In reply to Maureen's earlier discussion re: taking one's baby to work:
In my past 8 years in a WIC office, I have had 3 babies(I have 5
altogether). The first two went to work with me (in office 1 day per
week). They continued to do so until they were pretty mobile, and seemed
more content 1 mile away with Grandma, with mom doing bf visits 1-2 times in
a 6-8 hr. day. However, they continued to stay with me all day on the one
day a month I teach breastfeeding class and conduct a bf support
group....great modeling! They did this for 18 mos. or so. Baby #3
continued this way, until 2 months ago, at 9 1/2 mos. of age, when the WIC
director and supervisor called me into a meeting and informed me that I
could no longer bring my baby (in a sling) to work anymore. I stated that I
was no longer bringing her on my "office" days, as in my tiny office there
is no room to crawl about safely, but I still intended to bring her on class
day, as I felt her influence is invaluable to my clients, many of whom have
never seen a baby nursing before. They stated that, NO, she could not
accompany me on class day, either. I asked if she created some kind of
disturbance? (She is one of those angel babies who beams and coos quietly!)
They said NO, but others in the agency (health department) were pregnant or
may become pregnant, and they cannot allow them to bring their babies to
work. (Some nurse, some do not) They stated that this would not be "fair".
At the time, I was upset, tearful, and furious...I buried it for awhile, but
after 8 weeks, it has re-surfaced. It was so painful for me at our last bf
support group mtg. to sit there longing to nurse my own daughter while
surrounded by other nursing moms I am supposed to be helping! I am not sure
why I am posting...I guess I just need some feedback.. my clients and
co-workers are all questioning"where's the baby?" I am not dealing well
with this, and Maureen's comments just brought it all to the surface...help!
Note: We just had our first BF coalition mtg. this week....same
thing...some of my coalition moms brought their nursing babies. I could
not.
Sadly,
Jennifer Kneuss, IBCLC
Ohio
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