Looking back, being a new mom, I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I knew I wanted to try to breastfeed and my goal was to make it a year. But I didn’t get a “How to Breastfeed While You Are Back in the Office” book or manual.
It was a trial and error of mistakes and learnings as I navigated returning to the office and trying to feed my baby–all while not having her in my vicinity.
My Corporate Breastfeeding Journey
I was fortunate when I returned to work after three months (generous for the USA, but still not nearly enough time in my opinion). My company was super supportive of new mothers. We had several designated “Mother’s rooms” where we could pump in privacy–and not in a breakroom or bathroom. However, the stress that came along with pumping was something I wasn’t prepared for. I had to reserve the room three times a day and we could only book the calendar out a few months in advance.
Then there were the constant meetings that would pop up on my calendar during my pumping time. I couldn’t easily reschedule my “mom time” because the pumping rooms were already booked. I was fortunate that I had a leader who understood, but he was a man. It was kind of embarrassing to be like, “Hey, I can’t come to this meeting because it’s my pumping time.”
Additionally, the perfectionist in me felt guilty for missing work. Adding a lunch break on top of the pumping breaks didn’t seem like it was something I should do. Looking back, I wish I could have told that version of me that she still deserved to eat!
The Pressure of Pumping
My job was pretty intense when I came back from maternity leave. Unbeknownst to me while I was on leave, I got promoted. I came back as an exhausted new mom with an added pressure of leading a team of people. But I also had another thing added to my plate: the pressure of pumping.
I would sit in that mother’s room feeling like a cow listening to the noise of my pump. And as I pumped, I would worry if I was pumping enough milk to keep my baby full while I was away. I was a “just enougher”: I didn’t have an abundance of supply, so the pressure of having enough weighed on my mind ALL THE TIME. There wasn’t a freezer stash that ran deep that I could pull from. What I didn’t realize was how much stress pumping added to my daily routine.
The Logistics of Pumping That No One Tells You About
So not only did I have the pressure of pumping while at work, but no one told me about all the logistics. I would lug my pump to and from work (more on that later!). Then my nights were consumed not only with being present with my child but also with washing pump parts, rationing out milk into baggies, and washing the bottles from daycare. It was like another part-time job on top of the two I already had–mother and corporate professional.
I wound up breastfeeding for close to two years. The second year definitely got easier as I weaned my pumping breaks down to one a day. And once solids were introduced, the pressure was somewhat lifted. I knew she would get other nutrition besides the milk.
However, there are a few tips I wish I had known right when I returned to work:
Know your rights.
You have a right in the State of Michigan to pump at work in a designated PRIVATE space that is NOT a restroom.
Get a second pump if you can.
Lugging a breast pump to and from work is a pain. I had one covered by insurance and used my HSA card to purchase a second.
Make sure your pump parts fit!
I realized this well into my journey–and mine were too large. Once I switched I was able to get more milk out, reducing my stress.
You don’t have to wash your pump parts after each session.
Just put them in a bag in the refrigerator until the next time, and wash at the end of the night. The fridge prevents the milk from spoiling!
Save yourself time washing baby bottles.
I bought enough bottles for almost a full week. At the end of each day I put the used ones in the fridge (so the milk residual didn’t spoil) and washed them all at once. It saved me the time from washing EVERY NIGHT.
Talk to your leader.
While it can be embarrassing, make sure you have a conversation with them when you return so they can help you avoid work emergencies and meetings during your pumping time. If they are not flexible, go to HR and reference tip number one above pertaining to your right to pump at work.
And lastly, give yourself grace!
Be patient with yourself. You have a lot on your plate already, mama; remember that you are doing your best.
While breastfeeding felt like a full time job most of the time, I wouldn’t change it for anything. But I do wish I knew then what I know NOW!
