Before I became a mother, my knowledge about breastfeeding was limited. I had no idea that milk could flow from multiple openings, nor did I understand the challenges of pumping at work. The mere mention of pumping made me tune out. I knew there was a device involved and that working mothers sometimes joked about it on conference calls, but that was about it.
Fast forward to now—I’m officially a mom, and I’ve been navigating the pumping life since returning to work just a month ago. Here are some key takeaways from my experience:
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Milk Spills are Inevitable.
No matter how careful you are, there will be moments when milk finds its way onto your leg. Whether it’s from the pumping bags not sealing perfectly or the chaos of removing the pump from your bra, expect to wear some of your milk. Choose outfits that can conceal these little mishaps. -
Taking Your Top Off is a Thrill.
If you think about it, it’s kind of wild to strip down at work. The first few times, it feels a bit rebellious—like you’re breaking the rules. But after a week, it just becomes a routine, and you’re more concerned about avoiding makeup stains on your shirt. -
Invest in a Hospital-Grade Pump.
If you can, ask your employer to provide one. Standard pumps can cost around $400 (which are often covered by health care regulations), but hospital-grade pumps are around $2,000. The difference? Using one feels like a luxury spa treatment for your breasts. The first time I tried it, I was inspired to text my fellow pumping moms with a jubilant “like butta!”—even to someone I barely knew. -
Sharing a Mini Fridge is Nostalgic.
There’s something reminiscent about sharing a fridge with coworkers. Instead of marking your wine and cheese, you’re labeling your pumped milk. It’s a strange but familiar experience, reminiscent of college days. -
Eating While Pumping is Sad.
Picture this: you’re at your desk, connected to your pump, munching on a sad salad. It’s a whole new level of melancholy—like being a dairy cow grazing on greens while working. -
Pumping is a Get-Out-of-Jail-Free Card.
I haven’t overused this yet, but saying “I need to pump” clears your schedule like magic. It’s a surprising way to get out of meetings or obligations—trust me, people react more strongly to that than a fire alarm! -
Stop Thinking You’re Lucky for a Pumping Room.
Having a designated pumping space should be the standard, not a luxury. It’s baffling that some women have to pump in bathrooms. If you find yourself in one of those situations, speak up and advocate for a proper pumping room. -
“Tits-Out Party Time” is Not the Right Phrase.
I quickly learned that this isn’t an acceptable response when asked where you’re headed. I’ve tried saying “I’m going to express milk” but that also tends to make people uncomfortable. -
Let’s Normalize Pumping at Work.
It might feel odd for everyone, but if we don’t start talking about it, it will remain an awkward topic. The more we discuss pumping, the less strange it becomes. Let’s do our part to make it a normal conversation—after all, it’s part of motherhood.
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In summary, pumping at work is a journey filled with unexpected lessons. From the awkward moments to the very real challenges, embracing this experience can help normalize it for future mothers. Don’t hesitate to share your stories and insights; it makes all the difference.