Breast pumping. Just need to vent
I've been working in veterinary medicine for close to 13 years now. My place of business has been open for about a year and a half now, I've been employed here since it opened. We are a small animal practice that recently became an emergency practice as well!
Well, 4 months ago I gave birth to our daughter 🥳 My first day back at work was Feb 15th. Since coming back to work, I've been pumping to supply my daughters milk while on my "breaks". Due to the size of the hospital currently (we plan on expanding this summer), I dont have many options on where I can step away privately to pump. Usually I close myself in the isolation room, we dont get pets in there very often and the room is very private. I was able to pump in the isolation room this morning with no issues. Now we have a puppy in the isolation room that is being hospitalized for Parvo, which is contagious for those who is not familiar with it. So I decided not to pump in there on my lunch break. I thought I could go into one of the exam rooms since our doctors were not seeing any appointments at the moment. When I asked my boss (who has never had a baby) if I could go into one of the exam rooms, she didnt think it was a good idea and suggested I go pump in the bathroom and just lock the door. she was very polite about it. I dont feel comfortable with it, and I know it's not right. But I'm currently in the bathroom typing this, pumping my boobs, sitting as close to the door as possible and as far away from the toilet as possible. I figured she knew we had some emergencies coming in and wanted to keep the exam rooms open. This is the first time I have ever pumped in a bathroom. Thankfully, I know we keep the hospital very clean. But the idea of making milk, that my daughter will drink, in a bathroom still feels very unsanitary. There is a good chunk of women I work with that have never had kids so it makes it harder for me to explain why this is wrong. I have even used the example of making meals next to a toilet, like "Would you make your sandwich or salad next to a toilet and still eat it?" I'm frustrated with the situation but I'm also trying to not make waves because I'm still getting my bearings since coming back to work.
What would you do in this situation?
(Currently in Colorado, USA)
Achieve your health goals from period to parenting.