Hey there, fellow moms (and dads, and everyone in between)! The topic of pumping and working has been big in the news in recent months as a lot of laws have changed regarding the subject. These laws have made pumping in the workplace easier and more comfortable. After returning to work a few short weeks ago and being on my pumping journey, it inspired me to come on here and tell a little more about my personal experience with balancing the needs of my infant and my career.
Balancing Working and Pumping
Let’s start with the basics: I’m a proud mama to a wild and adventurous almost two year old and a sweet little nine week old. I’m also working 40 hours per week. Yep, you read that right – I’m balancing bottles, pacifiers, and my duties as an employee, all while trying to keep my sanity intact.
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced on this journey is navigating the world of pumping at work. Let me tell you, it’s no walk in the park. Finding the time and space to pump amidst meetings, deadlines, and endless emails can feel like an impossible task. But, where there’s a will, there’s a way!
The Challenges
Let’s not forget about the logistics. From hauling my breast pump back and forth from home to the office to storing milk in the office fridge (and praying no one mistakes it for their coffee creamer), there’s never a dull moment in my pumping journey.
But you know what? Despite the challenges, there’s something incredibly empowering about being able to provide for my little one even when I’m miles away. Every ounce of liquid gold that I pump is a testament to my dedication as a mother, and that’s a feeling like no other. Of course, being a pumping and working mom isn’t just about the logistics – it’s also about the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it. There are days when I feel like Supermom, conquering the world one milk bottle at a time. And then there are days when I’m just hanging on by a thread, wondering how I’ll make it through another sleepless night followed by a packed day at work.
My Experience Working and Pumping
Through it all, I’ve learned to give myself grace. I’ve learned to celebrate the small victories – like finally finding that perfect pumping bra that doesn’t make me feel like a dairy cow – and to brush off the setbacks with a smile (or maybe a few tears). Because at the end of the day, being a pumping and working mom is about so much more than just pumping and working. It’s about love, sacrifice, and the incredible strength that lies within each and every one of us. So here’s to all the pumping and working moms out there – you’re doing amazing, and you’re not alone in this crazy journey called motherhood. Keep on pumping, keep on working, and above all, keep on shining!
P.S. Your worth is never measured in ounces and fed is literally always best!
