breastfeeding and duty

[ember]

I am a paid firefighter/emt who also happens to be a nursing mom. So far, the problems I have encountered have been minor. I've had to redo my pumping schedule due to calls, which causes a little pain. I have had to pump in the back of the rescue truck on the way back from a call many times. Only two out of fifteen stations have a female bathroom. The rest of the stations have open bathrooms, and by that I mean that they are completely open to the locker room which is completely open to the rest of the station. If you want to get to the bunk room, you go through the locker room. So, sometimes finding a place to pump has been a little tricky. My husband sometimes brings my son to visit the station in the evening so that I can spend at least a few minutes with him. I nurse him at work, in the truck room, hiding behing a tanker! I have endured good natured jokes about every topic that could possibly involve breast milk, including some pretty funny practical jokes. The guys have been extremely accepting of it, even though I know that they are caught somewhat off balance. I am curious to hear from any other women who are in my situation, any ideas or thoughts they may have. This is sort of a new thing to occur at my department, but it won't be for long. We have over 325 firefighters here, and we have, in the last two or three years that is, hired quite a few young women.

[captstanm1]

Where in Florida are you from? I am also from Florida.

I dont like the situation you are in (i am male...but had to comment). You risk contamination by pumping in the back of the unit or in the bathroom and by nursing in the bay you are in a position that leaves you and your nursing child exposed to hydrocarbons and who knows what else. Even if the apparatus is not running you still are at risk.

I have no problem with you feeding at work, but there has to be a room you can use that is safer and private. Nothing wrong with breast feeding but you should not be in a position that someone from the public can walk in. Not their business or is it fair to you.

As far as the teasing and practical jokes go....just remember...it may not be a bother to you...but all someone else has to do is say...That offends me and those guys will be in trouble. It is good that you have that type of relationship and closeness with them. Just be careful and watch your back.

[SweetSerenity]

Well in my experience with breast feeding most women just pop one out right where they are with a blanket covering them. I dont have to tell you that breast feeding is the most natural occurance in the world and definatly not something that chould be hidden in a closet. Most men wouldnt agree with me though :rolleyes: :p Congrats and kudos...i know how hard it can be, being away from your baby while breast feeding. Only the bravest women can undertake such a feat! Good for you!:)

[LouisianaMedic]

I agree with Capt Stan that you shouldn't be put into that situation, and with women in the department there should be separate bathroom, locker rooms, and bunkrooms for both women and men. I also agree with about the contamination.

I thought breast milk last up to 24 to 48 hours. Is there anyway you could avoid pumping while on shift.. Just a suggestion... May also want to use a combination of breast feeding and formula for those times you can't pump without contanimation or being disturbed.

Also need to force the department into building separate locker rooms and restroom and bunkrooms for female employees... The you wouldn't need to find places from the other employees to not to disturb them and have privatcy for yourself while pumping or nursing.

My hats off to you and keep on nursing... The best form of bonding between a mom and her baby. I solute any working mother that breast feeds...

The joking is find as long as you and the other women don't mind, but when it starts to bother you say something, first to those that are doing it, only right to ask them to start before going to your supervisor..

I also agree with sweet (and I am a man) it is the most natural thing in the world.. Be discreet, I grew up with women breasting in my family and even at church using a blanket... They were discreet so nothing would show but didn't matter where they were when the child is hungry it is time to eat.

What are the department rules on this matter and if they don't maybe they need to address them, because there will be others that want to breastfeed like you that will not be as discreet on getting changes made.

[firemandaughter]

I of course understand that it's hard to be a working mom especially since your baby was just born. I'm also glad that you have the chance to see your child during your shift. I do however feel for you because it's hard to believe what kind of germs and everything else your child can pick up from the rigs especially since you of course haul sick people some that even have horrible dieseases that no one should come in contact with. Which is why it's a good thing that the men you work with don't seem to mind when you breast feed around them even though it may bother them a little. I'm however glad to hear that you can handle the jokes they make and the practical jokes they pull because most women would have gotten those men fired. I have always heard that firemen are nothing but a big group of brothers but that is now changing. Fire fighters are now becoming a big group of brothers and sisters. It's nice to hear that you can be a part of that and that the boys can handle a woman in their station.:D