Am I overreacting?

Question

So today my boss and I start a conversation about having a space to pump in when I get back from maternity leave. He suggested a closet that you have to go through the women's restroom to get to. It's concrete. It's cold. I'm sure they will make it warm and give me a place to sit. Unfortunately I'm feeling emotional and not really comfortable being shoved in this back closet like a filing cabinet. Also, not thrilled to have to walk through the bathroom to get to it and excuse me for this but we have a coworker that freaking stinks the place up constantly... pretty sure it'll stew in that closet area. I know Dept of labor says they can't make you pump in a bathroom... technically this is NOT a bathroom so they'd be fine by law. I've just been crying all day and wanted to see what others thought.

Edit: I work for the government and I guess I was just shocked that one of  the empty offices/conference rooms wouldn't be available. This also comes after insurance rates going up, pay raise and retirement cuts.

Probably doesn't help this day was just from hell... had an arguement with my mom on top of it all.
Also, everything at this place is on camera. So car in parking lot will be on camera as well.

Answer

I am really surprised by all of the responses you got. 😳 I also would not be comfortable in a closet off of the bathroom. Have you attempted to ask about making use of any empty offices/meeting rooms? Maybe you won't have the same location every time but I don't see why it would be an issue for you to take your supplies in whatever room is empty, place a sign on the door and pump there. I do not think you are overreacting.

Answer

I am absolutely shocked at these responses!! I'm amazed at how many women would be willing to pump there. What do you do if someone is using the restroom? Especially when you are ready to come back out? That is just ridiculous. There has to be another space available for you.

Answer

You're overreacting. 
I had to pump in my bosses car or in a convenience store bathroom.

Answer

Make it your own closet put some air fresheners and a comfy chair and whatever else you made need get some magazines. You could really enjoy it.

Answer

I see no issues with it and am not surprised one bit. While I personally am ok with others breastfeeding in front of me...I would not expect nor put my coworkers in that position. I will be breastfeeding but I will not be pumping/bf'ing front or groups of people. I'm more discreet in front of people whom I'm not close with. That's just my personal comfort level.

Answer

When I was in the Army I pumped in a small ass bathroom with one stall that others used while I sat in the open. My daughter is 5 and I guess that's before everybody got offended by everything. Go pump wherever as long as you're doing it for your kid.

Answer

Have u a car u can go
Sit in and express ur milk,,

Answer

I think you're overreacting.

Am I overreacting?

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