I went back to full-time work, out of the house, when my baby girl was 6 weeks old. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I did my best to make bright what felt grim. I tried to remind myself how proud I was to work and provide a good life for my baby. And I desperately wanted to continue to nurse her if at all possible, but I knew pumping at work could be difficult. I made sure to educate myself on my state’s laws regarding pumping rights in the workplace. You can find information for all states HERE. (spoiler: they all have laws in place to support lactating mothers!). I was lucky to have understanding and supportive co-workers who allowed me time and a small space to call my own. I covered the walls with my favorite printed photos of my little girl, saved video highlights for easy access on my phone, and got to work multitasking by checking emails. After a while, I realized my let-down was slow and my supply seemed low. At first I thought it was an issue with my pump but I soon realized that I was working and stressing too much during my pumping breaks. I had to put the emails on pause, sit back, meditate for a moment, and think of my sweet babe and then the milk would flow! I started writing my little one “love notes” on her bags of milk as a way to focus my mind on her. I loved thinking that her caregivers would see the notes, read them to her as they prepared her bottles, and love her a little more tender for me. I’m back to work again after a quick Summer break, and I’m back to my little pumping shrine, writing more notes for my baby. It continues to help shift my perspective from a would-be chore to a beautiful opportunity to continue to nourish my little girl.
I use these BREAST MILK STORAGE BAGS
I store my pump parts in THESE REUSABLE BAGS.
THIS PUMP BAG is the perfect size for my small pump.
THESE FREEZER PACKS help keep my milk cool BUT….
My favorite thing to chill milk in is my STANLEY ICEFLOW TUMBLER !!
This is the AMAZING PUMP I use. I swear by it and can’t wait to share more of “why” soon!
I use THIS FREEZER STORAGE to keep her milk organized + save space!
