Sorry ya'all I brainstormed plenty of ideas of what I should write about. But, I worked this past weekend so this topic was fresh in my mind. :) Hopefully, someone, or two, will find it helpful.
First, let me start by saying if you have quit breastfeeding or you never started I've got nothing but love for you. Whatever your reasons may be, they are your reasons, whatever you chose, it is your choice. I have read plenty about the nutrition benefits of breastmilk, but one of the main reasons I still do it is because I am Dutch, and I try to be quite fiscally responsible (AkA I am be a tight wad with some things). Do I love that it is really beneficial to my baby? Absolutely, but I also love that it saves me a lot of money.
First, let me start by saying if you have quit breastfeeding or you never started I've got nothing but love for you. Whatever your reasons may be, they are your reasons, whatever you chose, it is your choice. I have read plenty about the nutrition benefits of breastmilk, but one of the main reasons I still do it is because I am Dutch, and I try to be quite fiscally responsible (AkA I am be a tight wad with some things). Do I love that it is really beneficial to my baby? Absolutely, but I also love that it saves me a lot of money.
Statistics show that a large percentage of women breastfeed after their babies are born but a significantly smaller percentage, something like 14%, continue to breastfeed after they head back to work. Breastfeeding/pumping can be a big inconvenience. Frankly, I find it down right annoying sometimes. This is my fourth baby, fourth time breastfeeding, and fouth time I'm heading back to work pumping. As a nurse trying to sneak away during a shift to pump every 3 to 4 hours can be very difficult. However if you are determined to do it, go for it, you can be successful! I have only worked part time with all of my children so I won't claim to have successfully pumped while working full time. But, I have been able to successfully breastfeed for children for over a year well working as well.
So, what are my main tips?
1. Buy a big bag, not too big but one with a cute design that is capable of holding your breast pump, breast supplies, a insulated cooler, freezer Ziploc bags, a couple bottles of water and a couple protein bars. All essentials, I promise.
4. Tuck a breastfeeding cover in your breast feeding bag. This allows me to it throw the cover over me while I'm sitting at the desk if I'm really busy and working through lunch but still be discreet. You are not going to be able to get rid of the pumping know is, but have some tunes playing in the office and nobody will really know that you're doing it. Disclaimer: I don't work in a completely open joint working space.
5. Have snacks that you can eat easily with one hand and won't leave you covered in a huge mess of food. :) Sandwiches, smoothies, energy bars, all easy to handle and tasty.
6. Talk with your boss and coworkers about it. Sometimes "it takes a village". If you are open about your desire to continue breastfeeding coworkers and your need coworkers can grab your phone and your boss will know you are not taking nap breaks. (But if you fall asleep pumping, good for you! Babies can make a mama tired!)
7. Give yourself grace. It is a commitment.When you get frustrated because you have to pack your bag up again, or you feel like a milk machine, or you forgot about your milk in the bag when you got home and now it is useless, know you are not alone. I have felt all of these same feelings. There are times I want to throw my pumping supply bag out the window of my car, and then back up and run over it for good measure. But, I breath in, and try and remember I am the only person that is capable of doing this for my baby. Relish the moments when it is peaceful, and beautiful, and they examine your face and smile at you, and hold your fingers, for those are sweet memories only you get to have.
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