What would you do if you were in the following situation?

Question

I have a GREAT job - I absolutely love it. The pay is phenomenol and the work acceptable. I really would hate to leave.

HOWEVER, I am 7 months pregnant and I have every intention of breastfeeding my baby (not to mention the fact that I'd like to spend as much time with him as possible). I had pretty much resigned myself to the idea that I'd have to leave this job (possibly get one in a daycare so that I could be with the baby). Then I learned that another co-worker who just had her baby is going to be bringing her to work. I was so estatic - until I spoke with one of the guys (brother-in-law to one of the partners) and was informed that they wouldn't let me b/c I work downstairs where I'm more noticeable to the public (even if it is in a cubicle) whereas the other girl works upstairs and never has contact with any clients. I feel as though this is discriminatory, but I don't want to raise a stink b/c 1) this is NC and an employer can fire you for any reason and 2) they're a bunch of lawyers who could pretty much get away w/anything anyway.

So, what would you do?

Answer 1

Talk to your boss about it. Maybe they can transfer your dept or just give you an upstairs cube to work in but still do the samething.  

Answer 2

You are right there really is not a whole lot that you can do about it except leave or adhere to their rules. If you have the financial Independence to leave your job and stay at home assuming that is what you really want than do it. If you can't financially leave the job start looking into daycare for your son and you can always pump at work or start your own daycare but that has trials of its own. It really comes down to  a personal decision I tried the stay at home route with my son but by eight months I had had enough and I found a great home based daycare and feel completely comfortable with him there. But that was my personal choice and I found that I was much more productive working than being at home. Good luck and I am sure you will come up with a solution that works.

Answer 3

Is there any way you can transfer to another department so that you'd be less noticeable, too?

Answer 4

i understand what you mean, and i think its wrong, if they let one they should let everyone else! talk to another lawyer, not in your building at the veryleast, or quit and find a new job.

Answer 5

Well, if you do say something- you risk ruining the great opportunity for the other mom to bring in her baby instead of them allowing you to bring yours in.  I think it is somewhat discriminatory, but I don't know that anything can be done about it.  You guys probably have different job titles and descriptions, so they could claim that her job would allow for her to have a child in there with her whereas your's doesn't.

I think it would be OK to say something, but don't make the threat "I'm leaving if you don't let me bring in my daughter".

Since you planned on leaving and working somewhere else anyway, just say something and see where it goes.  Tell them you don't really want to make a stink and you don't want the other woman to NOT bring her daughter...you'd just like the opportunity to bring yours in.  (Although I don't see how much work could get done when you have your baby with you).  If, in the end, you don't get your wish- just do what you planned from the beginning (work somewhere else).

Answer 6

I wouldn't bring my baby to work... Unless you're meaning an onsite daycare, but it didn't sound like it... Baby would be bored, and you would be pulled in two directions. Eventually, something would have to give... Good luck.

*edited* Pfft! Getting a thumbs-down because I answered what *I* would do, which *was* the question? Someone needs to grow up, whoever it was.

Answer 7

i know how you feel. I love my job, my boss, the pay etc. My boss actually offered for me to have the baby at work. I have my own office, but i do have clients come in ocassionally ( i am an insurance agent). I actually am going to pass on the idea. i think i wouldnt get as much done and would get overwhelmed. i brought my puppy in one time and it was a huge distraction. but i do think it may be unfair that they are letting her bring hers and not you.  

Answer 8

Find out what the maternity leave policy is. If there is paid (or unpaid) maternity leave available without you losing your job, then work up to the day you delivary if you can and then take the max time off afterwards that is allowable by the maternity leave. Usually that is at least 6 weeks. Once you go back to work you would have to put your baby in childcare obviously and you can pump your milk while on breaks or lunch break. Then of course once you get home you can still breastfeed your child. But while you are gone at work, the child care center will be feeding your baby thru a bottle with the breastmilk you have provided. You can let your boss know that you will need a private room a few times a day so you can pump. I know alot of women who do this. Also if you can arrange it, on your lunch break have someone from the daycare bring you your child or you go to the daycare to feed him/her. I know it seems like alot, but if your job and breastfeeding is that important to you, you'll make it work. Good luck to you hun.