Working Mom

My manager was so excited to tell me that corporate had sent a “Do Not Disturb” sign for nursing moms to use on breaks.

It isn’t easy being a working, nursing mom. There’s guilt, and heartache. There’s also the difficulty of needing to take breaks to pump. That means timing my breaks, as well as having access to the right facilities.

It’s somewhat embarrassing to have to talk to management about needing a room. It’s awkward having to excuse myself from the sales floor. And it’s difficult to schedule appointments with customers around my breaks.

When I had Lily, I made my own sign to hang on the manager’s door while I used the office. It was big, and colorful. It had a picture of a cow, and the words “Do Not Disturb! Milking in Progress!” (My manager’s idea.) I hung it at eye level over the door jamb. That didn’t stop one of the assistant managers from almost walking in on me. Luckily, one of the other managers got his attention and stopped him before a disastrous encounter.

This time, I didn’t have a sign. The office I initially used was rarely used, and only 2 people had keys to it. So I was a little surprised when someone knocked on the door one of the first times I used the office. I tried to ignore them, but they knocked again. I finally gave in and answered the door. I found myself facing 2 elderly women who were lost, confused, but determined to have me help them.

A few weeks later, someone else knocked at the door. Really people?! This time it was a coworker looking for a manager. Ugh.

I’ve even gone to my car a few times.

Lately, the family bathroom has been my spot of choice. (I don’t have to ask anyone to let me in the room.)

So I was excited to have more support from corporate. And everyone in management was so excited to have someone use the sign. I imagined a large stop sign with the words “Do Not Disturb” written below it.

When I saw the sign, I only had one thought

What was corporate thinking?

I was staring at a very white piece of 8-1/2 x 11 paper with orange letters in 18 point font that spelled out “Do Not Disturb” in the center of the page. Mind you, they did laminate it. Wahoo! Thanks corporate.

How did they expect anyone to see that? Have they ever needed to use that sign? or worked with anyone that has?

I think I’m going to make my own sign. This time it’s going to be a door hanger with a big stop sign on it. Something that is sure to be seen and convey a very clear message!