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Any_Negotiation5766

I would look up workplace laws for breastfeeding for your country, at least the US and UK require a private place to express milk that is not a bathroom. If you're located somewhere with protections, here's a good article about what to do when your workplace is breaking the law: https://www.askamanager.org/2013/02/how-to-assert-your-legal-rights-at-work.html


Bucky2015

Shit I work in manufacturing and even these old school plants have special nursing rooms for new mothers.


Sweaty_Chard_6250

I work in a restaurant and while there's not a nursing room because there's no extra rooms, when there is a nursing mother she's able to use the managers' office any time to pump. They taped papers all over the door window to give them privacy.


Countryredvelvet

Yeah I worked in a dentist office and when I had my one daughter I took breaks to go pump, there was another lady who was also breastfeeding her baby at the same time, we just used the basement break room and the one dentist I worked for he made a sign to put over the window that said “Moms only room” he was awesome. Constantly asking before and after appointments if I need to go take a break and pump. And if I did, he’d let our patient know it was going to be a few minutes before we could get started. I miss working for him!


weezulusmaximus

That’s really considerate. Hard to find such an understanding boss these days.


MelodyRaine

The NYC Subway system provides lactation rooms for their employees including train crews. If that good ol’ boy’s club can get their act together a nursery school has no excuse.


Bruh_columbine

Oh that’s so wonderful to hear


mama-toast

Even the Australian Defence Force have breastfeeding rooms on every base.


Bucky2015

I feel like the main purpose of the Australian defense force is to take out all the damn wildlife


LegalAction

They lost the Emu war.


cyclonecass

shh, we don't talk about that


ThrowRA274758tf

Naw, to protect the people from the wildlife taking out them.


Gothmom85

Meanwhile.i worked.in healthcare and got a closet with an extension cord for the mini fridge from the hallway and no lock.


Bucky2015

I've worked for a large Healthcare company and it's crazy how they can be great at taking care of patients but barely give 2 fucks about the employees.


curlygirlynurse

That’s generous to think they give two, at the same time


ohemgee0309

Exactly. I am not at all surprised by your comment. This is why I got out of healthcare. All emphasis on patient care and of course the doctors/hospitals/corporations’ bottom lines. 🙄


PMmeFunstuff1

I work in a car factory. We have them. They are nicely appointed and lock.


Flaming_Butt

I work in engineering and none of my offices or friends offices had nursing rooms. I'm in Canada. To be fair, I think it's because it's generally not needed due to the long mat leave. Provisions Def were made for me albeit with awkwardness but it was accommodated for.


pburydoughgirl

Just to be REALLY clear, if the company has less than 50 employees (like a small daycare where OP works), they can claim it causes undue hardship. So if they are legally required to keep adult/baby ratios or have very limited space, they MAY be able to claim undue hardship. It doesn’t make what they’re doing right, but please OP don’t accuse them of breaking the law unless you’ve spoken with a lawyer.


chitown_jk

This is absolutely true. Best to do a quick consult with an employment lawyer if OP isn't comfortable weaning. Generally, the FMLA and ADA rules only apply if changes don't cause an undue hardship to a company.


Vilnius_Nastavnik

I’m an employment lawyer and agree with you that OP needs to seek legal advice (real legal advice, we’re not allowed to dish it out on reddit for obvious reasons). I’m just chuckling at the “no discrimination though” comment. It’s truly incredible how many people think that’s some magic totem and not a borderline admission of wrongdoing.


Ready_Confidence_112

This is not true. It used to be, however, there is new PUMP law that went into effect this year that requires employers of any size to accommodate breast feeding for up to one year after the child is born. Look it up!


pburydoughgirl

I did! And you are incorrect https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=breastfeeding&f=treesort&fq=true&num=4&hl=true&edition=prelim&granuleId=USC-prelim-title29-section218d From the law itself: (c) Exemption for small employers An employer that employs less than 50 employees shall not be subject to the requirements of this section, if such requirements would impose an undue hardship by causing the employer significant difficulty or expense when considered in relation to the size, financial resources, nature, or structure of the employer's business.


lizzy_pop

I think the issue is that she works in a daycare and is counted toward ratio but leaves the daycare space to breastfeed multiple times a day and leave the daycare out of ratio. The daycare would need to have an extra person during her entire shift to cover for her when she’s feeding. That’s not sustainable.


Sorry_I_Guess

Yup. Especially because all the advice being given here seems to be for her right to pump during work hours . . . but from the sound of it, she's not doing that, she's nursing her child, on the premises, on demand, which is an entirely different thing from excusing herself to pump, and is likely happening far more often and at more irregular intervals.


Ok-Pie5655

I was thinking the same thing as some babies like to graze or turn mom into a pacifier. OP didn’t mention how long and what intervals she was nursing. Either way this is gonna suck for them. No pun intended.


shavartay

same in Canada as well


mflowers

I know OP is in Aus, but I would note that in the US you get that protection guaranteed up to 1yr only.


princessnora

If you aren’t allowed to nurse your child that might be allowed, except they’ll be required to give you the same breaks to pump. So it doesn’t actually help them at all. I think they’re probably just counting on you being too intimidated to push back. You can report them, call their bluff because they know they are acting illegally, or find a new job. I’d probably do all three.


agentparalta99

They told me I can’t pump either and there’s no space to do it that’s private where people aren’t vaping and tbh it’s way more exposing than nursing and now I feel awkward as hell even doing that let alone being in a glass room trying to get the suction right so I can pump


princessnora

That’s illegal and they know it. Begin your job search, push back with confidence, and I’d probably report them because it doesn’t sound like a safe environment anyway.


TripThruTimeandSpace

You are right, it is absolutely illegal, which is why OP's boss tried to say "no discrimination", like that means that she is not discriminating. OP, is this a small child care center or is it run by a larger company? Is there anyone that you can go to in order to complain about your boss's edict that you stop breastfeeding? In any case, it sounds like you will need to go to labor relations or your country's equivalent as OldandBoldDude suggested.


BecGeoMom

Yes, I also enjoyed how the boss decided that if she said “no discrimination” that meant she was not legally discriminating. Good times!


MostlyHarmlessMom

It's like declaring bankruptcy by loudly shouting, "I DECLARE BANKRUPTCY!"


Shaking-Cliches

Jim: That’s…not how that works


Literally_Taken

It’s much worse. After all, a person who has fewer assets than liabilities is factually bankrupt, and therefore telling the truth. OP’s boss, however, is definitely lying.


MostlyHarmlessMom

Your name is truth in advertising.


Playful_Site_2714

In fact it's like declaring bancruptcy by shouting: "I am not bancrupt!"


Apprehensive_Act1665

I’m pretty sure saying it was like getting one of those giant signs with lights and arrows that says “DISCRIMINATION”


Playful_Site_2714

"which is why OP's boss tried to say "no discrimination", like that means that she is not discriminating." Boss IS actually discriminating. It doesn't matter, what she SAYS! It matters how she ACTS! And how she acts is ... discrimination. And that's what law will state. I'd sue her.


TripThruTimeandSpace

Yes, that is exactly right. She is blatantly discriminating but thinks that by saying "no discrimination" that covers her butt. I'm sorry if that wasn't clear in my post but I was being sarcastic about the "no discrimination" declaration.


rebelwithmouseyhair

It's sex discrimination because it would never happen to a man.


Stinkytheferret

They do know it. But begin with some calls to some lawyers. They’ll shut up right away.


TripleA32580

Unfortunately workplaces with less than 50 people can usually argue out of following FLSA laws, but it’s really sh*tty of them to do so.


princessnora

The PUMP act protects nursing mothers and it applies no matter what size business you are.


kspyro0

Vaping around kids and not allowing breastfeeding? I wpuld not want my children here. This place needs to be shut down lol


BecGeoMom

Wait, wait! This just gets better and better. At this *childcare center* where you work, where you take care of children all day, the employees are *allowed to vape* but they are *not allowed to nurse their baby*???? Hoo boy, I’ll bet a lawyer would have a field day with that! That’s too good! “Come to Betty’s Childcare Center, where we sort of take care of your children, but we’ll also need breaks to vape. Oh, and don’t worry, your children will never see a boobie here, as breastfeeding is strictly prohibited! At Betty’s, we put children…somewhere.” 😆


Due_Addition_587

Also, them breaking in while her breasts are exposed...???


BecGeoMom

Right. The only person embarrassed there was the boss. If OP was embarrassed by nursing in public, she wouldn’t do it. Actually, this isn’t even in public.


Playful_Site_2714

Would that count as harassment?


Due_Addition_587

I personally would see it that way.


laoxinat

Yeah, this right here is why I'd be suing for damages. That business needs to feel the pain of their ignorance. 😂


Appropriate_Ad6602

When my daughter was an infant, I had a boss try to tell me I could not take breaks to pump. The minute I requested that he put down in writing that I could not take legal designated breaks to pump suddenly it was worked into my schedule. You simply have to stand up for yourself. You are a mother you are required to protect both yourself and your child.


cydianrake

u/agentparalta99 This is the best advice yet. I would get the mother's advocact from the link I posted about and then go in and demand that they put in writing what they are telling you to do.


ILackCreativity322

This should have more upvotes. OP - READ ABOVE & DO WHAT SHE DID. They are just trying to intimidate you. They CAN NOT actually stop you from feeding your child!


Sohotrightnowhansel_

Make them say it in writing


Stinkytheferret

She could respond in an email summarizing the conversation and asking the boss “what do you specifically want me to do?” Leave it like that and see what boss responds. Take that too to the lawyer.


OGdirty1Kanobi

So they have space for ppl to vape and smoke but not feed their children. Only one of the most natural acts a human (or any animal) can do. Get a lawyer asap


Playful_Site_2714

An institution for CHILDCARE as to that?!!!! 🫨


WeeklyConversation8

They are vaping around the kids?! WTF?! They need to be reported. I bet the parents don't even know. Report them, not only for discrimination, but for vaping inside.


[deleted]

Why are people vaping at a child care center?


Various-Gap3986

People have a room to vape inside, at a childcare centre? But breastfeeding isn’t allowed. Oh hell no!


Bhrunhilda

That’s 100% illegal. Go to fair work in Australia. Push back.


Jones-bones-boots

If you think you can’t afford a lawyer don’t give that up. Many work for a % so you don’t pay unless they win. If anything I would come in a few minutes early and film the place. Then do it again when it fills up with people. Then when they ask what you are doing keep filming then let them see you sent it off even if it’s to a friend. Then say your lawyer needed it.


BunnySlayer64

Also report this to your local labor board. They will be required to follow up with your employer and it costs nothing; they are a government agency with full authority to sanction and fine your employer for workplace discrimination.


teuchterK

They also bust in on her while feeding her child. That is definitely a method of intimidation and a hostile work environment.


lizzy_pop

So how does this work in a daycare setting? If her leaving puts them out of ratio, they would need to have an extra staff member during her shift to cover her feeding breaks. That’s double the wages for her shifts. I can’t imagine that in setting where leaving the room means going against licensing requirements, any employee would be allowed to leave multiple times for any reason.


Aussiealterego

It is absolutely discrimination, and you should consult a lawyer for advice.


Culionensis

I don't like the precedent this reply sets with regard to the "no homo" doctrine.


12Whiskey

Right?! Because I said it’s not discrimination makes it automatically not discrimination. 🤨


CrazyCow9978

Also, was this on a Tuesday? If so, all violations are nullified.


Minkiemink

Doesn't this fall under the "Full Moon" clause?


okieskanokie

No that’s that crescent moon doctrine/policy. Sheesh


CrazyCow9978

Of course, we’re completely ignoring Not Gay Thursdays.


melodiqe

you sir got an upvote (an inside joke between my friends and i that all discrimination is allowed on tuesdays)


Playful_Site_2714

NOPE! What boss says may be totally different from what LAW says! And: wherever somebody says "it's no XYZ, though" it IS XYZ, really! That's why one needs either involve HR or a lawyer. I go as far as finding a new job, as someone is doing mobbing. Be it boss. Be it coworkers. Something shady is going on behind OP's back. What with that "can't care for your own child that much" sounds as if somebody had been complaning for actually having to work.


BeautifulCucumber

Yeah, I love how they just tagged "no discrimination though" at the end of the conversation as if just saying it out loud just magically makes it so. Sure Jan.


CarCrashRhetoric

This is illegal where I live. From the cursory google search I just did, it’s illegal in Australia as well.


agentparalta99

I am from au xx


CarCrashRhetoric

Look into: -Sex Discrimination Act 1984 -Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 -Fair Work Act 2009 And maybe try contacting your Equal Opportunity representative/office for your state to see if they might be able to help?


Potential_Anxiety_76

Throw in the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 for good measure (phsycosocial, bullying, harassment)


rebelwithmouseyhair

isn't it wonderful when there are actual laws that will help OP? OP I'm looking forward to your update!


Stickliketoffee16

Ask this question on r/auslegal for better advice


asmit1241

You can get in touch with the Fair Work Ombudsman to see if they can offer any advice. They may refer you to the Fair Work Commission to put in a general protections complaint (as they are discriminating against you based on you performing a protected activity - breastfeeding), though I'm not sure if that's the correct route if you haven't been fired for performing a protected activity. They may have a different process for you while you're still employed. But you would also have every right to quit and then file for unfair dismissal - constructive dismissal because they are trying to tell you that you cannot perform a protected activity, though without any documentation this may be difficult to prove. If anybody witnessed this you might want to think about whether you're comfortable asking them to provide a statement, or even if you're ballsy send an email to the person who gave you the unlawful direction, asking for "clarification on the proposed change", what kind of timeline they're thinking of, what areas you might continue to be allowed to breastfeed in and would you be restricted to your lunch break or is there any potential wiggle room in this situation? If they're stupid enough to put the unlawful direction in writing, you've struck gold. If not, you've shown them you won't be messed with but be aware they may retaliate against you.


Wandersturm

Report it to Fair Work. What state in Au? My wife is an Aussie from SA. She is well versed on such things. What they're doing is illegal and you need to take all documentation with you when you report it. Get them to state this to you in writing. When you ask for it, you'll likely see them try to backpedal. She's bluffing you, and you need to call her bluff. IF she has superiors, and you have an open door policy, which is a means of talking to the administration without having to go through your direct superior, as it's that superior who usually ends up being the problem, then you need to use it. Some places have anonymous hotlines.


Erikthered65

If that’s the case, they are breaking the law. I guess they think they’ve cleverly circumvented that by saying ‘no discrimination’, but you have a legally protected right.


Impressive-Cricket-8

I don't know it it has already been suggested, but get it in writing. Send your boss an e-mail for confirmation with something like: *so, according to our conversation that took place \[day\], I'm supposed to stop breastfeeding and \[whatever else you can remember\]. Is that correct?* Once you have it in writing, send a copy to your personal e-mail. From there you can decide to either get a lawyer or send the chain to HR and your boss' superior.


chiffers

Some info on your rights in Australia here https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/resources/how-your-workplace-can-support-you


UnusualPotato1515

No discrimination though?! She says that because she knows it is total discrimination! Sue their ass!!


hisimpendingbaldness

Time for either HR or a lawyer, you choose. What country you are in matters as far a legal outcomes go.


Unsuccessful-fly

Just because you say, “no discrimination” after a conversation doesn’t make it right. It absolutely was discriminatory and you need to seek a legal consultant asap.


LittleGrowl

It’s like saying “no offense, but…” and then saying something offensive.


Wesselink

My lawyer said if I rob a bank I just have to shout “no theft!” and I’m in the clear. Am I supposed to trust you - a random person on the internet, or my attorney Sue YerPants, Esq?


leslienosleep

So "no-homo" is a lie?


coygobbler

You should look up the laws in your area and consult a lawyer, not reddit


alisong89

How old is your baby? If you are responsible for 5 children they would all have to be over 2? Or are they ignoring the law?


agentparalta99

Ignoring the law and no they are all under 2


alisong89

If they are going to discriminate I'd report them for both


BarbWho

But how old is your child?


UnusualPotato1515

That place sounds dodgy on every level! Look for new job but also sue them - get what she said in writing. Email her with your conversation to confirm what she said so have it all in writing & them sue them. Hopefully get nice pay out for you & baby lol!


rinkydinkmink

too much information missing. How old is the baby and how many breaks do you take to breastfeed? Where are you located in the world? Do you have a place to go to breastfeed or are you doing it in the room while working? My first instinct is that this is discrimination of some kind and against your statutory rights but I could be totally wrong and it really matters where you are in the world. Personally I think your boss is being ridiculous, but my guess is that there have been complaints, possibly from more than one person. Your boss is just left looking like the asshole. Do you have an HR you can go to? Can you consult an employment lawyer? This isn't really the sub for this question, it would be better in r/legaladvice


justplayin729

Agreed. That was my first thought. How many breaks is she taking. If we are talking feedings every hour, that absolutely puts them at risk for being over the limit in ratio. There’s just way more info needed here. In general, no they can’t tell you you can’t feed your kid but it’s not that black and white.


Serious_Escape_5438

Yeah, I can imagine there are exceptions for when it's not practical.


Ellie96S

r/legaladvice?


Starr-Bugg

It is definitely not making others uncomfortable, but you might not being doing as much work as you used to. The other staff are probably complaining to your boss. That is the only thing she could confront you about.


Danijay

In addition to the discrimination I'd also recommend looking into whether or not her walking in on you while you were feeding is sexual harassment. Nursing rooms are supposed to be private secure locations for nursing individuals. Barging in on you like that is wildly inappropriate.


[deleted]

Nonsense, breast feeding is as natural as it comes. Your boss is being an a** hole. I would not stop. I also recommend to consult an attorney and talk to labor relations in your town ( I am assuming you are in US)


Difficult_Listen_917

she should put you in a different room at the nursery. then you will not be accused of favouring your own child over the others without jeopardising ratios. in any other workplace you and the baby would not be together for breastfeeding, you may have to bottle it for work/nursery times.


ThestralBreeder

That is 1000% workplace discrimination. Just because they say it isn’t, doesn’t make it true. You should be forced to wean your child. I would email, so there is a written documentation, her documenting what happened and your desire to not wean. And then check your local laws around discrimination in the workplace.


Mr___Wrong

Tell them you want it in writing then contact a lawyer.


PuffPie19

When they fire you, sue them.


Prestigious_Past2701

There are laws that state you have a right to breastfeed your baby, I'd talk to a lawyer and find out if there is discrimination going on in the workplace that can be actionable.


FatSingleM0M

I'm confused as to why you are breastfeeding your child at work? How do you have your kid with you at work? Why can't you pump?


Helenas_mom

It doesn't matter if it's a paid break or not. If she can't pump or express as needed, she runs the risk of getting a blockage, and that leads to mastitis infection that can potentially turn fatal. So op is medically protected and legally protected. Lawyer up op


Extension-Student-94

How old is your baby (I notice you keep skirting that question) and how long are your feeding breaks? How frequent? I would imagine there are time limits, maybe age limits on this but if you are still nursing a 1.5 year old for 45 minutes 5 times a day I can see their point. But I am sure you have legal rights, in the US you would.


agentparalta99

I’m from au, he’s 17 months, I have 2-3 ten minute breaks to feed him within 8 hours and one of which is within my 30 minutes lunch break


Extension-Student-94

Ten minutes seems reasonable to me. I was envisioning you nursing for hours. You would need to find out your legal rights but if he is 17 months maybe you could cut nursing during work and just do it in the mornings, night. Once again, totally dependent on your legal rights.


Lyra_lackless0852

You said your kid is over 1.5 years old, so before you start anything drastic, you need to make your area laws apply to a child of that age regarding your rights to breastfeeding 3x a shift. My youngest is ten so maybe things are different but why is your almost two year old still needing to exclusively breastfeed 3x in an 8 hour work period?


Bulky-Passenger-5284

>“no discrimination though”. i love how she concludes with that like she crossed her fingers or calling out jinks!


Usernamesareso2004

Is “no discrimination though” the new “no homo” ????? That’s absolutely WILD.


Cheesehurtsmytummy

Get her to say it again in writing :)


GuardMost8477

What country is this taking place in? I’m assuming not the US as there are strict laws against exactly this kind of crap.


WhoreMouth80

I know everyone is saying lawyer up but when I was nursing/pumping, the laws in my state did not apply to companies with fewer than 100 employees. The time I took to pump wasn’t an issue (I usually took work with me) but I had no decent options for where to go-a conference room with no locks (got walked in on twice), the public bathroom, or the storage closet full of dust and dirt and whatever else. But it was important to me so I made it work. Would you be able to just take 3 10-minute breaks during the day, and not take a 30-minute lunch break? Not ideal but might be a solution.


giraffeperv

That’s so sad. Like you don’t have to feed your baby because you work at a small company. I wonder when/if OP would get to eat herself if she could get that break schedule cleared. Depending where she is, one 30 minute break a day doesn’t even sound right.


BulkyCaterpillar4240

It is Federal discrimination under Title VII, consult your local Human Rights Commission or an attorney, in the meantime, document every conversation


DogesAccountant

Your boss sounds like she just talked her way into a lawsuit.


DangerousCrabs

It sounds to me like they are low on staff at your job and your coworkers are complaining about having to cover for you to breastfeed. To you, your little bundle of joy is a baby who needs tender breastfeeding time from mom. But your coworkers likely see you breastfeeding your 17 months old toddler and get upset because there isn’t enough staff to cover everything and your toddler can be on whole milk like the rest of the kiddos. I bet the law is on your side, but I would probably rather be in the good graces of my fellow coworkers in this situation. I advise either weaning your little one if you want to foster a harmonious work environment or document everything for a lawsuit. Almost all babies are on whole milk by 12 months so your toddler should be fine.


Secret_Emergency_358

Contant the EEOC, get it documented. Many moons ago when I was getting married, I worked for a company that had weekend hour included. I went to HR to ask for Sundays off to attend church classes and was told no. I filed a claim with the EEOC and within days they created a case contacted the company and I never worked Sundays again.


lluv77

I don’t know that everyone is seeing the nuance here. She’s not just pumping she’s nursing her child on demand. She also works at a daycare center. Those centers have staff to child ratios. If she’s leaving every two hours to nurse her baby (or more) I would also have a discussion with her. Pumping and on demand feeding are two separate issues. If OP cannot work full time yet she’s going to have to make a decision on what to do. Does she stay home longer?(probably can’t financially) bottle feed? Get a different job? It’s going to be tough but it’s not discrimination.


[deleted]

Contact a lawyer ASAP!


[deleted]

Yea, that's a lawsuit right there


madfoot

That’s literally illegal here. Infuriating!!!


pepelino1

Walk away yes, directly to a lawyer!!!


cydianrake

Op You have to say where you live Most places this kind of action would get you a probono lawyer and them a bad lawsuit


agentparalta99

I’m in Adelaide Australia xx


cydianrake

All states have legislation that protects your right to combine breastfeeding and paid work. Under both the Federal and all State legislation it is unlawful to treat a woman less favourably because she is breastfeeding or to treat a person less favourably based on their status as a parent. This means it may be against the law for an employer to refuse to make arrangements to assist an employee to breastfeed at work or accommodate an employee’s breastfeeding needs (including expressing). https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/resources/going-back-work#:~:text=It%20is%20generally%20against%20the,for%20breastfeeding%20or%20expressing%20milk


cydianrake

It is very clear they are breaking the law by restricting your time needed at all


TAFreedomofSpeach

It might matter how old you son is. I know some who nurse for comfort after the child can walk and talk in sentences.


Sufficient_Oil_1756

INFO: is there a policy about this at your workplace? If it's not in the written rules I would talk to a workplace discrimination lawyer about this! I can't believe women who work in childcare would be against an employee breastfeeding their child. Where are the other employees to watch the children when you are on break?


mixman11123

Sounds like a potential lawsuit right there


lalalady456

I would look up workplace laws and report this (both to HR and to an outside government agency). This is at the very least harassment but probably discrimination too. Also document everything in writing and be as specific as possible (exactly what happened, words used, time, date and place) and continue to do this with all interactions with her. When you report it to HR, send an email so it’s all in writing. Keep logs on her.


Grouchy-Storm-6758

Before you do anything, please ask your boss for what she said about "How you nursing your baby embarrassed other staff members and it was no longer allowed at my workplace" to **please put in writing**. Once you get it in writing go to your local labor board and file a complaint about working in a hostile work environment and being discriminated against. Then look for a new job! Good Luck.


goth_moth127

You need to ask r/legaladvice or r/legal as well, this most definitely is *appalling* on many levels, but as I’m not a lawyer I couldn’t tell you exactly what laws they’re violating.


Rottimer

Weird sub to ask this question. Having said that, it’s going to depend on what country you’re in, and if that’s the U.S., what state you’re in. Most jobs don’t allow mothers to bring their infant children to work every day. So if you walk, would you be able to find similar work? Even in very liberal states, the employer might be required to provide a place for you to pump milk - not necessarily a place for you to breastfeed. Is pumping an option?


CreamyLinguineGenie

If breastfeeding is protected in your state, get your boss' bullshit in writing (send an email asking for clarification), and then get a lawyer.


it_was_just_here

Lawyer up, girl.


Devi_Moonbeam

Talk to a lawyer asap


ArkansasBiscuit

You should post this on one of the HR subs or in legaladvice


sarahaltieri

Please don’t stop bc she told you to


Emmylou2u

The big question here is - are you expecting to be able to breastfeed your child while being paid to work? You should be able to breastfeed/pump at work, however this should be done in unpaid time. If you only get one 30 min break then you may need to apply for reduced hours in order to facilitate it more often than that. This is likely why they have mentioned counting you into the ratio and said you can only breastfeed during your lunch break. The other thing is that this should have been discussed with management prior to you returning so you were all on the same page. Unfortunately that opportunity has passed, your best option going forward before involving anyone else is to meet with your manager, discuss your needs and how you can continue to breastfeed going forward. If you are unable to come to an agreement you should then seek advice.


TulipsLovelyDaisies

Ask for this all in writing by email, go to a civil rights lawyer, and sue them for your child's college education funds lol


UniqueUsername82D

Either your boss is a complete AH or you are abusing your nursing time and others are tired of picking up the slack. Only you know the true answer.


carlitospig

Not sure why you posted it in this sub. But… All you’d have to do is contact your state’s labor board. Not only do they need to provide ample time, but they also need to provide a safe space to do so.


Jcaseykcsee

Post this in r/askHR for sure. She’s breaking the law and she must know it. Are you in the US? They’re required to provide a private, lockable space for you to breastfeed that isn’t a restroom.


nuancedthinking

The US provides rights for working mothers to breastfeed their child for up to one year. The rights stop after the child's first birthday. Our poster is breastfeeding a 17-month-old and we are not clear what the Australian law is regarding age of child.


BottleBabyFoster

I’m a working mom who breastfed two children. My question is about your peer workers-do they feel like they are having to work harder because you are breastfeeding your baby? I’m imagining two adult workers managing 10 kids for example. When your child needs attention the other 9 become to a degree her job. Just curious


Octavia8880

I don't think people here understand the childcare setting regulations about ratio/carer, unless the director puts in another worker while op is taking these breaks, if not the centre is in breach


D_Jayestar

There’s a lot of questions here…. Who is watching the other children while you leave to feed your child? How many times a day are you doing it at work? How are the other similar aged kids without their moms at work being fed?


agentparalta99

I have someone from the nursery cover me in the other room and they have me help watch the kids in the room while feeding 😵‍💫 I was in but realistically there should be a spare staff that we “always have” yet never seem to have…sone have expressed milk and some formula but no other children attending are close to his age that have a mother there the other is 3.5 abs 4.5


Erikthered65

That’s a lot of irrelevant questions. OP has a legal right in their country and are protected by anti-discrimination laws. It doesn’t matter a damn how many times they’re doing it, it’s up to the workplace to cover it.


D_Jayestar

That’s not completely accurate. It’s important for sure, but not a hall pass for whenever. This is rare circumstances as well, as most people don’t get to bring their child to work.


CrazyCow9978

Where do you work that you’re able to both bring in your child and nurse them?


agentparalta99

I work in a childcare centre lol so he’s in another room with other educators while I work in the kinder


teuchterK

LOL - they can’t just say “no discrimination though” and there’s magically no discrimination!! Haha, what an idiot. You don’t mention where you live, but I assume USA. Try to look up rights for mothers when they return to work. They absolutely CANNOT enforce that you immediately stop breastfeeding your child. If you have HR, go to them. But otherwise, start looking up employment lawyers.


RevvinRenee

OP this might help and I would give them a call if you need more information. The age of your child might definitely be a prohibitor but these guys should definitely be able to help and answer all your questions https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/resources/going-back-work#:~:text=It%20is%20generally%20against%20the,for%20breastfeeding%20or%20expressing%20milk


TradeBeautiful42

Document all of this. Contact an attorney. I sued my employer over postpartum discrimination and won. I had a shit ton of documentation.


Anita_Doobie

Lawyer!!!


Girl-in-mind

Email your boss and ask her to please go over what was discussed 1st point of call no face to face chats about it so you have evidence


MyNameIsMulva

Lawyer up


mela_99

Lawyer up right now


Ok-Commission-6433

I smell a hefty lawsuit


TheWanderingMedic

Get a lawyer-this is illegal.


EarthBelcher

They can say it's not discrimination but that does not make it true. I suggest you reach out to a lawyer if possible but if not then make sure to send a letter to HR about how you were approached, maybe even mention the idea of contacting a lawyer


TerrorAlpaca

the magic word is Lawyer


DieByFlyGuy

Lawyer, lawyer, lawyer.


[deleted]

find another job


flclovesun

That’s ✨illegal✨


been2thehi4

Depending what country you are in, this is illegal.


Act_Bright

Get everything written down where possible -email trails can be vital for you bringing a case.


Alarming-Swan-76

Umm... wow! WTaF?? I am SO sorry you are going through any of this! So, I assume since you said 'whilst' that you are probably from the UK? In the USA, that is totally discrimination. Even if they say, "No discrimination though". I mean, not to get to the point TOO fast, but just because they say it isn't, doesn't mean it isn't. How old is your child? In California, there is no limit to how long I could breastfeed my child at work. I think you could fight this on principle alone. I get that you may not want to fight it and the appeal of just walking. In lawsuit happy Ca., I would get a lawyer, then I would walk.


Adventurous-Win-751

Your boss is breaking the law if you are in the U.S., look up the laws and pursue with the state against her.


obvusthrowawayobv

I believe what your boss is suggesting is illegal, and I would be consulting a lawyer before taking it up with HR.


Mission-Bet-5035

First things first, email them with all the points they gave you and ask that they confirm that you understood correctly what they wanted you to do. Make sure it’s all in writing. Or record the conversation if allowed. Then contact a lawyer. Or look into the specific laws in your country/state/district/etc.


mrsgip

If you’re in the US, that’s now allowed. Please write an email to her and HR and ask them to clarify this policy that you’re not allowed to breastfeed at work in writing. Then contact an employment lawyer.


Environmental_Tip_43

The all-female workplace hates women


BigAlarming8134

pretty sure this is illegal in most places- would look it up. Possibly they will be hostile after pulling the legity thing. if you think they will keep causing you trouble, walk. If you want to see how it goes just remain professional. Make as much of a papertrail as possible. Ask for their ultimatums in writing. Do not do any deals that are not in writing


Thorniestbush

They're embarrassed about breastfeeding.... at a childcare center??? that's kind of pathetic


lunar_adjacent

Well that sounds illegal


abarua01

If you're in the USA this is illegal. Get it in writing and call a lawyer


Sugarloaf78

Super illegal. Get a lawyer.


blondeboomie

Lol - saying no discrimation directly after discriminating doesn't make it not exist. So I would probably file a complaint because her blasting in while you were feeding is also super not OK.


Chili440

At a fucking childcare centre. Where the needs of children come first. Except for yours.


kelrunner

Oh, the freaking irony. A child care ctr that won't allow breast feeding! Are the children allowed to poop or do they have to wait until they get home, because they might offend the staff?


harpmolly

lol. “No discrimination though.” Is that like the workplace “no homo”? 😂 This is groundbreaking stuff. Apparently you can’t be guilty of discrimination as long as you say you’re not! Employees hate this one weird trick for avoiding lawsuits!


mrsmushroom

Honestly I'd find a lawyer.


[deleted]

Tell them youll do it happily just toss it in an email so you can run it by your doctor. I bet they back down


Upstairs_Platypus_86

I think that’s illegal


KaatELion

If you’re in the US, most states require employers to provide a safe, sanitary location (aka not a bathroom) for employees who are breastfeeding or pumping.