Time to express at work

[ahedgehogisHibernating]

I have been back at work since Monday and need to express for DS who is 7.5 months.

Everyone is entitled to 2 10 minute breaks and an hour for lunch.

When I had my return to work interviews I made it clear I would need to express between 10.30 and 11am and 2.30 and 3.30 as this is when DS would normally feed.

Since returning I have been able to express in the morning no problem within the 10 minute break, but I am struggling with the afternoon especially as I have had to move it til 4pm due to various other commitments but staff. Today I had been away for 15 minutes and my manager came out and said that I had to stop now as I had had too long.
She then gave me a long lecture about not treating me differently than the other members of staff (2) and I would have to reduce my lunch hour if I needed longer.

I have been looking at this on the internet and know that I am entitled to a safe, private room and also somewhere to store the EBM - at the moment I only have the staff room and am not allowed to put the milk in the staff fridge.

Where do I stand on this. She is looking into it tomorrow but I have had a look on the internet and all I can find arethis leaflet and something on the HSE website, but nothing that spells out what I am entitled to timewise.

I am currently in tears about this as I have had nothing but grief since I requested flexible working which was rejected, and have found out today that things which were supposed to have been sorted out haven't and HR still think I am on maternity leave!!

Please help, Thank You

I'm not sure but I thought you had a legal right to time for expressing at work.

I hope someone who knows their stuff will be along in a minute....

BUMP?

Have a look at this which explains that there isn't a legal right to express milk, but "employers are encouraged to provide you with a place to express." It's a bit rubbish, isn't it? No teeth at all.

Why aren't you allowed to put milk in the staff fridge? Could you buy yourself a cool bag or small fridge for the purpose?

I'm sorry I can't be any more help than that. Can you think of anyway to help your employer give you the time?

there's a good section in here about breastfeeding at work

Thanks betsy that is exactly what I was looking for.

Have now got loads to print off for my Line Manager to see

this is also quite good, I eventually managed to find it again, as they've changed their website since I needed it...

I have no idea why they won't let you use the fridge - apart from very dubious reasons of course ... (small-minded people)

An alternative could be to use a very good cool bag instead of a fridge. I bought the ameda cool n carry tote bag for the purpose of transporting my milk from the designated bf/expressing area to my office (separate buildings) and home again, but I discovered that the cool bag kept the milk cool enough all afternoon until I got home without ever putting the milk in the fridge (I found this out by forgetting to put the milk in fridge one day ). Now, the hours you work etc will have an influence of course, but you could see if a cool bag is good enough, you can buy a little thermometer to check the temperature. Just an idea.

Also it might be a good idea to cut your lunch break a bit to make up for extra time needed during breaks to express. I don't think this would be unreasonable (I cut my lunch) and might stop your boss from hounding you to stop after 10 minutes - that must have been awful.

It's hard enough going back to work after having a baby without problems like this. Good luck, hope it all works out.

try a camping shop if you are after tiny fridges or high grade cool bags

the fridge rule is ridiculous

Thanks for all your help ladies

I do have a cool bag with an ice block below and one on top of the milk, I am still using my avent isis (manual not electric) and use these for the milk.

Line manager has spoken to HR today and been told she is being too inflexible as she has to treat me differently as a BF mother.

tellnoone I had offered to have a 30 minute lunch, then could add an extra 15 mins to my morning and afternoon break, but that wouldn't work either.

Hopefully this is the end but I have printed off all the information you lovely ladies have found me so that I can use it in the future if neccessary

This is outrageous HH. Are you in a union? Is there one recognised at your work? Join it if you can.

I am glad your line manager has been told off by HR. Of course you should be considered differently. She is being totally inflexible .

I recommend the Chillerz coolbag and Chillerz cool packs. They are really brilliant quality and value and will keep breastmilk cold until you get home. They are available on Amazon and I think ebay. I bought the ultimate cool bag which fits my expresser and other bits too. My parter used it to store my breastmilk when he took our son out for the day a few times too which was great. We use it for picnics now my little boy is older :) x