Lisa Lostetter <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> After dealing with the immediate issue of the suspected milk theft, we
> (NICU "lactation specialists") talked with the house manager about ways to
> prevent situations like this from occurring again in the future.  We talked
> about the possibility of providing moms with small breastmilk storage
> fridges for their bedrooms, but the manager rejected that idea out of
> concern that it would invite moms to store other food in the fridges, which
> would violate house rules against food in bedrooms.  We also talked about
> providing the house with a large freezer and individual locked storage
> bins, with the idea that each pumping mom would be provided with a storage
> bin key on admission to the house, which she would return upon check-out.
> The manager rejected that idea out of concern that moms would lose keys and
> that the lost keys would create hassles for house staff. 

Combination locks instead of keyed locks would address this perceived
problem, and make things quicker and easier for the mothers. Perhaps
your unit could consider supplying these, then it's none of the
manager's business.

Alternatively, how about an "it's not food, it's medicine" approach?
Would this management also deny in-room refrigeration for people who
needed to store insulin safely and accessibly? Perhaps hospital
healthcare staff could provide the relevant prescription paperwork.

In-room portable coolers are another option, but ice management will be
a bit of a pain, and the adverse relationship with this hostile
management will remain unresolved. If the situation is unresolvable, can
you go above this house manager's head? I'm guessing that alternative
accommodation is not possible at this time?

Lara Hopkins

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