Anyone pump in a classified office?

[Anonymous]

I am getting push back for wanting to pump in my office, which is a classified space. I have been told there both is and is not a waiver process but no one knows for sure, HR is deferring to security, total run around. Anyone have experience with this? I'm looking for info for State specifically but welcome input from other agencies.

[Anonymous]

You're getting pushback because your colleagues are morons, not because it's classified. Unless your pump is equipped with a listening device and a satellite or runs off your cell, there should be no problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You're getting pushback because your colleagues are morons, not because it's classified. Unless your pump is equipped with a listening device and a satellite or runs off your cell, there should be no problem.

+1
There is nothing in a pump that transmits. Pumping in a classified area should be NBD.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You're getting pushback because your colleagues are morons, not because it's classified. Unless your pump is equipped with a listening device and a satellite or runs off your cell, there should be no problem.

+1
There is nothing in a pump that transmits. Pumping in a classified area should be NBD.

PP here. Just had a thought. A breastpump is medical equipment. Would they also not allow an asthmatic to utilize a nebulizer in a classifed area?

[Anonymous]

I work in a SCIF as well (though it doesn't include the entire building so I didn't have this issue). I imagine it depends on your security office, but for us, if we wanted to bring in outside devices like an electric tea kettle, for instance, we just had to have them inspected for listening devices (I know, I know). Can't they just inspect your pump? I think it's illegal not to provide an area for a woman to pump breastmilk so there should be an easy solution to this.

[Anonymous]

As I recall, it's a problem to scan electronics. But in most classified space, you can bring in electronics if you meet the "random procurement" requirements. Don't know if you own your pump already you might ask if this is an option?

[Anonymous]

I pumped for a year in classified buildings (DoD). The mothers rooms were not in classified spaces but I brought my pump into them all the time. I agree with PPs that your colleagues are making this an issue because they are jerks. I would push hard on the medical device piece and also that lactation is a medical condition associated with pregnancy. You have workplace protections. If your security officer wants to inspect your pump, fine. If you get any issue, go straight to HR or IG.

[Anonymous]

Why not contact the Balancing Act at State to help you sort through this? They are great advocates for this issue.

[Anonymous]

That is the dumbest thing I've ever heard - it's completely fine to bring your pump into a classified space (I've worked in and visited several while pumping, and all had dedicated mother's rooms, and I've never had to have my pump inspected by anyone). The government is legally required to provide you a place to pump. Talk to HR, not security.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That is the dumbest thing I've ever heard - it's completely fine to bring your pump into a classified space (I've worked in and visited several while pumping, and all had dedicated mother's rooms, and I've never had to have my pump inspected by anyone). The government is legally required to provide you a place to pump. Talk to HR, not security.

Sorry I saw that you already talked to HR. Elevate, go to OPM.

I have no experience with State, but my experience is with multiple agencies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am getting push back for wanting to pump in my office, which is a classified space. I have been told there both is and is not a waiver process but no one knows for sure, HR is deferring to security, total run around. Anyone have experience with this? I'm looking for info for State specifically but welcome input from other agencies.

Wow. I worked in several SCIFs and no one even blinked at my pump. There is no way to record anything using a breastpump! I can't with some people.

[Anonymous]

DC law protects breastfeeding workers and mandates access to pumping.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am getting push back for wanting to pump in my office, which is a classified space. I have been told there both is and is not a waiver process but no one knows for sure, HR is deferring to security, total run around. Anyone have experience with this? I'm looking for info for State specifically but welcome input from other agencies.

I work at State; in an off shoot building. I've seen information about breastfeeding support groups run by employees--see if you can track down the information for one of those and maybe you will find someone who has gone through this before and can tell you how to do the work around.

Ok. I just looked up the info. I don't want to put contact info out, so, search it down through the intranet or looking up in the GAL, but, the below is all of the information about the group:

The Department of State Breastfeeding Peer Support Group is a forum where women can find support to continue breastfeeding for as long as they desire. It is a community and place in which to share tips and suggestions for how to be successful at breastfeeding, pumping, and returning to work. It also serves to provide information about services available for federal employees and contractors at the Department. The group is led by peer facilitators who have had experience with breastfeeding, but are not licensed counselors or experts. Pregnant women, those who exclusively (or mainly) pump and those who supplement with formula are especially welcome to freely join in the discussion. The group does not adhere to one particular breastfeeding philosophy and all ideas and opinions are accepted. Topics will be driven by the participants attending each session. Babies and pumps welcome!

Monthly meetings will occur on the third Tuesday of each month.

Brought to you by the ECA/IIP Work/Life Wellness Committee

[Anonymous]

That is flat out weird. Every mom I know who has their own office pumps in it rather then take up the limited space in the mothers rooms. No one has EVER cared or sought permission, as there is no transmit or input in any breast pump.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DC law protects breastfeeding workers and mandates access to pumping.

If there are designated pumping rooms then this is where you should pump! You're too lazy to go to another floor? Tough! Also, DC law does not apply to Federal buildings.