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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to not want to express milk in a room used for changing cathetas

172 replies

Fatas · 26/06/2018 15:43

There alternative, suitable rooms available at my workplace. Was recently given a room to express, it is a large room, is secure and has a lockable door. There is a desk to sit at etc.

The room is used amongst other things for toileting; changing cathetas was mentioned, I am assuming it could be used for colostomy bags- but not sure on this one.

I really don't feel comfortable expressing for my little one in there, in fact I really feel it is inappropriate.

When I expressed concerns was told that the room was very clean and it was cleaned regularly.

OP posts:
LadyOdd · 26/06/2018 15:45

So are work toilets, tell them it makes you uncomfortable and that you will be happy to use other room.

Sonders · 26/06/2018 15:58

Hmmm, that's a pickle. Would it be appropriate for you to suggest an specific alternative space? If you already have somewhere in mind they might be able to make it available for you.

Original poster
Fatas · 26/06/2018 16:03

There is somewhere available, I was designated this area by my manager. Last week I was told I couldn't use it all the time to express which is why I asked for an alternative room. This room could be made available quite easily, but some people are being unreasonably awkward about it.

OP posts:
TheyCanGoInTheBucket · 26/06/2018 16:10

Why isn't it appropriate though? If it's clean and private then what's the problem?

I had to express in the prayer room at work, situated on an abandoned 3rd floor of an already spooky 19th century built building. It was fine once I got over it. Thankfully no one wanted to pray whilst I was in there. This was years ago mind.

Original poster
Fatas · 26/06/2018 16:15

You are comparing a prayer room to a room used for going to the toilet.

My point is that I am getting food for my baby.

Would you eat your sandwiches in a toilet?

OP posts:
mirime · 26/06/2018 16:16

I had to express in the toilet (my work wasn't being unreasonable, it was the only place available), so I have to say that sounds fine to me - but if you're not happy with it and there's an alternative I don't see a problem with arguing your case further.

dinosaursandtea · 26/06/2018 16:17

But it’s not a toilet - it has a desk! It sounds perfectly sanitary to me, OP. I think you’re being a bit precious.

Fattymcfaterson · 26/06/2018 16:19

It's not a toilet though?

Original poster
Fatas · 26/06/2018 16:19

Haha- very very interesting responses!

So if they move a desk into the toilet... this is also okay?

OP posts:
BlossomCat · 26/06/2018 16:21

If it is a toilet, no, I wouldn't express in there

if it clinical room used for clinical procedures such as catheter changing, I would not have so much of a problem as they are procedures carried out in an aseptic manner and are kept very clean.

BellaJessica · 26/06/2018 16:22

I agree with you op 100%. This room is used to change catheters and possibly bags. I imagine people wouldnt be happy if the works cafe prepared the food in that room so why is it fine for a babys food to be prepared in there?

DinoGreen · 26/06/2018 16:23

You are being very precious. It’s a clean private lockable room. What more can you want?

TeddyIsaHe · 26/06/2018 16:23

Is there a toilet in the room where the desk is? Or behind a door?

Either way you’re using a breast pump and it’s going straight into a bottle/bag, it’s not going to come into contact with anything. You’re being a bit ott op.

HeGotManFlu · 26/06/2018 16:25

What environment is it that has facilities to change catheters and colostomy bags in an office. Why aren't there private toilets or clinical rooms available. Am I missing something here. What alternative were you given, was in a room that is in use.

Original poster
Fatas · 26/06/2018 16:26

What more could I want?

Just a room not used for bodily functions!

I actually find it an insult given the number of available rooms

OP posts:
Nicknacky · 26/06/2018 16:27

Is the toilet in the same room or is it off the room which has the desk in it?

Pandora79 · 26/06/2018 16:28

What are the reason given for not using the other rooms?

Pandora79 · 26/06/2018 16:29

Would you eat your sandwiches in a toilet?

But it sounds like the toilet is separate?

spotspot · 26/06/2018 16:29

What are you planning on doing with your milk between it coming out of your breast and going into a bottle. I can't see how it could get dirty.

Also, an actual toilet you could assume would have germs I guess on surfaces so you might think your pump or hands or something would get dirty but that's not the case for a room that is used for the clinical procedure of changing catheters and so on.

Verbena87 · 26/06/2018 16:29

See if you can find a better room (we have a walk-in materials cupboard with a lock at work which I’m going to ask for a key to as it’s nicer than a toilet and will be less inconvenient for others than an office —and there are cushions in there because of textiles teaching so I can maybe have a sneaky sleep— )

As long as your hands are clean, the pump is sealed so milk shouldn’t actually get contaminated, but I do understand you might not feel comfortable.

Original poster
Fatas · 26/06/2018 16:32

Employment guidelines state medical rooms should not be used due to germs etc, so I assume the same is true of rooms used for toileting.

OP posts:
Rinceoir · 26/06/2018 16:32

There’s a difference with a toilet though- a toilet will spray droplets all over the surrounding area with each flush. That won’t happen during a catheter change which is a sterile procedure.

Original poster
Fatas · 26/06/2018 16:33

It's not a toilet- please see original post.

OP posts:
Nicknacky · 26/06/2018 16:33

Are you sitting in the actual toilet or a room with a toilet to the side of it?!

InDubiousBattle · 26/06/2018 16:33

It's not at all comparable to eating your sandwiches on the toilet.