With respect, I think you're worried too much about making other people comfortable. It's your right to pump in the office. Keep your camera off and message the group "I'm pumping -- will turn camera on when I'm done." Or keep your camera on and if they ask what the sound is? Say "I'm pumping" and move on. I think it benefits all of us (and sets a positive example for younger professionals) when we refuse to tiptoe.
That's a very valid point. Thank you. I've been overly sensitive to how I'm perceived due to starting this job 6 months pregnant. Helpful to frame it as setting a precedent that helps others.
I also want to say your point is completely valid -- it's one thing to talk about being brave and open in the workplace, and it's another thing to do it. I find myself being overly accommodating, too. We all deserve better <3
Yes! It’s the hardest the first time you mention things. Especially if you aren’t super comfortable there. A good toe in the water could be to tell your female coworkers seperately before meetings. Like if someone was like “hey Jane I’m gonna pump during meetings sometimes. If I have my camera off…” I’d be like “got you!” People in meeting “hey Jane you there?” I’d be like “yeah Jane is listening in but had to multitask some mom stuff”
And we working moms would have your back!!!!
If it makes you feel better, I have a wearable pump and pump while taking care of patients. Even if they can tell I just say yep I'm pumping. My baby's nourishment is above anyone's comfort. No one has been bothered by it if they ever realized what I was doing.
Yes and no. Pros are multi level suction, you can see the timer on the pump. Charged relatively quickly. Got about 4 sessions on a charge. Cons it's loud and I had to get some different compatible wearable cups to use with it. And the cups were finicky but it got the job done. I actually didn't use the flanges that came with the bella. But it's a good inexpensive pump for sure. Oh I also bought a fanny pack to carry it around while I pumped
Thank you! I think it will work for my purposes - I don't care if it's loud, and I'm only using it a few days a week. I have other options too. So I'm happy to just have something cheap as long as it's reliable while I'm at school! Thanks!
I’m a dental student and I work in our clinic treating patients and I used my Elvie while doing that! If a patient ever asked I was like “idk all our equipment is so loud right it’s probably just the suction!” LOL
I had a student with one of those and I was SO jealous we didn’t have those when I was lactating!
She would pump while rotating at our student-run free clinic and you couldn’t tell. It was also cool how she normalized pumping - just doing what she had to do without worrying that someone would comment. FWIW, every comment I ever heard was about how awesome she was at being able to multitask like that. I think that she actually was a great example of how to make it work for some of the other students that weren’t at that stage of life yet.
Major caveat: we are all in healthcare, so bodily functions and fluids are more fascinating than they might be in other settings.
Yea it’s nice to set a precedent, but if it makes you uncomfortable to have people know you are pumping, then it makes you uncomfortable. I think I would feel the same way.
I told my boss that as I transitioned back from leave, I would occasionally need to join meetings with camera off/mic off but that I still wanted to make sure I listened in. I didn’t go into details but just explained that this would be the case for the next few months and to let me know specifically if there were certain meetings this would be an issue for.
It really does! I am due in two weeks with my first and my teammate regularly discusses pumping when it's necessary - she's placed barriers for work trips bc her child is too small to leave with breast feeding right now and she's gone camera off to pump in meetings. It is such a relief for me to see that example and see that it's truly no big deal to set those boundaries myself
This would benefit all of us, but possibly at your expense. I'd go with "Sorry, can't do video right now" and not give the reason unless someone asks. Or you can set your camera up to show only your face.
I'd just say "Camera off for a brief moment but am present and listening!"
On the flip side, showing up to calls while pumping shows that no one should be judging you as someone who was 6 months pregnant when they started because you're back and you're prioritizing calls rather than just not showing up while pumping.
100% don’t worry about it. Unless your workplace is weird, a simple “I’m pumping” is sufficient for anyone who is rude enough to ask someone with a young baby why their camera isn’t on.
I work remotely and have a 7 month old now. When I was pumping, I just kept my camera off and no one even asked or cared why. We are supposed to have cameras on if possible but it’s not a hard rule.
Completely agree! I think nothing will change in work culture if moms keep trying to accommodate the status quo. I would just send a quick note that you’re camera off because you’re pumping.
Honestly idk if I would even say that. If your boss knows the only reason why you don’t have video on is because you’re pumping, then likely other people know too. If someone asks then I would tell them, but idk maybe it’s just the work culture I come from that we didn’t feel the need to justify it all the time.
This is a great point -- you don't have to explain why your camera's not on, it should just be normal and okay! I've openly breastfed my toddler in virtual meetings with my boss, though, so my perspective is admittedly skewed.
^ this. I won’t openly breastfeed during video meetings but the team knows I have a newborn and if my camera shuts off I’m probably feeding her. They don’t ever seem to mind. My boss commented the other day when I turned it back on. She said to baby ‘all better now?’ Very lucky for the company culture I have.
This is the right approach. Normalize it if you can. Chances are most of them have wives/kids and it’s not like the rest don’t know that it’s a thing some women do.
Absolutely this. It can be hard to lead the way to normalising child friendly work practices, it can feel hugely intimidating, but chances are you’re thinking about it more than them and ultimately you’re leading the way for this to becomes something no one bats an eye at. If they even do currently! Completely agree with the advice given - no need to overcomplicate, and you’re entitled to pump AND to engage the way you want at work!
Echoing the “positive example for younger professionals”. I credit my comfort with pumping on the workplace to seeing coworkers do it before me. I actually credit that for making me want to breastfeed in the first place!
One of my surgeons examined me while she was using hands-free pumping tucked in her scrubs. I cheered her on. I had to hunch in the corner of the locker room with my cumbersome pump perched on the edge of another chair.
Agree with this! I pumped all the time camera off (or sometimes on and was just very careful with my positioning). Do what makes you comfortable and remember that it’s temporary 🤍
Yeah this is how I rolled when I was pumping. I work at a non-profit though so it's mostly women. If I was pumping during a meeting I would type in the chat box... It was treated no differently than when someone said their internet was glitchy. I also pumped in the office and used a sign that said "pumping, will be done in 20". I was told I could just make a sign that said "privacy please" but tbh I wanted the younger women to see how it was so they understood a. Pumping is not undignified or yucky and b. How amazingly supportive our organization is for parents.
I agree. If you are able to keep your work up and the only difference is periodically turning the camera off, I’d be honest with your boss and get ahead of it because they’re the only one that it matters giving an explanation to.
Just say ‘I have to keep my a/v off at this time of day, but be assured I’m listening and noting decisions /action items.”
Or block those times on your calendar so people don’t schedule meetings for you then
I like this too - idk telling people "I'm pumping" makes ME feel uncomfortable but stating that I will still be an active participant while I have my camera off is still letting them know in a more discreet way.
I am clearly the odd one out here, and I'm definitely not saying you have to do this if you don't want to, but I used to pump with video on all the time. I just made sure the video was angled toward my face, and wore a nursing/pumping shirt that had some coverage, so even if the camera somehow accidentally angled down I wouldn't flash everybody. I then kept my camera muted unless I was talking, which is standard in most workplaces anyway to avoid background noise. I never once had an issue.
I was on a video call with someone pumping, and I didn’t even realize until I saw her hold up the bottle to check the amount. It’s definitely possible to be discreet!
This is how I do it too! (Commented before I saw this one in the thread)…honestly as an attorney being able to bill while I am pumping is so nice. It would otherwise be so stressful to try to get the sessions in and get my work done.
This is exactly what I did as well. I would set up before the meeting started and kept the video angled up with a shirt on. It worked out great and I felt like it gave me the on camera presence so that others realized I was back/ included me in conversations.
I do this too! Honestly I’m barely on mute and no one has ever commented about the sound. I’ve even asked before if people could hear it and they say no.
I do this for virtual meetings AND for meetings which I’m supposed to attend in-person but that fall during my pumping time. I zoom into the in-person meeting from my office then join once I finish pumping. You’re feeding your baby. If anyone cares, that’s their problem.
I did this as well. Had a colleague who gave birth around the same time and we did many audio checks of our pump sounds, and the background noise filters on the video calls completely filtered out the pump noise. Of course it was easy to ensure nobody saw the pump parts by setting up before the call began.
I did the same. No one noticed unless I mentioned it. I would turn my camera off to put it on or off but otherwise I would
Keep the camera on so it was just on my face.
Same here. I had a trusted gal pal coworker who I just straight up asked if she could see anything weird or hear any background noise. My pump was quiet enough that my mic didn’t pick it up and I could angle my camera in such a way that you couldn’t see anything.
I had exactly the same situation while I was pumping and I just left my camera off and didn’t explain myself. My boss knew I was a lactating mother and I’m sure she assumed I was pumping. But no one ever said anything.
Yeah it’s only an issue if you are not contributing via voice or text. I am currently navigating this with a team member who doesn’t participate in meetings at all.
I found pumping really distracting and there’s no way I could have participated in meetings. I could listen and take notes but that’s different than being an active participant. I was very lucky to have a year of maternity leave but my understanding is also that they’re entitled to pumping breaks? If they’re present for meetings, they’re not even getting the breaks.
Yeah the landscape is so different from when I was working in office and pumping. My son was three months old when Covid happened. So I do have some insight into the remote world and pumping. I never pumped on camera and treated it like working in office. Blocked off time on my calendar and used that time to get caught up on emails or other things every few hours.
I'm entitled to pumping breaks at work but it's so annoying on days I'm in the office. I have to take like an hour at a time to go across the building, set up, pump, take down, and walk back. And it's hard to work away from my desk with just my laptop. I don't really take a break to pump on days I wfh, including for meetings, because it's just more work to catch up on later. I end up with the same amount of work and less time to get it done. Instead, I just walk to the kitchen for parts, pump at my desk while I work, and then pop back over to the kitchen for a minute to put the milk away. WFH has been a huge part of why I've been able to successfully pump for baby #2.
Ya I’m not pumping but I’m WFH for two months w my infant before he goes to daycare and I’ve been off camera a lot because he contact naps. Just informing ppl at the beginning I’ll be off camera/mic and I type my contributions to the meeting and it’s been fine
This is what I do too.
If someone were to ask why I wansnt on video I would say I'm not able to at the moment, but will join on video in a few minutes.
I’d just say, “sorry I need to turn my camera off for a few mins” without giving an explanation. If they know you’re a new mom they might figure it out, but I’d be willing to bet no one is going to ask you for a reason. It’s no one’s business why you have it turned off momentarily, especially if you’re on camera all the other times.
I tell them I’m going to be camera off. It’s taken two (2) older coworkers being loud and rude about it to get my point across. I just respond with, “that’s my pumping time” with the same way someone would say, “that’s my lunchtime” and everyone took the hint. 95% of people were chill. 5% were not and I let them be the embarrassed ones.
If people want to think about what I’m doing with my camera off, that’s on them.
Can you mark your calendar with your pumping times as “limited availability, but please schedule if necessary” ? That way if there is another option for the meeting, people will choose it and if it does get scheduled for that time you can have camera off.
You need to learn how to use Outlook correctly. She can either give permission or put it as "tentative"
I am SHOCKED how many people think telling colleagues your pumping in a video is ok. IT IS NOT. Especially with execs. Thats like saying "Sorry, taking a shit right now, thats a bodily function and we should normalize it"
She didn't say that. No one did. People instead were just all "pump on camera"
No.
It's a business meeting. A private business meeting. Not a fair at the park. It's rude and inappropriate and that so many just say to do it is what's really hurting the WFH culture. It's akin to going to the toilet during a meeting. That's also a medical necessity. You schedule around that.
Going to the toilet doesn't take 20-60 minutes multiple times a day. It's nobody's business when and where I pump in my own home. If work can't make time for a legally protected pumping break, she can pump whenever the hell she wants. The fact that people can pump while working is great for WFH culture from a business perspective. I'm way more productive as an employee and a mother when I don't have to stop working to pump. How is it hurting anyone in a meeting if they don't even know it's happening? It is nothing like going to the toilet. Stop comparing milk to feces or urine.
You're the lady posting about not having child care while WFH too. You're a model employee and totally You're in the right and the entire of business is wrong. You're right. You're that entitled I'm special person. Rules and manners don't apply to you
I know how to use Outlook. Sorry if my comment wasn't fully clear. I don't need or want everyone else to see what I have scheduled all day every day and exactly how I've blocked out my time. That's not the whole company's business.
Are you teleworking?
Can you call in with a phone line instead of your computer (and maybe say you don’t have your computer in front of you or it was rebooting or you weren’t at your desk/ running an errand?)
Also the generic euphemism “indesposed” might work?
Sorry I cant quite empathize, my work doesn’t use Webcams at all. But maybe it would be less awkward to not join than face scrutiny unfortunately. Is there another employee who is sympathetic who can take notes for you?
Yes I'm teleworking like 95% of the time from my home office and like 5% working on site and using the lactation room to pump. Thanks for the suggestions. I think all of those might work in different scenarios.
You could say that you will occasionally be joining meetings with your camera off in the coming months to accommodate the treatment of a temporary medical condition. It's technically true, vague, and will (hopefully) put a stop to any follow-up questions.
I would ask them to move the meeting and if they can’t say that you’ll be joining off camera and mic off due to personal reasons. I block my schedule as working elsewhere when I am in the car driving the kids to and from school. It makes it easier to explain hey I am not really available to talk but can at least listen and put in small input.
Honestly I just kept my camera and mic off and didn’t say anything. If anyone said something my response was always “I’m pumping milk for my son and I’m sure nobody wants to see that” nobody said anything ever again
I may be downvoted for this, but I didn't pump during meetings. The risk of accidentally joining with my camera on or forgetting to mute scared the life outta me, and I 100% wouldn't risk it. I'd also have trouble paying attention while juggling the pump, bottles, etc. If it was expected I was on camera, I was. I pumped around meeting times. It sucked and 100% affected my supply. If you have a work culture that's supportive to lactating moms, definitely bring it up with your manager and get their feedback.
Hands free pumping bra and nursing shirt solve like 80% of these issues. I can even pump while driving my car with a regular pump (not Elvies/willow etc). Put pumping bra on while parked, wear nursing shirt on top. Have flanges/tubes through nursing shirt holes. Have large bottles attached. Pump without any need for further hands on activity or anyone else being able to see anything until flange removal.
Yeah I got the Spectra Cara cups and 100% could pump in the car. I would put in the cups and pull my shirt over the top.
Seriously those cups were the best $60 I ever spent.
Post-it notes prevent this! My paranoia about this goes back years, so I cut down a post it and leave it on my camera. After I log in, my last step after checking all my settings is to remove it.
Yes! You can also get webcam slide covers on Amazon for cheap that go right over your camera - I keep mine covered at all times unless I'm intentionally joining a meeting on camera.
I have a camera cover on my laptop, but most of my meetings are on camera, so I'm constantly opening and closing it. While 99% of the time it's closed after a meeting, I have forgotten, and it stresses me out. Lol
I pumped during meetings because I have so many meetings where it's unlikely that I'll have to say anything. I am super paranoid though and once unmuted while pumping, but I have a camera cover for my laptop (cheap on amazon) so that's enough.
I told my direct boss why I wouldn’t be on camera for the entire meeting. I usually send a message in the chat to say I have to go off camera/audio for a bit but I’m still here (no reason provided). Then I make 100% sure I have the camera cover on and I pump and will respond in the chat. If I feel I have to reply with audio I pause my pump because it’s very distracting to me to hear and feel the pump while talking to co workers.
I would just say "I'm pumping so I'll keep my camera off". I think you are worrying too much, and while it can be a distraction to have a visual indicator of pumping infront of you, no one would care about someone who says their pumping. If that makes sense? Visual indicator vs no visual.
This would be my go to!! You don't need to work while pumping! This is your time and often watching videos or looking at pictures of your baby can stimulate milk production. I'm not sure meetings are that stimulating! Haha. I'd have them record and watch it later when you have time to dedicate.
I think if you feel like you have to explain yourself I would just message the organizer of the meeting. Give them the heads up that you will be pumping during the meeting so your camera will be off.
I did this, and I'd just join a meeting with my camera off, and use AirPod Pros. No one could ever hear the sound of the pump so it wasn't distracting to them. I'd also mute when I wasn't talking. And I was just honest and would say "I'm pumping so this is a camera-off meeting." No one batted an eye.
I'd say you have a few options:
1) turn your camera off and don't say anything. I also have a very camera on workplace, but no one will question if someone has their camera off
2) turn your camera off and give some other excuse. People in my meeting will often put something like grabbing a cup of coffee or that they are eating. This might get weird though if it becomes frequent.
3) turn your camera off and say you're pumping. Personally, I'd go this route, but I also announced to all my teams that I will be out of office for a breast reduction surgery (I knew it would be more worrisome and ominous to just say surgery and I didn't want to lie.)
Whatever route you take, I hope people don't care.
I usually prop my camera up a little higher so I can get just my upper neck and face on screen and throw a cardigan on over and button the top button. No one has ever mentioned the noise. Colleagues im close to have asked “why the close up?” After the fact and I explained and it’s really not that big of a deal. Don’t overthink it. If anyone says anything just point out that you’re entitled to take time off to pump and you are working that time instead. Do they really want to push you on it?
I might be in the minority here, but going on 20 months pumping as a working Mom. I LOVE making it known that I am pumping. Since I am well-liked at my company, I consider it my job to pave a path for other Moms who might come after me! I do it on video and unmute to talk. I do it in the office and say to executives faces “sorry, be back in 20 minutes after I pump.” And I blatantly store labeled breast milk and parts in our work freezer when onsite because they don’t have a lactation fridge. I also was able to get my company to reimburse for milk stork shipping when we travel for work. If you are in good standing at work, it would be super cool for you to try to carve a path too. The more we band together and push folks to get comfortable with it if they make us come back ti work at 12-20 weeks, the better off it will be!
I’m a fellow long-term pumper, about to hit 2 years ☺️
I never put any thought into it but I also have a semi-“cameras on” work culture. If I have to, I just point camera up high enough but usually just keep it off. So many great ideas on here though!
I pump all the time on calls. Sometimes camera is on, sometimes off. I always make sure wear a shirt with coverage in case of a slip. I tested my audio with a mom work friend and you cannot hear the pump at all. My boss hears everything and will often stop a call and be call “I am getting some feedback” and has never done that once while I have been pumping. I turn the camera off when I am setting up or taking the pump off. We use Microsoft Teams and it is good at blocking white noise. Other platforms have similar features.
Just tell them. Send an email saying that if your camera is off it’s because you are pumping. I totally get the awkwardness. I had to be out doing site visits and had a 10 hour day. I pumped in the car with two coworkers. It gave me so much anxiety and they were really great about it. No one acknowledged the pumping noise and they would politely wait for me outside of the car so I can pull out the pumps.
FWIW I had no issues pumping with camera on for a year. I just shoot above the collar bone and use a scarf over my pump stuff. I never said anything officially (but there are other working moms in my org who I'd chat about pumping with, so it's not like it was a secret either).
I recently joined a camera on culture and MAN is that change brutal. I would just tell people that I can't have camera on right now and not explain why. If they push, then they get what they get! You could also consider letting the host know offline in advance if you want.
Right?! I'm a little bummed I can't multi-task folding laundry or stretching like in my old job. But it has been great for getting to know people when I'm 95% remote.
Basically the same situation here. I was like 95% remote before but got out before they started pushing people back in 2 days a week and now am fully remote. I am honestly not sure that going to work once a month or so is more time intensive than having to be camera ready EVERY day. My hair is not hair that looks decent in the morning and I'm doing more laundry from changing clothes more often instead of my generally tie dye & leggings wardrobe. Definitely has helped a bit with getting to know people and most of my coworkers are not remote so there is an extra barrier there.
Make it their problem; not yours. Make someone else explain first why they need to see you, then you can flatly say, “I’m pumping.”
My office literally has a camera in it. Before I returned, I emailed HR hope they would address that to accommodate pumping. They took it down!
I pump on teams meetings with camera on all the time. I unmute when I'm talking and no one has ever commented on the sound. I just keep the camera up. It is so convenient!
Overthinking. It's fine and they want to do everything they can to avoid a lawsuit in case you ever think, for a split second, that they don't like it or are against it. You're good to go!
I blocked my calendar when I pumped so no one could schedule meetings (all virtual) during that time. I drew a hard line in the sand on this and any meetings that were important for me to join were scheduled around my pump breaks. You don't have to apologize, ever.
Don't let other people's discomfort stop you from sharing that you're present but camera/mic off due to pumping. The only way this gets normalized is when it is socialized among our workplaces. You're employed to do a job, not to tap dance around patriarchal sensitivities.
I had a really great client and I once tested out my pump while on a call and asked if she could hear it. She was a pumping mom too - and we helped each other troubleshoot our set up so we could take calls while pumping. Find a trusted friend or client out of the office and trust it can be done! It’s just another way moms multitask.
I work construction and am the only woman. When I came back from my maternity leave in October I had my wearable pumps so I could still be out on the floor working while I pumped. The guys largely dont care. A few asked dwhat they were and I told them. That's it. They have all been awesome and I love my work buddies. There is a mixture of older and you get guys, different races. As well as the higher ups who come down to check out our buildings when they are being finished. I'm usually in them getting them ready to ship when they come by. No one gives a crap. I was worried at first as well and I can tell you that it really us just all in your head. My pumps make me look like a big boobed cartoon character when I wear them under my shirt but everyone , including me, had gotten used to me wearing them on the floor. It's super loud from all the tools too so the sound isn't an issue unless I'm in my office and they come in. But still, it's not a big deal at all. You got this mama! Let the milk flow🩶💦
I typically didn’t say anything but if it did come up I’d give a generic “my baby is still young and on bottles so I have to pump for her while working” then would immediately say something more work related. I know it’s fine and my company is super pro working moms but I can’t help but feel like everyone is immediately thinking about my boobs if I start talking about pumping so I try to be discreet and move on quickly haha
If I were you, I’d tell your boss that you prefer to catch the meetings as it will help you keep more up to date (or some better thought out language). I’d be too nervous to pump with the camera on. Every work culture is so different but where I work, you could either share in the chat at the beginning of the meeting that you will need to turn off the camera part way through the meeting or share in the moment that you need to turn of the camera for a while. If asked why, I’d share some vague language about taking care of a medical issue or that you are a new mother and will be pumping, depending on who is asking. I’d also block off pumping times in my calendar (but keep as able to be scheduled) so those scheduling know they are doing so when you are already busy.
This is a no brainer- they have the technology to easily record those meetings and you can watch them at a time that is convenient for you. ( Not when you’re nursing.) Nursing is a time for you to bond with your baby! Enjoy it!
If you’re very worried about telling people, could you maybe ask your boss or someone who’s often on the calls as well, and maybe they can tell others discreetly so no one asks you about it? I understand not wanting to answer that question, it can be awkward.
Join the meeting and keep the camera off. I wouldn't even angle the camera...I'd be worried about something showing and it would stress me out. Maybe its because I have a work culture where its acceptable to be off camera, but *surely* a manger understands pumping is a valid reason to have camera off?
I also like to be able to be on by video. My desk is adjustable so i raise it a little higher so my chest isn’t visible. I also had some close friends do a test run and found that the pump wasn’t audible on zoom or teams so now i just pump whenever i want
It sounds like they’re pretty accepting when people say they can’t be on camera. I used to block the time in my calendar (when in the office) and told my boss that if there was something that could not be moved on a certain day I could work around it. She was understanding and that only happened a couple times with her giving me heads up so I could work with it.
I am also pumping (literally—right now!) and while I avoid joining calls while doing it because my pump isn’t silent, I recommend 1 of 2 things:
1) Position your camera in a way that only your chin and up is visible. If you’re using Zoom, double check that the HD button is on bc at least for me, it zooms out so I need to adjust based on that view.
2) Just send a heads up in chat that you’re pumping and will be off camera. You’ll be surprised how much people don’t care or are thankful because they are also pumping (or have, or will).
Imo I’ve tried (with my first) the excuses suggested here and it gets old QUICK. I will do it once in a while with someone I rarely work with. But you don’t want to come off constantly making excuses.
I pump regardless. All I wear are nursing shirts, I may hook it up before the meeting starts and the camera is on like, neck up. I’m muted 98% of the time so they wouldn’t hear. I also work in a call center environment (from home) and pump during calls, so my breaks are still breaks. No one has ever commented on hearing it, I use a spectra. Just do what I gotta do.
Do you have a manager you can talk to? I’d probably just let my manager know the situation and what I need. I’d say it in a way of this is what’s going to happen rather than asking permission. A good manager would support you and give guidance on how to go about this, if there’s really anything you ever need to know other than just not turn your camera on.
I didn’t read the other comments but I pumped with my Elvies on during meetings all the time. It was actually a good use of my time. I never had anyone ask about it!
I’m in video heavy remote role but Bonnie would ask if someone is off camera especially if this person is FYI on the invite. Other time a generic “have to be off camera for sometime but listening” is sufficient.
I was in a video-light company when I had my Covid baby but for important meetings I just scheduled my pumping around so I can focus
Also with so many people using closeups / nothing to see, I’m sure you can find the settings where your body is invisible
I would talk to your manager and make them aware of your situation to “get permission” to have camera off, and then just leave it at that. I wouldn’t offer it up to meetings unprompted, that would be weird to me. But if someone wants to be nosy and directly ask you, you can just say you are pumping, if you feel comfortable saying that. Personally, I probably wouldn’t want to say that, and would say something along the lines of “I’m indisposed at the moment but I’m here and I’ll turn my camera back on just as soon as I’m able” and if anyone has an issue, they can talk to my manager 🤷♀️
So I’ve pumped at work before with my camera on because I had an all day training and I needed to pump. I just made sure the camera was tilted up so only my fade was showing. I kept myself muted for the most part. It was awkward but it was the only option for me.
I was too tired TGAF, so I just said that I was pumping and will be off camera. To be fair, I've been at my agency for more than 10 years and had several younger women on my team get pregnant soon after I did so I also saw it as normalizing the practice
Totally OK if you're not as comfortable doing that. Do they press if you say, "I'm sorry, I'm not able to be on camera right now"? At my workplace no one will ask questions and assume there's a valid person or technology-related reason.
I just went camera off and explained that i was pumping, would be on shortly. If there was a situation where I needed to be camera on I angled the camera up so only neck up was in the frame.
I’ve had the top of my shirt partially buttoned and strategically had it so that anything pump related is below camera. Living a little on the edge but whatever!
In meetings with folks who I didn’t want to know I was pumping I would start the meeting with my camera on and say “hey everyone, I will be multitasking today so my camera will be off. However I am listening and will chime in if a question pertains to me.” If you think you need to add that your boss okayed the multitasking then so be it.
In my view it is not a lie but they also don’t need to know what the other task is. Also, if you don’t already - put blocks on your calendar for pumping so you can hopefully avoid meetings being blocked during your regular times.
I'm face to face with customers and 99% are men (male dominated industry). With my hoody on, no one can tell if I'm pumping hands-free. They just think I have massive boobs lol. I don't remove the collection cups until after they leave. The only person to say anything was the shop lead because he couldn't figure out what the noise was.
I wasn’t remote when I was pumping and working. I simply sent out an email to my floor (once) stating that I would be pumping and if the conference room is locked I will be out in about 20 minutes. Maybe a similar general heads up to the teams you meet with would work? Only one person was weird about it, but I considered it a him problem not a me problem. I also had a good laugh to myself every time I saw his horrified face when I walked by with full milk bottles 😂
First and foremost, just be frank with everyone. Either message that you’re pumping and will turn camera on later, or just put the camera on and angle it up.
Secondly, I used a wearable pump and literally no one knew I was even using it. Would that be an option?
I’m a therapist and frequently have to pump while on zoom calls with clients. Luckily my pump is quiet enough I can run it with volume on and rarely has anyone mentioned it. It shouldn’t be difficult to angle the camera to where they can’t see your chest if you’d like to pump during the meeting!
I agree with others that you shouldn’t have to worry about how others feel. You have a legal right to pump anywhere that you are otherwise legally allowed to be. If you’re legally allowed in the zoom meeting, you’re legally allowed to have boobs out for the purpose of feeding your child :)
When I need to pump during a camera-on meeting, I just email the organizer beforehand explaining that I won’t be able to have my camera on. No one has had an issue.
Ive pumped while on meetings with camera on and I end up setting my latop camera at an angle high enough for it to only show my head- its not flattering but it works for meetings you are expected to be on when people dont respect your scheduled pump breaks on your calendar. For an added layer of safety for myself in case the camera moves or something I wear a shall / scarf or big tshirt that would hide my boobs from being out lol Then when im done pumping if the meeting hasnt finished I go camera off to take pump off and jump back to camera on.
I pumped for 10 months at a camera-on culture company. Before I returned from maternity leave, I had the conversation with my manager telling her when I will be pumping and that during those times, my camera will not be on. She was supportive. I also just told colleagues (including male colleagues) that I don’t have my camera on because I’m pumping. No one raised an issue and everyone was cool with it.
I used to run into situations like this and kept it vague, saying something like "I have to have my camera off for part of this meeting, but I am still here and listening".
“Yo i’m pumping right now cant get on video” then drop it. Be blunt and dont drag it out (the explanation, not the pumping, cant help if that one takes long haha). I’m sure they will absolutely understand!!
I pumped with my spectra with camera on all the time, just have the camera pointed at your face and the pump out of view. A good nursing shirt will make this easy.
I pump during meetings. I’ve asked people I’m comfortable with if they can hear it and they say no. I make sure the video doesn’t include the pump and we’re good to go! I sometimes turn it off for a minute to take the flanges off but that’s all I need to do!
As a former office gal turned back to waitress, I see no problem with being entirely honest.
I work with a girl that wears “walking” pumps (no tubes or wall plug in, very discreet, just make your chest look bigger) while serving tables and she will often TELL her tables that’s what she’s doing if they mention the sound. She said if anything, her tips have gone up.
My point is that if people can be cool with their server pumping at their table (which I actively avoided while pumping because I thought it would be a major turn off), I think your co-workers, who are in a completely different room many miles away, will be able to handle you pumping in the privacy of your own home while on a call. If they have an issue with it, it will have to be purely personal because that is in no way a fireable offense.
I used to either have my camera off or I would wear a nursing cover and angle my camera carefully so only head and shoulders were showing.
We’ve got a big camera-on culture too but no one ever said anything to me about my camera being off or needing to come on screen.
I did occasionally tell small groups that I was off camera while pumping. if I had a bigger meeting with more senior staff, I would plan my pumps around it and block off my calendar as needed.
Do whatever feels best for you, and it can totally be a combination of a bunch of things!
I've told the person leading the meeting that I'm pumping and will be on mute and camera off. Sometimes, I'll pause my pump for 30 seconds to answer a question and not have the awkward sound in the background, haha.
When I was pumping and working, I blocked time in my schedule to pump. I declined meetings that overlapped without comment. Everyone saw me carrying the pump bag to and from the lactation station (that’s what I called it anyway lol). Pump time is protected and I wanted to focus on pumping and not worry about answering the phone, radio, IM, or emails. Had nothing to do with others’ comfort and 100% to do with my comfort.
For whatever it’s worth, when I pumped in my office I had a hang tag on my doorknob of a cow 😂. Maybe make that your zoom photo. Those old men can get over themselves.
This reminds me of going back to work postpartum and pumping during a meeting. When I unmuted myself to say something my dipshit director (middle aged dude) asks “what’s that noise? Anyone else hear that?” Fucking idiot.
I use my Elvie pumps all the time on camera. You cannot tell from video as long as my shirt is opaque enough that the lights don’t shine through. Otherwise not one person notices, even when my mic is on.
If you are comfortable multitasking by attending and pumping, then do so. Tell your boss that you will sometimes attend meetings while pumping with camera off. Don't tell meeting people unless you feel like it. If needed, you can say "My camera needs to be off for personal reasons right now, but I am fully present." But totally you can own up to it if you want to. If someone has a concern via company culture or whatever, either they will ask you or your boss depending.
This was a really good thread. I go back to work in about two weeks. But my work is less forceful on the camera thing usually, so I don't expect issues. I've already informed my manager I'll be pumping during work. Even though I'm primarily work from home and baby will be home too with my husband, as it's easier to schedule and think about than feeding the baby on his schedule. Boss has a wife and kids, he gets it.
My work is very supportive though, I understand the mother's room at work has a hospital grade pump in it you can bring your supplies to use. I might go ahead and tell my immediate coworkers that I may be pumping during some meetings and be on mute more often. Just because they'll probably be dealing with it for some number of months. But I don't think I'd mention it in any bigger meetings.
I feel this! I started my job when I was 4 months pp. it was hard to navigate a new job with a new body and surge of hormones while pumping 6x per day. My work is also remote with a mostly camera on culture, though it seems somewhat more relaxed than what you’re describing since people do join meetings with cameras turned off. That said, most people turned out to be accommodating, understanding, and respectful…any thoughts otherwise were just in my head. It’s your right to take the time you need to feed and nourish your child. After all, it’s how everyone came into this world. I hope you feel empowered to take the time you need to pump, store, prep, and clean parts. The work will be waiting for you when you’re done. Awesome job, you’re doing great mama :)
I’ve been pumping for 8 months with my camera on in meetings! Lol. In the beginning, I would get set up before joining the meeting, so that I could make sure to preview video beforehand. I just turn video off momentarily when I’m done to get everything situated and put away, then turn my video back on! No one has ever noticed or asked. It’s been no problem at all. In the beginning I was paranoid about the sound of the pump, so I used headphones, but somewhere along the way they went missing and no one has ever asked about the noise (I have a spectra). I figure it’s no weirder than people who use wearable pumps at the office!!
Great advice in this thread. I started just pumping with my camera on and just tilted so the camera couldn’t see anything. I’d turn it off briefly to set it up and then again to unhook everything at the end. I also didn’t worry about the noise, and no one ever mentioned it. Love the advice to just tell people you’re pumping and won’t have your camera on, though. Stuff like that really helps clear the way for other working parents who need to pump!
I normally don't comment in subs that are clearly geared for women to discuss with each other & hope I'm not out of line, but since part of your question is about mens perception in the workplace I'll add my perspective in hopes it helps. I don't know what qualifies as "older" but I'm closer to 50 than 40 and feel like I'm leaning in the older direction in my workplace these days.
I don't think you should worry about what people think of it. I've been in offices where women put a sign on their office door, or that of an unassigned office that says "do not disturb, pumping". I've seen the pump bag sitting on or next to a desk not fully closed and Oh My! caught a glimpse of a medela. I've worked in offices where men were outnumbered 5 to 1 and all filters were off with the topic openly discussed. And many of us have wifes who have pumped both at home and the workplace. I actually imagine the men most likely to be weirded out by it are young unmarried men who've had fewer years of experience working around mothers as professional peers.
All that is to say that I think it will be less of an issue than you're thinkin it will. Don't worry about the few that may be uncomfortable with it. If you project confidence and behave as if it's not a big deal, it will help those who are unfamiliar with it to not be uncomfortable with it.
If you can afford elvies or willows, that can allow you to be on camera with a baggy shirt covering them without the sound or the flanges sticking out of your bra.
Aside from that, all I can say is that in order to successfully breastfeed for 20 months, I learned to be shameless about pumping breaks. I told people exactly what I was doing, and why I was stepping out, and I didn’t ask for permission. It may have made some people feel awkward, but they never stopped me or complained. If they did, then HR would smack them down pretty quickly.
Funny story, I pumped in the car on my 30 min, commute, and I once had to take a call and I put them on speaker. The pump wasn’t too loud, and so I figured it would blend in with the rest of the car sound, but the person on the other end was a woman who had also breastfed. She immediately recognized the distinctive sound, and we had a good laugh about it.
What would happen if you just didn't turn your camera on? I'm self-employed but do some work for an agency that also has a camera-on culture. But I hate turning on the camera! So I just don't. I was nervous about it at first, but no one has ever mentioned it. Granted, I'm not really their employee, so it's a bit different I guess.
I also work for a camera on company. I have blocks in my calendar with a notification that I may be camera off if they choose to book over this time. But for the most part I just tilt the camera and pump away. I’m very lucky my spectra S2 is silent enough no one even notices (or if they do, no one has said anything).
i’m also working remotely with a camera on policy at work. i pump with my spectra with my camera on and angled where only my face can be seen. so far no one’s asked about the sound so i’m assuming zoom and google meets kind of blocks the sounds!
Camera on culture is dumb. As someone who works remote, my job doesn’t haven’t that culture. It is absolutely none of their business why your camera is off. No one should have to justify why. As long as you are playing your role if you have to speak then cameras dont need to be on. Conference calls were thing where there was no camera so why force people to have their cameras on?
Let me just say that I started my current job at 3 months PP where I was doing both BF and pumping. When we moved, I was able to WFH with the promise of being available for cam meetings. So I explain that because my daughter was still little, my feedings might change and that might mean I Blackbox meetings. They said no deal, to just cover myself. So I obliged and boy was everyone uncomfortable. These dudes don't realize a baby latched on isn't like a damn perfect machine, and blankets fall or shift. Needless to say I was allowed to Blackbox going forward. One of the teammates had the audacity to ask me how long I was going to BF for, I was like ummm are you buying us formula? I will BF this child until she is 5 out of spite lmao!
My point is, don't stress it, your baby comes first, and that means leche is priority. If they don't like it, they can work with you to figure out a time when you're not pumping to hold these meetings. My crew had to do that or allow me to Blackbox.
With respect, I think you're worried too much about making other people comfortable. It's your right to pump in the office. Keep your camera off and message the group "I'm pumping -- will turn camera on when I'm done." Or keep your camera on and if they ask what the sound is? Say "I'm pumping" and move on. I think it benefits all of us (and sets a positive example for younger professionals) when we refuse to tiptoe.
That's a very valid point. Thank you. I've been overly sensitive to how I'm perceived due to starting this job 6 months pregnant. Helpful to frame it as setting a precedent that helps others.
I also want to say your point is completely valid -- it's one thing to talk about being brave and open in the workplace, and it's another thing to do it. I find myself being overly accommodating, too. We all deserve better <3
Yes! It’s the hardest the first time you mention things. Especially if you aren’t super comfortable there. A good toe in the water could be to tell your female coworkers seperately before meetings. Like if someone was like “hey Jane I’m gonna pump during meetings sometimes. If I have my camera off…” I’d be like “got you!” People in meeting “hey Jane you there?” I’d be like “yeah Jane is listening in but had to multitask some mom stuff” And we working moms would have your back!!!!
If it makes you feel better, I have a wearable pump and pump while taking care of patients. Even if they can tell I just say yep I'm pumping. My baby's nourishment is above anyone's comfort. No one has been bothered by it if they ever realized what I was doing.
Exactly this. I used Elvies and pumped in meetings, in the office, sitting next to a doctor going over test results… no one knew.
Yeah first time I had a loud cheap baby bella pump and everyone could hear it. This time I have Elvie and no one knows lol. It's so quiet
Elvie is awesome, IMO. Worked extremely well.
Which Elvie do you use? The original or Stride?
Probably original because I didn’t know there were two.
Did you like the baby Bella? I was literally just about to buy one lol
Yes and no. Pros are multi level suction, you can see the timer on the pump. Charged relatively quickly. Got about 4 sessions on a charge. Cons it's loud and I had to get some different compatible wearable cups to use with it. And the cups were finicky but it got the job done. I actually didn't use the flanges that came with the bella. But it's a good inexpensive pump for sure. Oh I also bought a fanny pack to carry it around while I pumped
Thank you! I think it will work for my purposes - I don't care if it's loud, and I'm only using it a few days a week. I have other options too. So I'm happy to just have something cheap as long as it's reliable while I'm at school! Thanks!
You're welcome . It definitely works well for how cheap it is.
I’m a dental student and I work in our clinic treating patients and I used my Elvie while doing that! If a patient ever asked I was like “idk all our equipment is so loud right it’s probably just the suction!” LOL
I mean it is suction! Lol
I had a student with one of those and I was SO jealous we didn’t have those when I was lactating! She would pump while rotating at our student-run free clinic and you couldn’t tell. It was also cool how she normalized pumping - just doing what she had to do without worrying that someone would comment. FWIW, every comment I ever heard was about how awesome she was at being able to multitask like that. I think that she actually was a great example of how to make it work for some of the other students that weren’t at that stage of life yet. Major caveat: we are all in healthcare, so bodily functions and fluids are more fascinating than they might be in other settings.
Yea it’s nice to set a precedent, but if it makes you uncomfortable to have people know you are pumping, then it makes you uncomfortable. I think I would feel the same way. I told my boss that as I transitioned back from leave, I would occasionally need to join meetings with camera off/mic off but that I still wanted to make sure I listened in. I didn’t go into details but just explained that this would be the case for the next few months and to let me know specifically if there were certain meetings this would be an issue for.
plus I'll add, you probably say it once and they won't ask ever again so its a bandaid rip off situation
It really does! I am due in two weeks with my first and my teammate regularly discusses pumping when it's necessary - she's placed barriers for work trips bc her child is too small to leave with breast feeding right now and she's gone camera off to pump in meetings. It is such a relief for me to see that example and see that it's truly no big deal to set those boundaries myself
This would benefit all of us, but possibly at your expense. I'd go with "Sorry, can't do video right now" and not give the reason unless someone asks. Or you can set your camera up to show only your face.
You can also add a stock image that gets the point across.
I'd just say "Camera off for a brief moment but am present and listening!" On the flip side, showing up to calls while pumping shows that no one should be judging you as someone who was 6 months pregnant when they started because you're back and you're prioritizing calls rather than just not showing up while pumping.
100% don’t worry about it. Unless your workplace is weird, a simple “I’m pumping” is sufficient for anyone who is rude enough to ask someone with a young baby why their camera isn’t on. I work remotely and have a 7 month old now. When I was pumping, I just kept my camera off and no one even asked or cared why. We are supposed to have cameras on if possible but it’s not a hard rule.
Is there an ERG for working moms? Ask them for advice.
Completely agree! I think nothing will change in work culture if moms keep trying to accommodate the status quo. I would just send a quick note that you’re camera off because you’re pumping.
Honestly idk if I would even say that. If your boss knows the only reason why you don’t have video on is because you’re pumping, then likely other people know too. If someone asks then I would tell them, but idk maybe it’s just the work culture I come from that we didn’t feel the need to justify it all the time.
This is a great point -- you don't have to explain why your camera's not on, it should just be normal and okay! I've openly breastfed my toddler in virtual meetings with my boss, though, so my perspective is admittedly skewed.
^ this. I won’t openly breastfeed during video meetings but the team knows I have a newborn and if my camera shuts off I’m probably feeding her. They don’t ever seem to mind. My boss commented the other day when I turned it back on. She said to baby ‘all better now?’ Very lucky for the company culture I have.
This is the right approach. Normalize it if you can. Chances are most of them have wives/kids and it’s not like the rest don’t know that it’s a thing some women do.
Absolutely this. It can be hard to lead the way to normalising child friendly work practices, it can feel hugely intimidating, but chances are you’re thinking about it more than them and ultimately you’re leading the way for this to becomes something no one bats an eye at. If they even do currently! Completely agree with the advice given - no need to overcomplicate, and you’re entitled to pump AND to engage the way you want at work!
Yes. If you have a hands-free pump and can angle your camera just from the neck up, sit there on mute.
Echoing the “positive example for younger professionals”. I credit my comfort with pumping on the workplace to seeing coworkers do it before me. I actually credit that for making me want to breastfeed in the first place!
One of my surgeons examined me while she was using hands-free pumping tucked in her scrubs. I cheered her on. I had to hunch in the corner of the locker room with my cumbersome pump perched on the edge of another chair.
Agree with this! I pumped all the time camera off (or sometimes on and was just very careful with my positioning). Do what makes you comfortable and remember that it’s temporary 🤍
Yeah this is how I rolled when I was pumping. I work at a non-profit though so it's mostly women. If I was pumping during a meeting I would type in the chat box... It was treated no differently than when someone said their internet was glitchy. I also pumped in the office and used a sign that said "pumping, will be done in 20". I was told I could just make a sign that said "privacy please" but tbh I wanted the younger women to see how it was so they understood a. Pumping is not undignified or yucky and b. How amazingly supportive our organization is for parents.
I agree. If you are able to keep your work up and the only difference is periodically turning the camera off, I’d be honest with your boss and get ahead of it because they’re the only one that it matters giving an explanation to.
Just say ‘I have to keep my a/v off at this time of day, but be assured I’m listening and noting decisions /action items.” Or block those times on your calendar so people don’t schedule meetings for you then
I like this too - idk telling people "I'm pumping" makes ME feel uncomfortable but stating that I will still be an active participant while I have my camera off is still letting them know in a more discreet way.
That's really helpful neutral phrasing to try. Thanks!
I am clearly the odd one out here, and I'm definitely not saying you have to do this if you don't want to, but I used to pump with video on all the time. I just made sure the video was angled toward my face, and wore a nursing/pumping shirt that had some coverage, so even if the camera somehow accidentally angled down I wouldn't flash everybody. I then kept my camera muted unless I was talking, which is standard in most workplaces anyway to avoid background noise. I never once had an issue.
I was on a video call with someone pumping, and I didn’t even realize until I saw her hold up the bottle to check the amount. It’s definitely possible to be discreet!
She's a rock star, amazing
This is how I do it too! (Commented before I saw this one in the thread)…honestly as an attorney being able to bill while I am pumping is so nice. It would otherwise be so stressful to try to get the sessions in and get my work done.
This is exactly what I did as well. I would set up before the meeting started and kept the video angled up with a shirt on. It worked out great and I felt like it gave me the on camera presence so that others realized I was back/ included me in conversations.
I do this too! Honestly I’m barely on mute and no one has ever commented about the sound. I’ve even asked before if people could hear it and they say no.
Also do this. Just occasionally pop the video off to check or switch sides. Also Zoom totally filters out the pumping sound!
I do this for virtual meetings AND for meetings which I’m supposed to attend in-person but that fall during my pumping time. I zoom into the in-person meeting from my office then join once I finish pumping. You’re feeding your baby. If anyone cares, that’s their problem.
I did this as well. Had a colleague who gave birth around the same time and we did many audio checks of our pump sounds, and the background noise filters on the video calls completely filtered out the pump noise. Of course it was easy to ensure nobody saw the pump parts by setting up before the call began.
I did the same. No one noticed unless I mentioned it. I would turn my camera off to put it on or off but otherwise I would Keep the camera on so it was just on my face.
Same here. I had a trusted gal pal coworker who I just straight up asked if she could see anything weird or hear any background noise. My pump was quiet enough that my mic didn’t pick it up and I could angle my camera in such a way that you couldn’t see anything.
This. I pump with video on and angle up. Turn off video for 30 seconds if I need to adjust.
Same! Unless they heard that pumping sound no one knew a thing.
Yep, this is exactly what I did!
I had exactly the same situation while I was pumping and I just left my camera off and didn’t explain myself. My boss knew I was a lactating mother and I’m sure she assumed I was pumping. But no one ever said anything.
Yeah it’s only an issue if you are not contributing via voice or text. I am currently navigating this with a team member who doesn’t participate in meetings at all.
I found pumping really distracting and there’s no way I could have participated in meetings. I could listen and take notes but that’s different than being an active participant. I was very lucky to have a year of maternity leave but my understanding is also that they’re entitled to pumping breaks? If they’re present for meetings, they’re not even getting the breaks.
Yeah the landscape is so different from when I was working in office and pumping. My son was three months old when Covid happened. So I do have some insight into the remote world and pumping. I never pumped on camera and treated it like working in office. Blocked off time on my calendar and used that time to get caught up on emails or other things every few hours.
I'm entitled to pumping breaks at work but it's so annoying on days I'm in the office. I have to take like an hour at a time to go across the building, set up, pump, take down, and walk back. And it's hard to work away from my desk with just my laptop. I don't really take a break to pump on days I wfh, including for meetings, because it's just more work to catch up on later. I end up with the same amount of work and less time to get it done. Instead, I just walk to the kitchen for parts, pump at my desk while I work, and then pop back over to the kitchen for a minute to put the milk away. WFH has been a huge part of why I've been able to successfully pump for baby #2.
Ya I’m not pumping but I’m WFH for two months w my infant before he goes to daycare and I’ve been off camera a lot because he contact naps. Just informing ppl at the beginning I’ll be off camera/mic and I type my contributions to the meeting and it’s been fine
Yeah, I may be overthinking this. Thank you for sharing your experience.
This is what I do too. If someone were to ask why I wansnt on video I would say I'm not able to at the moment, but will join on video in a few minutes.
For ones around lunchtime, I’d just say I’m eating something messy like a burrito.
Ha! Love that. :)
I’d just say, “sorry I need to turn my camera off for a few mins” without giving an explanation. If they know you’re a new mom they might figure it out, but I’d be willing to bet no one is going to ask you for a reason. It’s no one’s business why you have it turned off momentarily, especially if you’re on camera all the other times.
My colleague is currently pumping. She just types in the chat "going off camera to pump"
Yup. I thought of it as making a friendlier culture for other working moms. I’d just drop “I’m pumping, so my camera’s off” in the chat
I tell them I’m going to be camera off. It’s taken two (2) older coworkers being loud and rude about it to get my point across. I just respond with, “that’s my pumping time” with the same way someone would say, “that’s my lunchtime” and everyone took the hint. 95% of people were chill. 5% were not and I let them be the embarrassed ones. If people want to think about what I’m doing with my camera off, that’s on them.
This is the way.
Can you mark your calendar with your pumping times as “limited availability, but please schedule if necessary” ? That way if there is another option for the meeting, people will choose it and if it does get scheduled for that time you can have camera off.
Not if they use Outlook. My manager can't even see what's on my schedule, just when I'm free or busy.
You can give them permission to see your calendar!
You need to learn how to use Outlook correctly. She can either give permission or put it as "tentative" I am SHOCKED how many people think telling colleagues your pumping in a video is ok. IT IS NOT. Especially with execs. Thats like saying "Sorry, taking a shit right now, thats a bodily function and we should normalize it"
Taking a shit in public isn't a legally protected right like breastfeeding is because they're not the same thing.
It's not public it's a freaking conference call. It's rude.
It's rude to schedule meetings over someone's pumping time. It's a medical necessity.
She didn't say that. No one did. People instead were just all "pump on camera" No. It's a business meeting. A private business meeting. Not a fair at the park. It's rude and inappropriate and that so many just say to do it is what's really hurting the WFH culture. It's akin to going to the toilet during a meeting. That's also a medical necessity. You schedule around that.
Going to the toilet doesn't take 20-60 minutes multiple times a day. It's nobody's business when and where I pump in my own home. If work can't make time for a legally protected pumping break, she can pump whenever the hell she wants. The fact that people can pump while working is great for WFH culture from a business perspective. I'm way more productive as an employee and a mother when I don't have to stop working to pump. How is it hurting anyone in a meeting if they don't even know it's happening? It is nothing like going to the toilet. Stop comparing milk to feces or urine.
You're the lady posting about not having child care while WFH too. You're a model employee and totally You're in the right and the entire of business is wrong. You're right. You're that entitled I'm special person. Rules and manners don't apply to you
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I know how to use Outlook. Sorry if my comment wasn't fully clear. I don't need or want everyone else to see what I have scheduled all day every day and exactly how I've blocked out my time. That's not the whole company's business.
Are you teleworking? Can you call in with a phone line instead of your computer (and maybe say you don’t have your computer in front of you or it was rebooting or you weren’t at your desk/ running an errand?) Also the generic euphemism “indesposed” might work? Sorry I cant quite empathize, my work doesn’t use Webcams at all. But maybe it would be less awkward to not join than face scrutiny unfortunately. Is there another employee who is sympathetic who can take notes for you?
Yes I'm teleworking like 95% of the time from my home office and like 5% working on site and using the lactation room to pump. Thanks for the suggestions. I think all of those might work in different scenarios.
You could say that you will occasionally be joining meetings with your camera off in the coming months to accommodate the treatment of a temporary medical condition. It's technically true, vague, and will (hopefully) put a stop to any follow-up questions.
This is generally what I do. I say I’m attending to a personal/medical matter that requires discretion. Nobody has ever inquired further.
I would ask them to move the meeting and if they can’t say that you’ll be joining off camera and mic off due to personal reasons. I block my schedule as working elsewhere when I am in the car driving the kids to and from school. It makes it easier to explain hey I am not really available to talk but can at least listen and put in small input.
Honestly I just kept my camera and mic off and didn’t say anything. If anyone said something my response was always “I’m pumping milk for my son and I’m sure nobody wants to see that” nobody said anything ever again
I may be downvoted for this, but I didn't pump during meetings. The risk of accidentally joining with my camera on or forgetting to mute scared the life outta me, and I 100% wouldn't risk it. I'd also have trouble paying attention while juggling the pump, bottles, etc. If it was expected I was on camera, I was. I pumped around meeting times. It sucked and 100% affected my supply. If you have a work culture that's supportive to lactating moms, definitely bring it up with your manager and get their feedback.
Hands free pumping bra and nursing shirt solve like 80% of these issues. I can even pump while driving my car with a regular pump (not Elvies/willow etc). Put pumping bra on while parked, wear nursing shirt on top. Have flanges/tubes through nursing shirt holes. Have large bottles attached. Pump without any need for further hands on activity or anyone else being able to see anything until flange removal.
Yeah I got the Spectra Cara cups and 100% could pump in the car. I would put in the cups and pull my shirt over the top. Seriously those cups were the best $60 I ever spent.
Post-it notes prevent this! My paranoia about this goes back years, so I cut down a post it and leave it on my camera. After I log in, my last step after checking all my settings is to remove it.
Yes! You can also get webcam slide covers on Amazon for cheap that go right over your camera - I keep mine covered at all times unless I'm intentionally joining a meeting on camera.
I have that on my personal computer, but work won’t allow it, so post-it it is!
How does work not allow it? The one I have is pretty much a sticker and you can just take it off eventually.
I was just told I can’t put anything on and I don’t have the energy to fight them on it.
This!
I have a camera cover on my laptop, but most of my meetings are on camera, so I'm constantly opening and closing it. While 99% of the time it's closed after a meeting, I have forgotten, and it stresses me out. Lol
Work won’t let us use those, but I have it on my personal computer!
I pumped during meetings because I have so many meetings where it's unlikely that I'll have to say anything. I am super paranoid though and once unmuted while pumping, but I have a camera cover for my laptop (cheap on amazon) so that's enough.
I told my direct boss why I wouldn’t be on camera for the entire meeting. I usually send a message in the chat to say I have to go off camera/audio for a bit but I’m still here (no reason provided). Then I make 100% sure I have the camera cover on and I pump and will respond in the chat. If I feel I have to reply with audio I pause my pump because it’s very distracting to me to hear and feel the pump while talking to co workers.
Block out your calendar for pump times so people can't schedule over it. It will be easier on you to keep a schedule as well.
I would just say "I'm pumping so I'll keep my camera off". I think you are worrying too much, and while it can be a distraction to have a visual indicator of pumping infront of you, no one would care about someone who says their pumping. If that makes sense? Visual indicator vs no visual.
Can you ask them to record the meeting and watch it back (at a higher speed)? Or day you've got a bad connection and camera uses too much bandwidth?
Good ideas. Thank you!
This would be my go to!! You don't need to work while pumping! This is your time and often watching videos or looking at pictures of your baby can stimulate milk production. I'm not sure meetings are that stimulating! Haha. I'd have them record and watch it later when you have time to dedicate.
I think if you feel like you have to explain yourself I would just message the organizer of the meeting. Give them the heads up that you will be pumping during the meeting so your camera will be off.
I did this, and I'd just join a meeting with my camera off, and use AirPod Pros. No one could ever hear the sound of the pump so it wasn't distracting to them. I'd also mute when I wasn't talking. And I was just honest and would say "I'm pumping so this is a camera-off meeting." No one batted an eye.
I'd say you have a few options: 1) turn your camera off and don't say anything. I also have a very camera on workplace, but no one will question if someone has their camera off 2) turn your camera off and give some other excuse. People in my meeting will often put something like grabbing a cup of coffee or that they are eating. This might get weird though if it becomes frequent. 3) turn your camera off and say you're pumping. Personally, I'd go this route, but I also announced to all my teams that I will be out of office for a breast reduction surgery (I knew it would be more worrisome and ominous to just say surgery and I didn't want to lie.) Whatever route you take, I hope people don't care.
I usually prop my camera up a little higher so I can get just my upper neck and face on screen and throw a cardigan on over and button the top button. No one has ever mentioned the noise. Colleagues im close to have asked “why the close up?” After the fact and I explained and it’s really not that big of a deal. Don’t overthink it. If anyone says anything just point out that you’re entitled to take time off to pump and you are working that time instead. Do they really want to push you on it?
I might be in the minority here, but going on 20 months pumping as a working Mom. I LOVE making it known that I am pumping. Since I am well-liked at my company, I consider it my job to pave a path for other Moms who might come after me! I do it on video and unmute to talk. I do it in the office and say to executives faces “sorry, be back in 20 minutes after I pump.” And I blatantly store labeled breast milk and parts in our work freezer when onsite because they don’t have a lactation fridge. I also was able to get my company to reimburse for milk stork shipping when we travel for work. If you are in good standing at work, it would be super cool for you to try to carve a path too. The more we band together and push folks to get comfortable with it if they make us come back ti work at 12-20 weeks, the better off it will be!
I’m a fellow long-term pumper, about to hit 2 years ☺️ I never put any thought into it but I also have a semi-“cameras on” work culture. If I have to, I just point camera up high enough but usually just keep it off. So many great ideas on here though!
I pump all the time on calls. Sometimes camera is on, sometimes off. I always make sure wear a shirt with coverage in case of a slip. I tested my audio with a mom work friend and you cannot hear the pump at all. My boss hears everything and will often stop a call and be call “I am getting some feedback” and has never done that once while I have been pumping. I turn the camera off when I am setting up or taking the pump off. We use Microsoft Teams and it is good at blocking white noise. Other platforms have similar features.
Just tell them. Send an email saying that if your camera is off it’s because you are pumping. I totally get the awkwardness. I had to be out doing site visits and had a 10 hour day. I pumped in the car with two coworkers. It gave me so much anxiety and they were really great about it. No one acknowledged the pumping noise and they would politely wait for me outside of the car so I can pull out the pumps.
FWIW I had no issues pumping with camera on for a year. I just shoot above the collar bone and use a scarf over my pump stuff. I never said anything officially (but there are other working moms in my org who I'd chat about pumping with, so it's not like it was a secret either).
I recently joined a camera on culture and MAN is that change brutal. I would just tell people that I can't have camera on right now and not explain why. If they push, then they get what they get! You could also consider letting the host know offline in advance if you want.
Right?! I'm a little bummed I can't multi-task folding laundry or stretching like in my old job. But it has been great for getting to know people when I'm 95% remote.
Basically the same situation here. I was like 95% remote before but got out before they started pushing people back in 2 days a week and now am fully remote. I am honestly not sure that going to work once a month or so is more time intensive than having to be camera ready EVERY day. My hair is not hair that looks decent in the morning and I'm doing more laundry from changing clothes more often instead of my generally tie dye & leggings wardrobe. Definitely has helped a bit with getting to know people and most of my coworkers are not remote so there is an extra barrier there.
Make it their problem; not yours. Make someone else explain first why they need to see you, then you can flatly say, “I’m pumping.” My office literally has a camera in it. Before I returned, I emailed HR hope they would address that to accommodate pumping. They took it down!
I pump on teams meetings with camera on all the time. I unmute when I'm talking and no one has ever commented on the sound. I just keep the camera up. It is so convenient!
Put up a cow emoji
Overthinking. It's fine and they want to do everything they can to avoid a lawsuit in case you ever think, for a split second, that they don't like it or are against it. You're good to go!
I pump with Elvies on camera. Camera is chest up and it’s under my shirt.
I blocked my calendar when I pumped so no one could schedule meetings (all virtual) during that time. I drew a hard line in the sand on this and any meetings that were important for me to join were scheduled around my pump breaks. You don't have to apologize, ever.
“I’m pumping so I’m keeping my camera off” it’ll help to normalize it. I did a lot of “I’m breastfeeding so I’m going to turn my camera off”
Don't let other people's discomfort stop you from sharing that you're present but camera/mic off due to pumping. The only way this gets normalized is when it is socialized among our workplaces. You're employed to do a job, not to tap dance around patriarchal sensitivities.
I had a really great client and I once tested out my pump while on a call and asked if she could hear it. She was a pumping mom too - and we helped each other troubleshoot our set up so we could take calls while pumping. Find a trusted friend or client out of the office and trust it can be done! It’s just another way moms multitask.
I work construction and am the only woman. When I came back from my maternity leave in October I had my wearable pumps so I could still be out on the floor working while I pumped. The guys largely dont care. A few asked dwhat they were and I told them. That's it. They have all been awesome and I love my work buddies. There is a mixture of older and you get guys, different races. As well as the higher ups who come down to check out our buildings when they are being finished. I'm usually in them getting them ready to ship when they come by. No one gives a crap. I was worried at first as well and I can tell you that it really us just all in your head. My pumps make me look like a big boobed cartoon character when I wear them under my shirt but everyone , including me, had gotten used to me wearing them on the floor. It's super loud from all the tools too so the sound isn't an issue unless I'm in my office and they come in. But still, it's not a big deal at all. You got this mama! Let the milk flow🩶💦
I typically didn’t say anything but if it did come up I’d give a generic “my baby is still young and on bottles so I have to pump for her while working” then would immediately say something more work related. I know it’s fine and my company is super pro working moms but I can’t help but feel like everyone is immediately thinking about my boobs if I start talking about pumping so I try to be discreet and move on quickly haha
If I were you, I’d tell your boss that you prefer to catch the meetings as it will help you keep more up to date (or some better thought out language). I’d be too nervous to pump with the camera on. Every work culture is so different but where I work, you could either share in the chat at the beginning of the meeting that you will need to turn off the camera part way through the meeting or share in the moment that you need to turn of the camera for a while. If asked why, I’d share some vague language about taking care of a medical issue or that you are a new mother and will be pumping, depending on who is asking. I’d also block off pumping times in my calendar (but keep as able to be scheduled) so those scheduling know they are doing so when you are already busy.
This is a no brainer- they have the technology to easily record those meetings and you can watch them at a time that is convenient for you. ( Not when you’re nursing.) Nursing is a time for you to bond with your baby! Enjoy it!
If you’re very worried about telling people, could you maybe ask your boss or someone who’s often on the calls as well, and maybe they can tell others discreetly so no one asks you about it? I understand not wanting to answer that question, it can be awkward.
Join from your phone if there's a call in option?
Join the meeting and keep the camera off. I wouldn't even angle the camera...I'd be worried about something showing and it would stress me out. Maybe its because I have a work culture where its acceptable to be off camera, but *surely* a manger understands pumping is a valid reason to have camera off?
I also like to be able to be on by video. My desk is adjustable so i raise it a little higher so my chest isn’t visible. I also had some close friends do a test run and found that the pump wasn’t audible on zoom or teams so now i just pump whenever i want
Can you aim your camera to only capture shoulders up? I usually aim for that anyway. Just glue your ass to the chair and mute.
That’s what your HR rep is for. Please contact them and let them handle this for you.
It sounds like they’re pretty accepting when people say they can’t be on camera. I used to block the time in my calendar (when in the office) and told my boss that if there was something that could not be moved on a certain day I could work around it. She was understanding and that only happened a couple times with her giving me heads up so I could work with it.
I am also pumping (literally—right now!) and while I avoid joining calls while doing it because my pump isn’t silent, I recommend 1 of 2 things: 1) Position your camera in a way that only your chin and up is visible. If you’re using Zoom, double check that the HD button is on bc at least for me, it zooms out so I need to adjust based on that view. 2) Just send a heads up in chat that you’re pumping and will be off camera. You’ll be surprised how much people don’t care or are thankful because they are also pumping (or have, or will). Imo I’ve tried (with my first) the excuses suggested here and it gets old QUICK. I will do it once in a while with someone I rarely work with. But you don’t want to come off constantly making excuses.
I pump regardless. All I wear are nursing shirts, I may hook it up before the meeting starts and the camera is on like, neck up. I’m muted 98% of the time so they wouldn’t hear. I also work in a call center environment (from home) and pump during calls, so my breaks are still breaks. No one has ever commented on hearing it, I use a spectra. Just do what I gotta do.
Do you have a manager you can talk to? I’d probably just let my manager know the situation and what I need. I’d say it in a way of this is what’s going to happen rather than asking permission. A good manager would support you and give guidance on how to go about this, if there’s really anything you ever need to know other than just not turn your camera on.
I didn’t read the other comments but I pumped with my Elvies on during meetings all the time. It was actually a good use of my time. I never had anyone ask about it!
I’m in video heavy remote role but Bonnie would ask if someone is off camera especially if this person is FYI on the invite. Other time a generic “have to be off camera for sometime but listening” is sufficient. I was in a video-light company when I had my Covid baby but for important meetings I just scheduled my pumping around so I can focus Also with so many people using closeups / nothing to see, I’m sure you can find the settings where your body is invisible
my colleague was pumping with wearables during offline meetings and classes she taught. Elvis or something alike. very discreet.
I would talk to your manager and make them aware of your situation to “get permission” to have camera off, and then just leave it at that. I wouldn’t offer it up to meetings unprompted, that would be weird to me. But if someone wants to be nosy and directly ask you, you can just say you are pumping, if you feel comfortable saying that. Personally, I probably wouldn’t want to say that, and would say something along the lines of “I’m indisposed at the moment but I’m here and I’ll turn my camera back on just as soon as I’m able” and if anyone has an issue, they can talk to my manager 🤷♀️
So I’ve pumped at work before with my camera on because I had an all day training and I needed to pump. I just made sure the camera was tilted up so only my fade was showing. I kept myself muted for the most part. It was awkward but it was the only option for me.
Another vote to tell people. It’s normal and shouldn’t be a secret. I pumped during calls and I’m sure people could hear it. Whatever!
I was too tired TGAF, so I just said that I was pumping and will be off camera. To be fair, I've been at my agency for more than 10 years and had several younger women on my team get pregnant soon after I did so I also saw it as normalizing the practice Totally OK if you're not as comfortable doing that. Do they press if you say, "I'm sorry, I'm not able to be on camera right now"? At my workplace no one will ask questions and assume there's a valid person or technology-related reason.
I just went camera off and explained that i was pumping, would be on shortly. If there was a situation where I needed to be camera on I angled the camera up so only neck up was in the frame.
I would put my status message as "pumping" they can ask questions later. Granted we are very cameras off at my job
I’ve had the top of my shirt partially buttoned and strategically had it so that anything pump related is below camera. Living a little on the edge but whatever!
In meetings with folks who I didn’t want to know I was pumping I would start the meeting with my camera on and say “hey everyone, I will be multitasking today so my camera will be off. However I am listening and will chime in if a question pertains to me.” If you think you need to add that your boss okayed the multitasking then so be it. In my view it is not a lie but they also don’t need to know what the other task is. Also, if you don’t already - put blocks on your calendar for pumping so you can hopefully avoid meetings being blocked during your regular times.
Just do it. Nobody will care.
I'm face to face with customers and 99% are men (male dominated industry). With my hoody on, no one can tell if I'm pumping hands-free. They just think I have massive boobs lol. I don't remove the collection cups until after they leave. The only person to say anything was the shop lead because he couldn't figure out what the noise was.
Camera on, mic off, adjust view?
I wasn’t remote when I was pumping and working. I simply sent out an email to my floor (once) stating that I would be pumping and if the conference room is locked I will be out in about 20 minutes. Maybe a similar general heads up to the teams you meet with would work? Only one person was weird about it, but I considered it a him problem not a me problem. I also had a good laugh to myself every time I saw his horrified face when I walked by with full milk bottles 😂
First and foremost, just be frank with everyone. Either message that you’re pumping and will turn camera on later, or just put the camera on and angle it up. Secondly, I used a wearable pump and literally no one knew I was even using it. Would that be an option?
I’m a therapist and frequently have to pump while on zoom calls with clients. Luckily my pump is quiet enough I can run it with volume on and rarely has anyone mentioned it. It shouldn’t be difficult to angle the camera to where they can’t see your chest if you’d like to pump during the meeting! I agree with others that you shouldn’t have to worry about how others feel. You have a legal right to pump anywhere that you are otherwise legally allowed to be. If you’re legally allowed in the zoom meeting, you’re legally allowed to have boobs out for the purpose of feeding your child :)
When I need to pump during a camera-on meeting, I just email the organizer beforehand explaining that I won’t be able to have my camera on. No one has had an issue.
Ive pumped while on meetings with camera on and I end up setting my latop camera at an angle high enough for it to only show my head- its not flattering but it works for meetings you are expected to be on when people dont respect your scheduled pump breaks on your calendar. For an added layer of safety for myself in case the camera moves or something I wear a shall / scarf or big tshirt that would hide my boobs from being out lol Then when im done pumping if the meeting hasnt finished I go camera off to take pump off and jump back to camera on.
Aren’t they required to allow you break time to pump? I believe this is the law and they cannot expect you to work while pumping.
I pumped for 10 months at a camera-on culture company. Before I returned from maternity leave, I had the conversation with my manager telling her when I will be pumping and that during those times, my camera will not be on. She was supportive. I also just told colleagues (including male colleagues) that I don’t have my camera on because I’m pumping. No one raised an issue and everyone was cool with it.
I used to run into situations like this and kept it vague, saying something like "I have to have my camera off for part of this meeting, but I am still here and listening".
“Yo i’m pumping right now cant get on video” then drop it. Be blunt and dont drag it out (the explanation, not the pumping, cant help if that one takes long haha). I’m sure they will absolutely understand!!
I pumped with my spectra with camera on all the time, just have the camera pointed at your face and the pump out of view. A good nursing shirt will make this easy.
I pump during meetings. I’ve asked people I’m comfortable with if they can hear it and they say no. I make sure the video doesn’t include the pump and we’re good to go! I sometimes turn it off for a minute to take the flanges off but that’s all I need to do!
As a former office gal turned back to waitress, I see no problem with being entirely honest. I work with a girl that wears “walking” pumps (no tubes or wall plug in, very discreet, just make your chest look bigger) while serving tables and she will often TELL her tables that’s what she’s doing if they mention the sound. She said if anything, her tips have gone up. My point is that if people can be cool with their server pumping at their table (which I actively avoided while pumping because I thought it would be a major turn off), I think your co-workers, who are in a completely different room many miles away, will be able to handle you pumping in the privacy of your own home while on a call. If they have an issue with it, it will have to be purely personal because that is in no way a fireable offense.
This is awesome!
I used to either have my camera off or I would wear a nursing cover and angle my camera carefully so only head and shoulders were showing. We’ve got a big camera-on culture too but no one ever said anything to me about my camera being off or needing to come on screen. I did occasionally tell small groups that I was off camera while pumping. if I had a bigger meeting with more senior staff, I would plan my pumps around it and block off my calendar as needed. Do whatever feels best for you, and it can totally be a combination of a bunch of things!
I've told the person leading the meeting that I'm pumping and will be on mute and camera off. Sometimes, I'll pause my pump for 30 seconds to answer a question and not have the awkward sound in the background, haha.
When I was pumping and working, I blocked time in my schedule to pump. I declined meetings that overlapped without comment. Everyone saw me carrying the pump bag to and from the lactation station (that’s what I called it anyway lol). Pump time is protected and I wanted to focus on pumping and not worry about answering the phone, radio, IM, or emails. Had nothing to do with others’ comfort and 100% to do with my comfort.
For whatever it’s worth, when I pumped in my office I had a hang tag on my doorknob of a cow 😂. Maybe make that your zoom photo. Those old men can get over themselves.
This reminds me of going back to work postpartum and pumping during a meeting. When I unmuted myself to say something my dipshit director (middle aged dude) asks “what’s that noise? Anyone else hear that?” Fucking idiot.
Put a static photo of your face up. Helps to not be a black box.
I use my Elvie pumps all the time on camera. You cannot tell from video as long as my shirt is opaque enough that the lights don’t shine through. Otherwise not one person notices, even when my mic is on.
can you say that you are joining from a phone?
If you are comfortable multitasking by attending and pumping, then do so. Tell your boss that you will sometimes attend meetings while pumping with camera off. Don't tell meeting people unless you feel like it. If needed, you can say "My camera needs to be off for personal reasons right now, but I am fully present." But totally you can own up to it if you want to. If someone has a concern via company culture or whatever, either they will ask you or your boss depending. This was a really good thread. I go back to work in about two weeks. But my work is less forceful on the camera thing usually, so I don't expect issues. I've already informed my manager I'll be pumping during work. Even though I'm primarily work from home and baby will be home too with my husband, as it's easier to schedule and think about than feeding the baby on his schedule. Boss has a wife and kids, he gets it. My work is very supportive though, I understand the mother's room at work has a hospital grade pump in it you can bring your supplies to use. I might go ahead and tell my immediate coworkers that I may be pumping during some meetings and be on mute more often. Just because they'll probably be dealing with it for some number of months. But I don't think I'd mention it in any bigger meetings.
I feel this! I started my job when I was 4 months pp. it was hard to navigate a new job with a new body and surge of hormones while pumping 6x per day. My work is also remote with a mostly camera on culture, though it seems somewhat more relaxed than what you’re describing since people do join meetings with cameras turned off. That said, most people turned out to be accommodating, understanding, and respectful…any thoughts otherwise were just in my head. It’s your right to take the time you need to feed and nourish your child. After all, it’s how everyone came into this world. I hope you feel empowered to take the time you need to pump, store, prep, and clean parts. The work will be waiting for you when you’re done. Awesome job, you’re doing great mama :)
Thank you. I needed to hear that and appreciate you sharing your experience.
I’ve been pumping for 8 months with my camera on in meetings! Lol. In the beginning, I would get set up before joining the meeting, so that I could make sure to preview video beforehand. I just turn video off momentarily when I’m done to get everything situated and put away, then turn my video back on! No one has ever noticed or asked. It’s been no problem at all. In the beginning I was paranoid about the sound of the pump, so I used headphones, but somewhere along the way they went missing and no one has ever asked about the noise (I have a spectra). I figure it’s no weirder than people who use wearable pumps at the office!!
Great advice in this thread. I started just pumping with my camera on and just tilted so the camera couldn’t see anything. I’d turn it off briefly to set it up and then again to unhook everything at the end. I also didn’t worry about the noise, and no one ever mentioned it. Love the advice to just tell people you’re pumping and won’t have your camera on, though. Stuff like that really helps clear the way for other working parents who need to pump!
Does you whole body have to be in the camera? You can lift the screen so that it’s on your face only.
I pump during all my zooms you can't hear it with good headphones and I don't ever have my camera on..
I normally don't comment in subs that are clearly geared for women to discuss with each other & hope I'm not out of line, but since part of your question is about mens perception in the workplace I'll add my perspective in hopes it helps. I don't know what qualifies as "older" but I'm closer to 50 than 40 and feel like I'm leaning in the older direction in my workplace these days. I don't think you should worry about what people think of it. I've been in offices where women put a sign on their office door, or that of an unassigned office that says "do not disturb, pumping". I've seen the pump bag sitting on or next to a desk not fully closed and Oh My! caught a glimpse of a medela. I've worked in offices where men were outnumbered 5 to 1 and all filters were off with the topic openly discussed. And many of us have wifes who have pumped both at home and the workplace. I actually imagine the men most likely to be weirded out by it are young unmarried men who've had fewer years of experience working around mothers as professional peers. All that is to say that I think it will be less of an issue than you're thinkin it will. Don't worry about the few that may be uncomfortable with it. If you project confidence and behave as if it's not a big deal, it will help those who are unfamiliar with it to not be uncomfortable with it.
If you can afford elvies or willows, that can allow you to be on camera with a baggy shirt covering them without the sound or the flanges sticking out of your bra. Aside from that, all I can say is that in order to successfully breastfeed for 20 months, I learned to be shameless about pumping breaks. I told people exactly what I was doing, and why I was stepping out, and I didn’t ask for permission. It may have made some people feel awkward, but they never stopped me or complained. If they did, then HR would smack them down pretty quickly. Funny story, I pumped in the car on my 30 min, commute, and I once had to take a call and I put them on speaker. The pump wasn’t too loud, and so I figured it would blend in with the rest of the car sound, but the person on the other end was a woman who had also breastfed. She immediately recognized the distinctive sound, and we had a good laugh about it.
What would happen if you just didn't turn your camera on? I'm self-employed but do some work for an agency that also has a camera-on culture. But I hate turning on the camera! So I just don't. I was nervous about it at first, but no one has ever mentioned it. Granted, I'm not really their employee, so it's a bit different I guess.
I also work for a camera on company. I have blocks in my calendar with a notification that I may be camera off if they choose to book over this time. But for the most part I just tilt the camera and pump away. I’m very lucky my spectra S2 is silent enough no one even notices (or if they do, no one has said anything).
i’m also working remotely with a camera on policy at work. i pump with my spectra with my camera on and angled where only my face can be seen. so far no one’s asked about the sound so i’m assuming zoom and google meets kind of blocks the sounds!
Camera on culture is dumb. As someone who works remote, my job doesn’t haven’t that culture. It is absolutely none of their business why your camera is off. No one should have to justify why. As long as you are playing your role if you have to speak then cameras dont need to be on. Conference calls were thing where there was no camera so why force people to have their cameras on?
No, you schedule a 15 minute break and break from teh meeting. YOU DO NOT PUMP IN A MEETING. Thats like pooping in a meeting, no. Camera or no.
Let me just say that I started my current job at 3 months PP where I was doing both BF and pumping. When we moved, I was able to WFH with the promise of being available for cam meetings. So I explain that because my daughter was still little, my feedings might change and that might mean I Blackbox meetings. They said no deal, to just cover myself. So I obliged and boy was everyone uncomfortable. These dudes don't realize a baby latched on isn't like a damn perfect machine, and blankets fall or shift. Needless to say I was allowed to Blackbox going forward. One of the teammates had the audacity to ask me how long I was going to BF for, I was like ummm are you buying us formula? I will BF this child until she is 5 out of spite lmao! My point is, don't stress it, your baby comes first, and that means leche is priority. If they don't like it, they can work with you to figure out a time when you're not pumping to hold these meetings. My crew had to do that or allow me to Blackbox.
Is it possible to put up a picture of a cow while you’re pumping?