Funny Little Convo

[AnalogWife]

I sit next to the new guy, and he was reading work benefits and he asked what the 'Mother's Room' was. Usually I'm very comfortable with this matter, but for some reason I could feel my face turn red and I tried to find a delicate way to phrase it. I said "It's a place where mothers can collect food for their babies." Then I felt lame because I felt I shouldn't be embarrassed, so I said "It's where I go every break!"

He's got a 2.5 year old and possibly planning more. He said "No kidding! You mean you can just go to this room and get formula!??"

I had to laugh, and said that no, it's ANOTHER kind of food, that was free. He still wasn't getting it "Free food for the baby?? What kind is it?" So I showed him my pump bag...still wasn't getting it "What's that? Where you put the formula?" OMG! FINALLY I told him "IT'S A PUMP!"

It was definitely an "OH!" moment for him. He tried to make a couple other comments but then decided that the topic was best dropped. I feel a little bad that he immediately thinks of formula when he hears "baby food" but I guess maybe this little convo opened his mind a little.

[sunnymw]

Hehehe... that would have been me a year ago. Today? "That's where nursing moms pump breastmilk for their babies."

Though I've gotta admit, from your first reply, I would have had no idea what you were talking about!!

[evermore82]

Sad that his first and only thought was automatically formula. Good for you to spread the word (and hopefully open his mind)!

When I'm at work, I always talk openly about pumping and breastfeeding. Most of my coworkers are childless, though one day want kids. I figure it is my duty to actually set it as the norm in their minds waaay ahead of time. I walk in and tell BFing stories, experiences, and jokes. There is this one guy who used to blush and change the subject right away when I brought up nursing, but he even came around. The other day he asked me to suggest a breastfeeding book for his newly-pregnant sister.

[MilkTrance]

I'm kind of sad that his first thought for "baby food" is formula.

[katiedidbug]

OT, but I love your siggy!

[meganmarie]

Originally Posted by evermore82

When I'm at work, I always talk openly about pumping and breastfeeding. Most of my coworkers are childless, though one day want kids. I figure it is my duty to actually set it as the norm in their minds waaay ahead of time. I walk in and tell BFing stories, experiences, and jokes.

I do this too - for exactly the same reason. We pumping mamas have to be role models if we want what we do to be normal, not shameful and underground. Every time I am open about pumping I hope I'm opening the door for someone else to feel comfortable and confident doing it themselves.

So good for you, Jimmy mom - now you've done it once, you can start blabbing about it to all the guys!

[EdnaMarie]

If you told me that someone had to go to a room to get food for their baby, I would think you meant formula, too. For me, "getting food" means like, other food, whereas milk is milk. He might have been confused by the way you put it. For all you know, his wife is still breastfeeding.