Was asked to be camera on at work by my boss after I was camera off during a 5-6 pm meeting that I had to breastfeed my child during. I was still engaged in the meeting but feels awkward to announce to everyone “so my breast is out so I can’t be on camera right now.” Feels like I’m just trying to do my best but still feeling like I’m falling short no matter what I do. Moms recently back at work - Does it get easier or do you just learn to shrug this stuff of?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I’d be direct and say that you’re pumping breastmilk. You’re protected by so many bylaws I wouldn’t even think twice to say it. If it makes him feel uncomfortable, perfect.

like

What the hell? Did you explain to your boss why? I’m 3 months back and still struggling, so can’t give you good advice but can sympathise. I’m sorry this is happening.

Also I’ve breastfed with camera on before, but I just point the screen to the ceiling so it just shows the top of my head like I’m tech-illiterate.

likefunny

I’d be so nervous about flashing a boob to everyone on accident if I left my camera on, lol.

I did explain, I told him point blank that I was camera off because I was breastfeeding and that the 5-6 pm hour is tough to be on camera with the kiddo.

His reply seemed understanding, but now I feel like if I’m camera off for future meetings I gotta announce that I’m pumping or breastfeeding. Nothing like starting a meeting saying “hey guys sorry I’m off camera my boobs are out.”

Thank you for the sympathy, it helps to know I’m not crazy in feeling dejected about all this.

like

You had a baby and you are keeping him/her alive by breastfeeding. Why do we have to make invisible something that is real? I would say it like it is “im feeding my child” . He is the one that should feel bad for forcing you to turn the camera on while juggling meetings at 5pm

like

I’m so petty that I would purposefully whip out a breast in my next 1:1 with him

funnylikeuplifting

You’re legally allowed time away from work to breastfeed your child/pump. Forget camera off- turn the meeting off

like

Even if we are legally allowed, practically our working relationships suffer. I have seen new mothers depart organizations because they were no longer viewed as “hungry”, and good opportunities went to other employees. I don’t think it is as simple as claiming what we are legally entitled to receive.

like

Had this happen years ago (before Covid, working in a virtual environment) and my boss was all about camera back then (and she was a female). They all knew I had a baby so I said, no camera on for me, pumping. It made everyone so uncomfortable no one asked me again why I wasn’t on camera and I honestly think it made her stop asking anyone else too.

likehelpful

Me, I like to make ‘em squirm, especially if they have the cojones to question my judgement about whether/ when to have my camera off. The more explicit, the better. “I’m pumping now, but happy to join.” “I’m at the gyno, can’t make it.” “I need to move the meeting. Lady doctor.”

like

We were asked to be on camera by HR for all meetings. I shot HR a note stating that I pump at times and was told “just turn the camera in and aim away from your breast.” 😬🙄 I responded that I was not willing to risk flashing everyone and if it was truly a problem I would just skip meetings as I was entitled to time off to pump. She responded with “I guess it’s ok for you to be off every once in a while” alas since no one knows my pump schedule I haven’t had to go on camera (not that anyone does except when the founder is on a call)

like

I would encourage you to think about how you want to portray yourself. The men (and many women) may never fully come to appreciate and understand the reality of you woking and breastfeeding at the same time. After doing this with three babies, I learned that bringing up breastfeeding and pumping did not help my relationships with male colleagues. You are not crazy at all. The men don’t (and shouldn’t) talk about their private parts in meetings. It is uncomfortable for many women as well. “Feeding my child” should be a good enough reason to have the camera off. I would just set the expectation that sometimes I need to have the camera off. Then try to have it on as much as possible.

I disagree. I was VERY upfront with everyone when I needed to pump because there’s nothing wrong and it needs to be normalized. No one had an issue. Everyone was respectful and I still got my work done. The more we talk about it, the more it becomes the norm and not some weird taboo thing we do in secret.

like

I usually say something like - “I’d have my camera on but I’m feeding my baby.” 5-6pm is witching hour and any parent should know that.
If he was understanding, take it as that and move on. (Easier said than done, I know).
But think about it like this - my boss is making an accommodation for me. Same as someone leaving at 4 every day for an accommodation. Your personal schedule that you’ve worked out with your manager as an accommodation is only your business.
As a manager if someone asked - why do we have to have our cameras on but so and so doesn’t, I would simply say “we’ve worked out an accommodation based on that employee’s needs.”

Related Posts

like

How is Zscaler as a company? How is WLB and Employee benefits in Zscaler ? What salary should I explicit for Staff software Engineer with 12 years of experience? Please help!Zscaler

like

Is IB worth the sacrifice of WLB? Obvious pay is really good but are the prestige and pay worth it if you’re planning on only doing it for a couple years?

Currently working at an IRA with great WLB. Honestly I love my job, the firm, and people I work with.

Also doing MBA part time at a T15 school. Thinking about switching to IB but I’ve done my research and I think I would burn out of IB in two years but I might be ok with that for the opportunities after.

like

Hi everyone
I got an offer from Telstra for Microservices Software Engineer developer role.

YOE: 3.9
Techstack: Java, Spring Boot, Microservices, AWS, Docker, and Kubernetes.

could you please tell me what will be work life balance and job security at Telstra Hyderabad.

Thanks

like

My wife surprised me last night for my 30th bday (which was last week) with a get together with my closest friends I have known since middle school. Most of them live out of state with kids and somehow it all worked out. Feeling really loved.

likeuplifting

Is it worth joining Kpmg india lighthouse ?
Which one will be good in terms of learning and wlb KGS or KI?please suggest

Invited to a recruiting/networking session for an analyst level role at a Bain Capital. Excuse my naivete, but is business professional (full suit) the expectation here? Unfortunately my only well fitting suit was torn recently so trying to see if I can get away with another outfit

like

Got laid off on Friday. Not sure how to handle the feelings and emotions. It will feel weird not going to work on Monday. Didn’t even get to say bye to my co workers

like

If you're a vegan, do crossfit, and own bitcoin... which one of these things do you mention first when you introduce yourself to someone?

like

Anyone stuck in an unhappy marriage? How do you deal with loneliness of this profession and complicated family life

How much one should ask with 9+ yrs of exp in qualys? Howz WLB?

like

Hello Fishes

How is the WLB, annual hike, work culture in MasterCard?
Role- Middleware

What is your biggest challenge as a plus size professional ... wardrobing? Air travel? Perception/image? Energy/stamina? Outright discrimination?

like

What’s your take on working along side a team in marketing but barely any of your team enjoy the social present, let alone having actual social accounts. I’m totally respect people who want to keep their personal life private, but not knowing what the hell is trending while holding a role that deal with social media contracts everyday and giving others opinions, that’s what I’ll have problem with. Thoughts?

like

why do i struggle when my s/o isn’t texting me? ik they’re not cheating on me, ik they still love me, all that jazz.

but for some reason i’m not at peace when they take some time to themselves.

any tips or advice?

likefunny

This bowl has been quiet and I see partners commenting on odd posts around fishbowl so I figure you need more fodder: partners, did any of you have parents that travelled as much as you do?

like

How are TAC hours? How is work life balance and flexibility?

like

Solos - what does your day look like? Do you work traditional hours? Do you take breaks during the day for personal things such as errands and working out?

like

How do I start the divorce process? Do I have to get a lawyer? Help...!

More Posts

Rating 3 (1 bad - 5 good). Little bummed. I was told I made great progress from last year (rated 4) and just need to fine tune my sales story. I'm an M4 looking at SM promo next year. #Discouraged

For those who have gone through Mck First Round/Final Round - could you talk about how the interview took place? I am a bit worried as it might be hard to connect with the interviewer when the process is not in-person. Did you have a phone call or a Zoom call with video, and did it feel awkward? Thanks for your help!

like

What is the next step to take as a 5th year to add value to sr associates, partners, and client? How do I make my skills jumó and differentiate from the pack?

like

What do you do to prep for an interview with the hiring manager? If it’s a new industry for you, do you research applicable laws/regulations?

likesmart

Does your company pay for parking (if they don’t have a designated lot)? If no, do you believe they should they pay for it? Thoughts on this?

Hey everyone! I am working on a report with the intention of updating the products that a specific customer uses. Currently, the data is arranged with the unique ID in Column A, and associated products in Column B. However, each product has its own row so company 1234 might have 5 rows and company 5678 might have 20. What I need to do is collect the product data for each unique company and put it into a single row, separated by a comma(s). I am at a crossroads, any suggestions?

like

Is it true that people joining for Oracle practice at PWC AC Bangalore are on bench due to shortage of projects right now ?

like

I am working as a technology consultant specialist in PwC ac. As of now I'm working on an internal project of the company but i have received mail from a senior that if someone wants to volunteer for this project "financial service capital market- COI" should i opt or not? Will it be useful?

like

Which would be a better company to join in terms of projects, wlb, better work environment, job security etc.,? (Salary comparison is not what I'm looking for as pay is similar)

1. Mindtree
2. Genpact
3. Larsen & Toubro Infotech

Thank you.

like

whether it is good to share current increments/promotions with our colleagues?

like

Any book recommendations for the summer vacation season? What's your favorite book over the last year?

like

Hi ,

I how many days do we receive mail/ communication regarding the interview after the first round (technical & management round) in TCS .

Can anyone help in this??

like

Anyone have any recommendations for a good exterior car wash?

like

I am a Chartered accountant and truth be told given the current times CA is a really low incentive education any potent person can get. Today I see engineers barely with a few years of experience earning lakhs per month. Whereas me despite being in the right place at the right time is working hard 10-11 hours each day even today. We as a forebearers of this profession must really rise together

like

If anyone have test automation+devops skills.Please let me know .I have a job opportunity.This is for 5+ YOE

like

Hi everybody! 😊
I've been working as a Junior Analog Design Engineer for a year and half.
I received a proposal for a Senior Analog Designer role from Bosch in the same city where I am currently working.
Should I wait and build up a few more years of experience before accepting a Senior role or should I jump in and work to fill the gap?
Next year, there will be an important deadline for the project I'm working on and my resignation could be critical for the team, how would you deal with it?

like

Can someone refer me urgent
15YOE in IT Operation, Immediate Joining..

like

What is a Senior - ll role looks like in Deloitte USI? Can someone share their experience?

like

Hi fishes,
from Rpa learning prospective which one is better. Coforge EY . please help me.I have joining on tuesday.

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal