Expressing at work

[peacemakeruk]

I've been back at work for 4 weeks now and intend to carry on BF until my 7 month old DD is a year old. The first room my employers gave me to express in was a small room which was the photocopy room which they'd moved out and put a chair and small fridge in it. It had a combination lock on the outside and was told "everyone" knows not to use the room anymore. Consequently I was walked in on by a male employee.

They have now given me another room but its a room that is surrounded by offices/areas that are being refurbished. There are workmen walking up and down outside, moving equipment about and noise.

Question is, is this an acceptable space to be given? The room is lockable from outside but I'm finding it hard to relax knowing there are men outside the room who may/may not have a good idea of what I'm doing in there. My employer has basically said they've done what they have to do - provided me a "private, healthy and safe entironment". I don't know that I'd agree but don't know if I'm being too fussy. What does anyone else think?

[mears]

I think you are being a bit fussy TBH. Was the first room better - just obviously wasn't locked in that a male colleague came in? Perhaps it wopuld have been better to have the lock changed on that one than move to this noisy one. I presume the refurbishment will come to an end soon so noise won't always be an issue.

You are fortunate that your employer is making an effort.

You are not doing anything to be ashamed of in the room. Please don't worry about people knowing what you are doing.

Express and be proud - you are doing a great thing for your baby.

[ellehcim]

Can you lock the room from the inside?
Although I'm an employment lawyer I've never been asked this before by an employer and so have never looked into it in detail however I would sugest that if they have given you a room which can be locked with a chair and a fridge then they have fulfilled their obligations.

What is your problem with the new room? Is it the noise? I don't think you have any right to have a silent room for expressing. Its not like you're pregnant and need a resting room. I know that when I'm breastfeeding DS2 with DS1 running around it generally sounds like a war zone!!

[peacemakeruk]

Mears - the original room wasn't better because it was in a different building to the one I work in and I had to cross a busy road 3 times a day.

[peacemakeruk]

ellehcim, yes the room can be locked from inside. It is just the noise thats the problem. To relax fully I find it hard with blokes up and down outside and banging noises going on.

[Kathyis6incheshigh]

Could you take music to block the sound out?

I think re the men outside knowing, you'll have to accept it. If they were making comments that would be a different issue. (Remember lots of the blokes will have partners that have breastfed and probably are quite ok with it.)

It will get easier as time goes on - I found it really weird expressing at work at first.

[peacemakeruk]

I could you yes.
Looks like I'll have to get over the noise and the strange men outside

Thanks for the opinions.

[mears]

First room was definitely unsuitable then.

Music sounds like a good idea - it maybe that you are still in that pretty self conscious stage as it isn't long since you have been back at work.

It is good your employer has made an effort. In my breastfeeding days I just had to find an empty space and express on my meal breaks.

You should have extra time for expressing BTW - not on your meal break time. Do you?

[popsycal]

My work were rubbish.

I expressed in thetoilets in my lunchbreak for a year.
There was no other room. Atthe time, I was going through rough time and could not be bothered tro argue. wish I had now

stand up for what you are entitled to

[peacemakeruk]

No Mears, I just do it every 2.5 hours - my boss is very understanding.