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?

Bit fussy I'm afraid

First room sounded good- can they not change the code?

They sound like they are doing as much as they can, and you not being able to relax because of workmen outside isn't their problem iyswim.

I'm not at all unsympathetic to your not being able to relax, it must be very difficult for you doing this at work, just pointing out that your employer isn't being unreasonable in these circumstances.

Why not explore the first option again if the location is better? Hope you can sort something

I agree, bit fussy I'm afraid. They have done what they can. Lots of women who work in offices (law firms, accountants, etc) are expected to shut the door and the blinds and get on with it, even though everyone knows full well what they're up to. I know it's hard, but I don't think that there's any right to a 'nice' room, IYSWIM.

Way way too fussy
sorry but you asked
There are plenty of people who express at work in the loo (not right but they do it) I don't think comfy chairs and a 10 meter male exclusion zone is part of the deal
have a think about what you want then see what it is reasonable to expect them to give you

I have to agree that you're being too fussy. It's perfectly reasonable that they have workmen getting on with their jobs outside if they are having a refurb done. I've had to teach with workmen drilling and hammering in a neighbouring classroom which is way more stressful than expressing milk!

Peace what is it that you do?