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

[Fatas]

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.

This room could be made available quite easily, but some people are being unreasonably awkward about it. - From your second post. So this refers to a different room? Why are people being awkward, and is this what's really upsetting you OP?

I was very interested to hear other opinions- and no, I don't agree with them.

That's okay for me to find out what other people think.

There's more to this, but I really do not want to divulge on a forum.

Hmmm, I dunno. It doesn’t sound like there is a genuine problem with what the room is also used for BUT it will leave the OP stressing about 1) hygiene and 2) being interrupted/ told she can’t use the room at certain times. I was never great at expressing if I’m honest, but certainly had to feel relaxed in order to do it. If I was stressing it would be horrible. Of course the OP should have somewhere she feels comfortable - she’s not being precious to want that.

I can't see the problem. You would feed a child in a Mother and Baby room in say - John Lewis, where parents are changing soiled nappies, and possibly toddlers are taken to use a potty.

Of course there’s more to this op, nothing like a bit of secreative drip feeding to try and prop up your non existent problem

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There's more to this, but I really do not want to divulge on a forum.**
Oh go on op, we all love a good drip feed.

Unless you’re about to drop the most ridiculous drip feed EVER like you’re forced to change colostomy bags without gloves whilst you’re pumping, then you’re still BU.

I wouldn't have a problem at all with using a lockable, clean, private room, with a sink and a desk and chair to express milk.

I've known a few people with colostomy bags, and they've all changed them in the disabled toilet. I've never known anyone with a long term catheter, but I'd imagine they would be similar - I'd have thought that an actual toilet being available was preferable if you are changing colostomy bags/catheters, which this room does not have, so it surprises me that it's being used for that purpose.

How do you know this room is used for the purpose of changing colostomy bags/catheters? Or are you just looking for an excuse to continue to use the original room, which you clearly prefer? What was your employers reason for asking you to move room?

Thanks @monkeymamma

And yes, perhaps I am sulking about the other room being taken away. It was comfortable, close to where I am based, I felt comfortable, I didn't have to timetable it, could be quickly in and out, fairly close to a fridge and no reason why I couldn't use it considering the vast availability of other spaces (without blinds) for other staff and clients to use.

Your trade union can be as horrified as they like but I doubt they have any basis for that. I would imagine their knowledge of clinical infection control is pretty minimal.

How do I know it is used for that purpose?

You think I am making it up?

Because the person who showed me the room and timetabled me in it told me!

but I really do not want to divulge on a forum.

See, you & your non-issue have bored me now OP.

I'm off somewhere more interesting.

Good Day....

I think they do have a basis- as the ACAS document sets out.

From what i gather you would like a private room, accessible at all times, which is not used for anything other than bf...

Do you honestly think those people who (intermittently) self catherise do anything other than uphold the highest standards of hygienic practices to ensure that they are not introducing bacteria into their urinary system? If i was those people I'd be more pissed off with somebody being allowed in there willy nilly to express. They are at a phenomenally greater risk of introducing infection than you are expressing your breast milk into a sealed bag on a breast pump.

The set up is not great... but i reckon you have the better deal.

There is guidance that you shouldn't express in the toilet. The same should apply to this room if it's being used for toilet purposes

I wouldn't want to express milk in there either! Are there any private offices that other members of staff wouldn't mind you nipping into for half an hour or so?

As somebody who uses a catheter, I cannot understand why your work have a room especially for that??

Why would anyone change a catheter - if anyone at your work has one - in the room you are using? Wouldn't they use a toilet? And anyone with a colostomy bag would definitely use a toilet!

Expressing is a bodily function too, you know. What, exactly is the 'toileting' you refer to? And why is this room inappropriate?

I really don't understand what your problem is.

No, I dont require a room exclusively for me.

Who mentioned self catherising? Not me?

I think you'll find that colostomy bags would be changed in a toilet. I don't think you need worry.

At my workplace (a school), not only was there not a suitable place, there wasn't a suitable time either - teachers don't really get lunch breaks because they are in meetings, helping children who didn't quite understand a concept in a lesson, dealing with behavioural issues at a time when the child no longer has their audience to show off to or running 'optional' extra curricular activities, involved with sports coaching, rehearsals for plays etc.

The room you have been offered sounds ok to me!

Also, you say you wouldn’t eat in a toilet but I will happily drink wine and eat chocolate in the bath that is, you know, next to a toilet. And this room doesn’t even have a toilet in!

Because there are quite a few people who need this doing, they do not do it themselves.

It sounds like you want to use the staff breakdown and they are telling you it's unreasonable to expect all of the other staff to vacate the break room to enable you to breastfeed.

If that is the case then I agree with your work.

They have provided a private lockable space for you which is cleaned and NOT a toilet. The issue of availability, if they can't guarantee you access in your break achedule, is an issue though.

Do you mean simply emptying a catheter? My relatives carer does this in his living room. It is simply a tap that you turn on and the contents go into a jug and flush down the loo. He only has it done in his living room as moving him is so difficult. So not sure why this would happen in a workplace that isn't a medical or carers centre?