No place to pump at work - HELP!

[LchTiburon]

I just returned to work a week ago. I took an extra 3 weeks off work because I just wanted to stay at home with my new husband and new baby. :hugegrin: Back in September, I had mentioned to my supervisor's that I would like to pump when I returned to work, and reminded them about it in October and before my son was born in November. I was assured that they would arrange something, I am the first person here to have a baby (originally another woman and I were to use the room, her daughter was born one week before my son but she stopped BF at a week old).

Before I returned to work the other woman mentioned above told me that they had arranged a room on the 5th floor for me to pump (empty office). I work on the 4th floor but do not have access to the 5th floor. Side note, I work for the US government in Germany...

The day I returned to work I used the room once in the morning, the afternoon and when I returned there to use it the 3rd and last time that day I asked the boss up there how and when I could get access to that floor so I wouldn't have to keep calling someone to let me in. His response was a very curt, "Never because you're not allowed to use the room anymore." Basically, that empty office, which has been empty for 6 months, is being filled by someone who has been up there anyway for 5 months. And it just "happens" to be filled when I need it...I don't think it's a coincidence...

So basically I've been moved around to different offices and rooms of people that have been out. I was told this week to use the conference room downstairs when it's available, but got the schedule today and it wasn't available this morning and it is being used ALLDAY the next 2 days...

Just when I decided this past weekend to stop using the formula for supplementing after we run out (we have 4 pre-made containers at home) and not buy anymore and go exclusively BF and EBM...

Any suggestions as to what I can do...I am thinking of buying a manual pump and just doing it in the bathroom 3x a day...I guess that's better than nothing (there is no electrical outlet in our bathroom)....

[crystal555rose]

Are you not allowed to use your desk? I have read on here moms that pumped in their car (not sure if it was manual, battery operated or plugged into the car). My first choice would be right at my own desk. You could offer to bring a folding screen to put up for more privacy.

[LchTiburon]

Unfortunately I share a "room" with 4 other people. Unless I want to expose myself to them there's no pumping at my desk. I WISH I had my own office...
Thank you though."wait"

[Candi]

Extension cord so you could use your electric in the bathroom?

I pump in the bathroom, but it is a slightly larger bathroom with just one toilet, no stalls, so I could lock the door.

In some states they are required to give you a place to pump. What state are you in?

[Golfing_Girl]

I don't know what your rights are in Germany, but I'd research it. Any female higher ups who can help you out? I would opt for the car (my Pump In Style has a car adapter) or battery in the bathroom. I know it's not ideal, but remember it's for the benefit of your baby. Good luck getting support.

[StillSingingMom]

Hm. Tough spot. You work for the US govt in Germany, so it isn't clear if German rules will apply to your workplace (probably not) or US rules... And since it's obvious that your workplace is not terribly supportive, we may have to think of ways you can pump without a lot of cooperation from your boss.

You may have to pump in a bathroom or break room. I found no federal laws defining the rights or responsibilities of women or the US as an employer.

This may be a situation in which some chutzpah pays off for you and your fellow mom employees. If you take over a section of a break room and start pumping in it, and other moms do the same, either the general comfort level with it will go up, or they'll have to designate a pumping area, KWIM?

I would consider acquiring an inexpensive folding screen and just appropriating a section of the break room with a sign. "Momma Pumping Milk. Enter at Your Own Risk."