Mad About Mama Milk Monday: Pumping

Don't let pumping become a four letter word!  Sure there is no way pumping can even compare to nursing your sweet child in your arms.  But, at times it is neccessary to do so in order to provide the most nutritious food while you're away.  So get educated and equip yourself with the know-how to make pumping a breeze... or should I say squeeze?!?

I remember with B when I wanted to start storing milk for the future.  At the time I was a stay-at-home mama looking for a job, and I wanted to be prepared with plenty of milk for him once I found a job.  I wasn't even sure how to use the darn thing, and what all the strange looking parts were truly for.  Thankfully my girlfriend Helen, nursing mama of twins, gave me a quick how-to guide. 

Once I started back to work, when B was 7-months-old, I quickly realized the importance in having:

• A good milk supply (always THANKFUL for mine, which was ESPECIALLY GREAT with B)
• An efficient pump
• And, a supportive employer

I recently came across Work & Pump's concise and complete list of practical and simple ways to pump better.  Whether you're a working mama, a mama who likes to go out on the town with her husband every so often, or a mama who simply wants to pump and donate to a milk bank, you'll want to check it out. 

Don't let this discourage you... but, no pump can empty the breast as well as a nursing child.  If anything let this be an encouragement to nurse your baby as often as possible-- day or night.  As a working mama, I know how frustrating it can be when you need to pump x amount of milk in order to keep up with the amount baby is eating while you're away.  However, don't stress about it.  Stress can affect pumping output.  Check out Kelly Mom on establishing and maintaining milk supply when baby is not nursing and what to do when you're not pumping enough.

Happy Breastfeeding and Pumping Mamas!

An Opportunity to Spread the Breastfeeding Gospel

Today and for the next couple days I am attending some FEMA training and, therefore, working from a remote location. The last time I was at this particular location for a workshop the staff allowed me to pump in the conference room. This morning I reintroduced myself to the receptionist and reminded her of our last encounter a few months ago. Unfortunately today the private, and more importantly not-a-bathroom-conference-room was booked all day. She did however let me pump in a cubicle on the other side of her desk. While not an entirely private location, I was so thankful for a spot with an electrical outlet and chair to do my "duty." I was also glad I had a sweater so I could express more discretely. It's one thing to bare your breast while nursing a baby... it's an entirely different scenario to expose yourself while pumping. Yikes!

I thanked her for the accommodations and told her how grateful I was to not have to make my baby's food in a dirty bathroom. After my mid-morning milking session, the reception started asking me about breastfeeding, how I store my milk, whether or not I breastfeed or just pump and offer a bottle, and how long I plan to breastfeed. It was obvious that if she does have children she did not nurse them. That said- I was so glad to have been able to give her some basic knowledge about nursing, including the benefits for baby and mom. I really look at every opportunity that I have to talk about breastfeeding as a chance to educate and normalize breastfeeding. My goal is not to force my beliefs on any one, although I do believe that breast is best.

If you're a breastfeeding mama or papa don't be ashamed! Spread the word that breast is best! :)

Pumping... What a Drain!

Since heading back to work full-time, nearly two months ago, I've been pumping while away from my little man. I'm sure many working nursing mamas can empathize with my love-hate relationship with my pump. Some days my pump is my friend and other days my foe. One thing is for sure... there is nothing in the world that can replace nursing your baby! (visualize: bottom lip pout)

My pumping history... Prior to working I did pump, but it was maybe once a day or less! I was simply pumping to either relieve myself and/or to stockpile for a night out or for the inevitable-- returning to work.

I currently express twice a day while at work to keep up my milk supply, and to ensure that I have enough breastmilk to feed Bryce. I am lucky enough to have a janitor’s closet, I mean lactation room for privacy. No really, it is a great little room and I am SO THANKFUL to have it! My employer is extremely supportive of breastfeeding.

Despite an encouraging supervisor, private room, and awesome Medela PIS Advanced Breastpump Backpack I find pumping to be a real drain pain! Dragging the pump to and from work each day, carefully doing an inventory each morning to make sure I don't forget a hooter horn, a membrane or a tube, and anxiously watching the clock during each session can really cut the heartstrings associated with nursing/pumping. If you think about it, how sad is it to express milk for your baby who you can't be with? I try really hard not to dwell on the fact that I'm not with my lovey.

Half full thinking helps me focus on the fact that I am still producing life-sustaining liquid gold for my baby. Also, because I now have considerably less time with Bryce I really cherish every minute with him (even more than before).

While finding and taking the time to pump each day is a drain, I'm thankful that I have the opportunity to do so!