Lactating at Work

So I had to share how my existence is shaking things up at work.

By way of background, I work in federal law enforcement, which has atendency to be fairly conservative and male dominated (to say theleast).

Well, every day I do what I jokingly refer to as the Walk of Shame,and drag my breastpump and its accompanying cooler bag down one levelto the nurse's office. Along the way people glance over, sometimesstop and talk to me and inevitably see the words on my bag: "Pleasereturn my mommy's milk to....". It makes them a bit nervous.Sometimes their sandwich is hidden behind the cooler full of Carter'smommy's milk and they always ask permission before moving it.So a few months ago I get to the nurse's office and there are two newemployees standing there, in their suits, ready to report forservice. The nurse turns to them says "oh, this is Wendy...she is oneof our lactating agents". I almost peed in my pants. That's what I'veworked my whole life for, the opportunity to be described as not astellar employee, but a lactating one.

And then today the email went out. An email sent to all of our swatteam medics (you know those big burly guys who really do look kindahot) and to me reminding us to have our vaccinations up to date incase we have to deploy somewhere. And at the bottom a note from thenurse: Wendy can't have any vaccinations because she isstill "breasting".Yup, breasting...not breastfeeding (cause that would make sense andcause me even less embarrassment).I am sure you can imagine the emails that were forwarded my way by the swat guys.

Maybe the next time the Director comes to town he will say, oh yes,you are that lactating agent! Keep up the good work.