Expressing at work - when there is nowhere suitable

[KelaH]

Legally, work have to provide pg/bfing mums somewhere to rest, right? Which could also be somewhere to express. But what about when there isn't anywhere? I am going back in Oct and need to sort this out, but there really isn't anywhere at my office - I work in an open plan office, there are a couple of meeting rooms but they are often in use, and one has a window in the door. There is literally nowhere else (very old building, not designed to be used as offices).

Any advice about what to do? The HR people and my boss are lovely and I don't want to get arsey with them, but I also don't want to stop bfing. And not sure what they could do anyway.

[weeonion]

kelah - hi there.
i went back to work ft when dd was 1 year. i had sent through all the bf info to my boss and he knew i wanted to express. the only option for me was the loo - not great especially as there is only 1 cubicle for 10 women.

have you spoken to hr about it yet? is there anyone else there who expressed when returning to work?

[KelaH]

Haven't spoken to HR yet, just started drafting an email which made me start this thead

No-one in my office has expressed - only two other with children - one whose youngest is 14, and the other is still on mat leave, coming back after me, and I don't know if she is bf. Toilets are difficult as for our office there is 1 toilet, upstairs where the big cheeses are (CEO etc) so not an option, or two more cubicles which are for the public who use the rest of the building, also not really an option.

[Slashtrophe]

Its a really tricky one, I have a similar set up at work and I can't face doing it in the toilets in the middle of an open plan office. I go to M&S down the road and use their bottle room. They don't actually know that though...Could they let you go home to do it?

[Slashtrophe]

You might want to post this in a breastfeeding thread, more experienced people might have better ideas

[KelaH]

Work is a hour commute from home, so no joy there.

Grrrr. Don't know what to do!!!!

[Slashtrophe]

Could you go sit in your car? Not great I know.

[GillianLovesMarmite]

Hi,

My lo is 6 months and I am returning to work when he is 1 year and will be hoping to continue breastfeeding. I was wondering whether you could make a modesty screen for the door with the window (paper and blue-tack anyone) if it means you can express is private... Otherwise I'd be quite tempted to do it in the staff room - at teatime... just to make a point

[IneedacleanerIamalazyslattern]

Do you have a first aid room or similar? At my old work one of the women returning and expressing used what was the first aid room.
I am sure they could make arrangements do none of the bosses have offices to themselves somebody simpathetic or that is often in meetings in the meeting rooms?

[KelaH]

Nope on the car suggestion, commute by train (office in central London).

Could cover the window, but problem is that the room is often in use. And there is no staff room, just a small kitchen (also not an option).

I'm not going to be able to do it am I?

[KelaH]

Also no first aid room. There are two people with private office (also with windows in the doors) - would feel bad about kicking them out but might be an option I guess?

[IneedacleanerIamalazyslattern]

Of course you can do it even if it means you are using a different meeting room every time you express. Chat to HR and come up with something between you. Honestly it will work out you will figure something out.

[MrsBadger]

can you book the meeting room?

I've used a variety of rooms (showers, meeting rooms, photographic darkrooms, side offices etc) - if the door has a window I hang a coat over it.

[IneedacleanerIamalazyslattern]

The thing is kicking them out could be a final option if the meeting rooms are full. If the meeting rooms are often in use then could you not arrange to have them or an office booked at the times you will be needing to express you won't be in there for hours I am sure they will help you out with something.

[KelaH]

I can book the meeting room, and probably will have to, but the pepole who usually use it will be incredibly unsympathetic

Grr. Bloody useless company who won't shell out for proper offices

To those who have done this - how many times a day do you express? Once at lunchtime (slightly easier) or mid-morning and mid-afternoon? Is it important to stick to same times each day or can I fit it around meetings?

[MrsBadger]

I do once at lunchtime while I eat with one hand, and when dd was small and knocking back 12oz a day I did another at 4pm ish.

Now she's nearly 12m and is less interested in bottles so I usually only do lunchtime and am thinking about stopping altogether and offering her cows' milk in a cup instead (only while she's at nursery - fulltime bf at weekends)

[Umlellala]

Have replied on other thread . Looks like you'll be fine.