:

MassED, BSN, RN · Jun 23, 2008

what do you think about a nurse breastfeeding her infant at the l&d nurse's station during a break?

since it's l&d, it's more acceptable - wouldn't bother me, but i'm all for breastfeeding moms to get a break when they can... but wait, why is the baby at work with her??? what about pumping in a private place and where better to find that than in a l&d unit?

*ac* · Jun 23, 2008

The nurse's desk is not the place for any kind of personal business. For pete's sake, you can't even drink your own water there.

It's not a breastfeeding question - which is always controversial.

MassED, BSN, RN · Jun 23, 2008

I see that as being a private thing, and an opportunity to bond with an infant. Making it public seems tacky, IMO.

tacky, breastfeeding!!! AGHHHHHHHHGRRRRRRRRRRRR - I had this awesome bib that covered up everything when it was feeding time. What do people think BREASTS are FOR anyway???? :sstrs: I think if it's done discreetly, then it's your business. I hate hearing about people catching hell for this, come ON, REALLY?

I remember nursing my son in the airport, quietly, discreetly... and this man got up and moved away with a "pffsst" as he went (in 1999(. I was appalled and so angry. His wife said "I'm so sorry about him." That made me feel better.

I have never felt sorry about breastfeeding in public, again, as long as it was discreet and there wasn't a peep show occurring. It's worse to change a poopy diaper in public and have everyone tolerate that smell and see the whole changing event... agh!... that's so rude.

MassED, BSN, RN · Jun 23, 2008

i am one hundred percent a supporter of breastfeeding/returning to work and continuing that relationship but i have a feeling there could be issues with a nurse breastfeeding at the desk. i mean what if someone walks up and gets the wrong idea, that this nurse is breastfeeding random infants??
i would think there is probably a more appropriate place, a breakroom, even an empty patient room. i wouldn't pump at the desk, so unless there were no patients i don't think i'd be sitting there nursing either.
after i have this baby (my third) if i do go back to 12 hr shifts i'm thinking dh maybe bring the baby up to nurse before bed as long as i'm not super busy. i have always thought i'd go to a room where patients and visitors aren't just walking around.

ah, could you imagine!!!! i guess you never know.... my brain never went to that place with the breastfeeding infant, but i guess people can surprise you and then again... i never would think someone could steal an infant, yet you hear about it - so it's not a big leap to think about the possibility of nursing another's infant (though wet nursing was a necessity way back when.....)

clhRN2b2010 · Jun 23, 2008

The OP did clarify that break time and work space was NOt as issue. However, I had not considered the idea that bringing a baby into a hospital istruly not the best idea if you don't have to. I wouldn't want to make a regular practice of it myself, for that reason.

Jolie, BSN · Jun 23, 2008

If she would be allowed to bottle feed her baby there, then she should be allowed to breastfeed her baby there. That's just my opinion, though.

Why would anyone bottle feed their infant at the nurse's station during a break? If a nurse wants to visit with her family on her breaktime for any reason (breastfeeding, reading a story, sharing dinner, etc.) I'm all for it. But none of those things should take place at the nurse's station.

Vito Andolini · Jun 23, 2008

I think it's sad that a mother has to be away from her baby and that this should even be an issue at all.

Since she apparently must work, I think she should demand a break and go nurse her baby privately. This could turn into a poster issue for Nurses' rights/staffing.

MassED, BSN, RN · Jun 23, 2008

I think it's sad that a mother has to be away from her baby and that this should even be an issue at all.
Since she apparently must work, I think she should demand a break and go nurse her baby privately. This could turn into a poster issue for Nurses' rights/staffing.

well most mom's, at some point, are away from their babies, as are many dad's. The issue of breastfeeding is not on topic, but of where to do this and if it's appropriate at the nurse's station. As someone posted earlier, it is a violation with JCAHO to have any food or beverage at your work station... not to mention how many times I've seen someone put blood tubes or a urine specimen next to my water... :eek:

If a baby can be at a place of employment (like facility child care on site) than they should go there to be with their child, not with all of the hospital-acquired infection on a unit. Ugh! :banghead: