Help! Suspension on health and safety grounds for breastfeeding...

msmicawber

I hope all goes well, Jo, and am sure that it will be easier to work when your daughter's a little older and mainly on solid food, at least during the day. Since you work in a small team, it'll probably be easier for them as well as you if they know that you're going to be off for a few weeks or months, than having to pitch in at short notice when you have to leave early or take days off. Should maintain good relationships with the team if everything's clear. From my experience, you'll be more focused and productive if you're not worrying about doing the right thing by everybody at the same time.

It's heart warming to hear of thoughtful, supportive employers on here as the focus is normally on the other type.

Best wishes.

Sarahsaver

Have you looked at an american forum called pumping moms or something like that. They are very supportive and will give you moral support as well as practical advice. Did u know you can get pumps which work off a car cigarette lighter?
You are lucky you managed to BF for so long, I only managed a month with each and only ever expressed about a tablespoon of milk into a pump!

clairec79

Another option could be also pumping at home while you are feeding the baby - I found I got much more off of the other breast if the baby was feeding off the one, than I did when pumping at work.

Also do you use breast shells? I found I leaked a fair amount from the unused breast - either when pumping or feeding. If I put a shell into my bra first then I'd end up with an extra ounce or so each time. If you do that at each feed or pumping session that may end up totalling an extra bottle a day

gravitytolls

Poor you. What a world it is when mothers have to choose between nurturing their children thenselves, or introducing supplements to get them by.

TBH, I can't much comment on working practices, as I am a home mother. But like yourself, BF and self weaning is important to me. It seems to me you shouldn't be forced to compromise.

Expressing is so hard. I can quite see how you can't express enough whilst working, and expressing at home may leave you exhausted, as you're trying to produce enough to supplement several feeds.

You're right, DD comes first. This is a precious time, which you can't get back when she's older. If your employers are supportive, and youc an afford unpaid leave, I think this may be the route you need to take.

Good luck, and whatever happens, don't you dare feel guilty. Your baby has a super mummy, and you're doing your very best - nobody can ask any more than that.

oldmotherreilly

Jo, if your manager is in agreement and the suspension will be paid then you should most definately take this. I only wish that it had been an option when I had my children! P.S. Your manager sounds wonderful-hang on to him/her if you can. Managers who are sympathetic to parents with children, in my experience, are few and far between!

Jo_R_2

gravitytolls - thanks... I do feel a bit guilty about the prospect of leaving my colleagues with my workload but I guess that's what managers are for isn't it? I guess it's only temporary anyway.

oldmotherreilly - I am going to speak with my manager about this next week and hopefully get it sorted out for however long. I feel nervous which is strange as I get on great with my manager and like I said she's very supportive... I suppose it's because I haven't been back long at all and I'm asking them to effectively let me stay at home fully paid... But it's for a very good reason bless her!

hapyjo534

Hello Jo-r

Under the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 - 16, 17 & 18 it identifies as follows:-

" If it is not reasonable to alter the working conditions or hours of work, or if it would not avoid such risk, the employer shall, subject to section 67 of the 1996 Act suspend the employee from work for so long as is necessary to avoid such risk"

From your post your employer has tried the other options and as they are unsuitable in your position, the suspension on full pay is the only option left open. You should not feel bad or uncomfortable in any way whatsoever as you have tried the other options. If I were you I would ensure that you provide documentary evidence i.e. in the form of a letter to your employers stipulating this and request that any decision about your suspension with full pay is documented on the risk assessment they should have conducted when you informed them of your pregnancy/breastfeeding.

CFC

I think that your employer is being incredibly generous in offering this route, especially if your work takes you out of the office, and thus makes it likely you could find somewhere on your travels to express milk. I think you should grab it with both hands.