How to respond to the question of lactating

[Dakota I Westlake]

Hi all seeking advice on how to respond once I’m lactating but people professionally etc that know I don’t have kids but needing to pump and if I leak what do I say ?

[K]

I reached out to a lactation consultant for help under the guise that I wanted to be a milk donor. She completely bought into it and didn’t think anything of it.

[TechieSFBay]

How about: I don’t share personal medical information at the office. Thank you for respecting my privacy.

In other words, it’s none of their business.

[Cut Tan]

Great question!

I agree with TechieSFBay’s “nunya business” comment!

1. I imagine you can/should pump in private?
2. Could you carry a (neutral-color) jacket to hide your breasts (if there is a leak or carry/wear nursing pads? If at a work place, how would an onlooker surmise/know that it is a leak or a spilled drink/soup etc? (What I have noticed is: bigger the breasts, higher the odds that spills land on them! :-))

As K says: medical professionals should not bother you unless they think/decide they have reason to be concerned. (Even still, it is your life! For example, many moons ago, I knew a friend who had a medical condition that caused her to lactate all the time, even after her daughter was weaned. I imagine ‘professionals’ should know about such scenarios?)

[Dakota I Westlake]

I hadn’t thought of nursing pads makes sense and pumping would be in my office which is private . Good point

[Nick]

I agree with what K said. That’s the perfect response. If I was a lactating woman that is what I would say too lol.

[#1 Steve]

You do need to let your doctor know that you are doing it for a “reason”. Or they will want to do a brain scan to see if you have a pituitary gland cancer.

It would be malpractice if they dont consider the possibility of cancer if there is no reason for lactation.

[Brian]

I agree with what Steve said in terms of telling your doctor. If they judge you, time to look for a new Doctor. They should not be letting their personal biases affect their professional role. Their job is to provide health care. In terms of work, as long as it doesn’t affect you doing your job I wouldn’t say anything to supervisors. Others here have given good suggestions how to deal with coworkers

[Caramelatte]

I second the “nunya business” response. If I had a small bladder and had to take hourly bio breaks I’m not explaining that. If my job is done, nothing else matters. Reality TV makes people think our lives are open for discussion…you set the rules and they can be curious and mind their business. ☺️

[Joe]

I dont even ask. I believe if you are into this just for the milk. Its the wrong reasons. If you actually find someone that is actually lactating. Consider yourself lucky. Because if not from pregnancy. It can be a ton of work and commitment to do so.

[Author]

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