Breastfeeding Chambers

[Deleted]

The why do the vote Democrat took a turn to a related issue, so I wanted to share...

Okay, technically, this guy has misunderstood the provisions of Obamacare. The requirement is that employers with more than 50 employees provide a room with a lock and a chair to permit nursing moms to pump if needed (there is no requirement for customers). Most of the time this is an unused office or conference room, but I'm quite enamored with the phrase "lactation chamber."

Awesome use of the phrase lactation chamber: cnsnews.com/blog/craig-bannister/obamacare-dictates-retailers-open-lactation-chamber-every-single-store-staples

Legitimate Dept. of Labor link to the actual legal requirements: www.dol.gov/whd/nursingmothers/

For those of you who are business owners, is this an unreasonable accomodation or expense? Something you were already doing?

[cme1201]

For my business if we were back to 2007-2008 business level where we had 65 carpenters working full time round the clock it would be unreasonable. We would have to add onto the existing building just to build a room that would allow for privacy that isn't a bathroom.

The office was designed for the office staff 6 people in office 4 rooms, 2 bathrooms.

[Deleted]

I wouldn't eat anything prepared in the restroom, would you?

[Deleted]

What is wrong with simply using the employee restroom?

I would not want to pump in a stall. It's not practical either - where do you put the pump machine so it's still attached to the cups? If you pumped out on the counter then everyone who walked in could see you.

[workpublic]

I wouldn't eat anything prepared in the restroom, would you?

i think the "meal" is "prepared" inside the mother. it would be, however, "served" in the restroom ;D

[Deleted]

Most employee restrooms in smaller businesses are one room locking door.

Maybe if you mandated they have a chair and a table in them? Because sitting on a toilet while pumping is not comfortable.

[Deleted]

Maybe plated? It is served at day care or wherever the baby is. I don't know enough food service lingo.

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Too bad, deal with it you chose to reproduce and employers should not have to support your personal choice.

We have several all over campus. There is not one currently in the building I actually work in but there is one right across the street in the hospital, they coverted an unused room in the L&D ward into a lacation room. So I used that one since it was the closest.

There will be one when the new COP is built, they are putting them in all the buildings as they modify/upgrade.

[Deleted]

"What is wrong with simply using the employee restroom? "

That's disgusting. Employee bathrooms rarely have toilets with lids (and those that do never get put down). So everytime the toilet is flushed, urine and fecal matter are aerosolized and end up on every surface in the room. You can build your sandwich on the floor and eat it if you like. I would never ask or expect a woman to pump or breastfeed in a restroom.

[Savoir Faire-Demogague in NJ]

Feb 8, 2012 10:48:39 GMT -5 @craftysarah said:

The why do the vote Democrat took a turn to a related issue, so I wanted to share...

Okay, technically, this guy has misunderstood the provisions of Obamacare. The requirement is that employers with more than 50 employees provide a room with a lock and a chair to permit nursing moms to pump if needed (there is no requirement for customers). Most of the time this is an unused office or conference room, but I'm quite enamored with the phrase "lactation chamber."

Awesome use of the phrase lactation chamber: cnsnews.com/blog/craig-bannister/obamacare-dictates-retailers-open-lactation-chamber-every-single-store-staples

Legitimate Dept. of Labor link to the actual legal requirements: www.dol.gov/whd/nursingmothers/

For those of you who are business owners, is this an unreasonable accomodation or expense? Something you were already doing?

Not at all. The location I am in, the parent company has a "Lactation Room", and it is frequently used.

[zibazinski]

I hope this doesn't have a backlash.

[Savoir Faire-Demogague in NJ]

Feb 8, 2012 12:20:20 GMT -5 zibazinski said:

I hope this doesn't have a backlash.

Such as ?? A masterbation room???

[Green Eyed Lady]

I'm all for these chambers because I understand that breast fed babies are healthier babies; therefore cutting down on health care costs. I also see that it is way cheaper for parents than that formula stuff.

I do have one question, though. Why is it that those mothers who have absolutely no problem whipping one out and breastfeeding in a public place (which I'm also not opposed to), all of a sudden need a special locked chamber to pump?

[Tennesseer]

Feb 8, 2012 12:27:05 GMT -5 Green Eyed Lady said:

I'm all for these chambers because I understand that breast fed babies are healthier babies; therefore cutting down on health care costs. I also see that it is way cheaper for parents than that formula stuff.

I do have one question, though. Why is it that those mothers who have absolutely no problem whipping one out and breastfeeding in a public place (which I'm also not opposed to), all of a sudden need a special locked chamber to pump?

The equipment?

[Green Eyed Lady]

What? A baby as opposed to a pump? Still makes no sense. I'm just wondering why one needs to be completely private and the other doesn't.

[Savoir Faire-Demogague in NJ]

Feb 8, 2012 12:36:04 GMT -5 Green Eyed Lady said:

What? A baby as opposed to a pump? Still makes no sense. I'm just wondering why one needs to be completely private and the other doesn't.

There is a slight different between breast feeding a baby, and pumping out milk with a breast pump. Even a cafone like me can see this...

[Tennesseer]

Pumps aren't cute and cuddly.

[Green Eyed Lady]

Ok. I don't know. That's why I'm asking. What IS the difference in regards to needing privacy or not caring who sees you?

[Savoir Faire-Demogague in NJ]

Feb 8, 2012 12:39:32 GMT -5 Green Eyed Lady said:

Ok. I don't know. That's why I'm asking. What IS the difference in regards to needing privacy or not caring who sees you?

Not every breast feeding mother is comfortable "whipping it out"(as you put it), and having the infant 'latch on".

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

I didn't nee a private place but I sure as hell wasn't going to do it in the bathroom. I can't do it in my lab because that's against biohazard safety codes and I don't get a personal office.

I need SOMEWHERE to pump that is sanitary, has the space available for me to set up my pump and of course a place to plug it in.

I have a feeling if I pumped right in the public office that SOMEONE is going to be uncomfortable and complain to HR.

I don't think HR is going to swallow the idea that I have the right to "whip it out" wherever I want.

[Green Eyed Lady]

I understand that, but plenty are comfortable with it. And I apologize for my rather...pointed way of putting things, but that's just the way it is.

Here's the thing. Businesses are failing. People are losing jobs. People that lost their jobs can't find new jobs. Yet, we are asking our employers and businesses to spend even MORE money to put in place things that could be worked around if people tried (IMO). The expense of this locked room with a chair could put one more person out of work. It's such a "ME" oriented society. As long as I get what I need and what I'm entitled to and what I want, to hell with the cost. At least I'm comfortable.

I was simply asking if this is an actual necessity and why it's different when those same moms who have their child brought to them over the lunch hour and happily nurse in the lunchroom. That's all. If there's a reason, then fine. Have at the building!

[Green Eyed Lady]

Feb 8, 2012 12:43:59 GMT -5 NomoreDramaQ1015 said:

I didn't nee a private place but I sure as hell wasn't going to do it in the bathroom. I can't do it in my lab because that's against biohazard safety codes and I don't get a personal office.

I need SOMEWHERE to pump that is sanitary, has the space available for me to set up my pump and of course a place to plug it in.

I have a feeling if I pumped right in the public office that SOMEONE is going to be uncomfortable and complain to HR.

I don't think HR is going to swallow the idea that I have the right to "whip it out" wherever I want.

Thank you, drama. That's all I was asking.

[Deleted]

It's much easier to be discreet when you are nursing a child. Only part of one breast is exposed and the nipple is covered. Most women at work use a double pump. I have no desire to see another woman's nipples dragged an inch down the cup in a rhythmic fashion. Call me crazy.

[Deleted]

Feb 8, 2012 12:48:28 GMT -5 Green Eyed Lady said:

The expense of this locked room with a chair could put one more person out of work.

That better be once nice chair.

[Green Eyed Lady]

Feb 8, 2012 12:49:56 GMT -5 @anne81 said:

It's much easier to be discreet when you are nursing a child. Only part of one breast is exposed and the nipple is covered. Most women at work use a double pump. I have no desire to see another woman's nipples dragged an inch down the cup in a rhythmic fashion. Call me crazy.

LOL!! Point taken!

[Savoir Faire-Demogague in NJ]

I get the points you are making Green-Eyed...perhaps the moms are exercising discretion, but I don't really know.

[Deleted]

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Sometimes it isn't always work around able. I needed to be able to pump every 3-4 hours. There is a meeting room I could use but only if it wasn't being used for an actual meeting, which makes sense.

If there had been any other room I could have had access to I would have used it were a lacation room not available.

As it happens my employer has chosen to supply lacatation rooms and has a list of where they are all located on campus. So I didn't have to try to figure out where to pump, I could simply pick the nearest lacation room.

My kid is in daycare in Council Bluffs, I work in Omaha. I do not have the luxury of having someone to bring my baby to me or drive all the way back across the river to nurse her every 3-4 hours.

[Green Eyed Lady]

I understand much better, Drama, and thank you for taking the time to explain. I just get so tired of everybody needing so much special treatment all the time. If one of your employees weighs 450 pounds, you must widen your doorways! Sorry, Ms. Singlemotherworkingparttime, but your salary equals the cost of the construction so you must go. Ok. I know that's silly, but you can see where I'm going.

I do understand with your helpful explanation that this appears to be something that is needed. And that's what I wanted to know!

[Deleted]

At my previous job, I had a coworker who pumped in her cube. She was very comfortable - she'd post a little sign and turn her back to the door. But everyone else felt like they couldn't turn from their computer monitor as long as that whirring noise was going on.