This is a continuation on the post A pumping mom, yep that’s me. If you haven’t read that post, check it out! This post is also a part of a breastfeeding blog hop. here is the link to check out other posts about breastfeeding.
I returned back to work the day Noah hit 11 weeks. I had already talked to my co-workers and manager about pumping and they were all cool with it but I wanted to hit it again. I know how the hospital is about breastfeeding and pumping but for the most part, most of my co-workers know nothing about it. They were used to me always being at my desk… barely taking a break and eating lunch near my desk so I don’t get behind on work. That has completely changed.
I had brought my pump with me and everything else but didn’t really know what to expect. I knew there were pump rooms but in my haste to store milk, I had forgotten to call the lactation nurses to find out what I needed to bring and even find out where I needed to go. Once I got the the room, I met most of the nurses and some of the other employees that used the room. It had 4 pump stations (3 with Ameda hospital-grade pumps and 1 medela pump which could be used with the Ameda tubing), a sink, a coffee maker (50 cents a cup, how awesome!), a microwave, a mini fridge, and storage. Because there were so many moms pumping, you weren’t allowed to store you stuff overnight but they had just about everything you need especially if you forgot something AND a nurse was in speaking range if you had issues.
None of this made it any easier of course. The first couple of weeks I had to figure out what I needed and have it ready in the morning (after my morning pump of course). I also had to make sure I didn’t take pump breaks while we were busy or while someone else was taking a break. I had to figure out how much time I actually needed so that my co-workers knew when I’d be back. All this while making sure I didn’t forget to put my milk in the fridge or forget to take it home. Do I call a manager to cover me if I need to pump and we’re busy or do I just wait until we slow down? Will they fault me because I’ve registered less patients than everyone else because my breaks are 15 minutes longer than everyone elses?
Once I got into a groove and thought everything was a-ok, I started noticing things. I don’t want to go into details but I’m pretty sure all of my co-workers aren’t very happy that I get “special treatment”… not that its special. The words “Are you still doing that?” have already been muttered to me and it didn’t feel good. Yet I still push on. I remind myself that anyone who doesn’t understand doesn’t matter. I’m doing what I need for my child and its backed 100% by my bosses so I’m not worried. As I’ve said in previous posts, I have almost given up a couple of time but I am working hard to get where I need to be. I am so happy I have kept up the way I have and I hope you have too.
I wrote a part 3! Check out more of my journey!
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