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Original poster

KIT day

11 replies

RioRoo · 29/03/2017 19:14

I have been asked to do a KIT day. I'd like to do a half day (due to breastfeeding). I've been told that's not possible as it has to be a whole day. I'm not comfortable with leaving my baby for a whole day yet (she'll be 15 weeks) & I have so much milk, I will end up having to express a few times or I'll be uncomfortable/soaked. Any suggestions? The task should only take a few hours anyway. I don't want to be difficult but doing it will cause me anxiety & discomfort & I'm pretty sure the baby won't like it either!

OP posts:
Wondermoomin · 29/03/2017 19:25

They can't make you. It has to be mutually agreed. Say you'd be happy to come in for x hours to do the task but dc is too young to come in for longer.

Original poster
RioRoo · 29/03/2017 19:33

Thank you. That makes sense but as I was told it has to be a whole day, I assumed I must be being I reasonable saying no!

OP posts:
Penfold007 · 29/03/2017 19:35

You have the right to ask for a KIT day to be only part of what would normally be your normal working day but your employer can decline that request. You can also refuse to do a KIT day.
Would it be possible to express enough milk in advance for the baby and then express and chill or dump whilst at work?

ShouldIBuyOrShouldIGo · 29/03/2017 19:36

Kit days are optional. Stick to your guns and take moomins good advice!

dementedpixie · 29/03/2017 19:36

You don't have to do any KIT days if you don't want to and there is no requirement for it to be a full day either

apotheke · 29/03/2017 19:37

I don't know the logistics of KIT days from an HR point of view but surely they need to be flexible around the needs of your baby while on mat leave?

Who will be watching the baby? DH/DM? If work are otherwise reasonable it might be worth making the effort. Would it be feasible for them to meet you at lunchtime in a nearby cafe or similar for a feed?

OhForCodsHake · 29/03/2017 19:38

I didn't bother with mine. Nothing happened, and my boss was very pleased to see me back 'properly' on the day we'd arranged. Don't feel pressured - you don't have to go.

LomboDePorco · 29/03/2017 19:39

Or depending on your work environment ask about bringing your child with you? I managed a team away day with my then 4m old for KIT and nobody was bothered about the discrete breastfeeding and nappy changing that occasionally occurred. Appreciate that's not suitable for everyone but like you it meant I could do a full day instead of a few hours.

Jellybean81 · 29/03/2017 20:20

I took my baby along to my KIT days. They're not mandatory and as Mu baby refused bottles I wasn't able to be away for a whole day. They can't force you to do anything that doesn't work for you while you're on mat leave

Original poster
RioRoo · 29/03/2017 20:26

Thank you, I want to be helpful & I do love my job but don't want to do anything that will affect/upset the baby (or me). As a first time mum, I did whatever was asked & it was so often that I ended up not having enough milk as no time to express either. I just don't want to make the same mistake again as have spent the last few years regretting it so am probably being a overly anxious! I just don't know what's acceptable & what's not! Thanks for the comments and guidance Smile

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