Hanging up my pump & lessons learned

chibipoe

Well it was fun while it lasted...ok that's a lie...anyway. Today was my last day of pumping. It's a little bittersweet but I know it was the right decision to make. I'll still be nursing during the morning and at bedtime so for now it's just the pump. I must say I've really enjoyed having more than 10 minutes to eat my lunch.

So for the benefit of future and currently pumping moms I thought I'd post a few of the lessons I've learned.

1. Get a sign. Put a cow on it. Make it obvious. Even if the room your using locks, even if you think no one will bother you for the next twenty minutes while you expose your breasts to the empty room. Inevitably someone will interrupt you. Nothing ruins a working relationship faster than the sight of your boobs in a set of breast pump cones. A loud knock at your door as your milk is letting down isn't much fun either. 

2. Have not one but two back up pumping locations. How fitting that on my last day pumping not only was my usual pumping room unavailable but so was my backup - I ended up in a changing room in radiology where everyone could listen to the whir of my pump. 

3. Nothing is better than your child at removing plugged ducts. You can spend an entire day at the pump and it won't do what a baby can in 10 minutes. 

4. Nursing tanks and cardigans are the ultimate wardrobe staple for a working mom. Trying to hike everything from the waste up around your chin is a huge PTA! 

5. Learn to pump hands free or with just one hand at the least. You'll need your other hand to read, eat, return emails, etc.

6. It's worth it.

IdahoGirl

I'm so glad you'll be around to guide me through the process of being a pumping, working mom!!!  You've done a fantastic job!!

MissBlush

You lasted far longer than anyone I know who had the kind of challenges you faced. ?Good job! ?

AnnetteWalker

That is all great advise. I decided that I didn't want to pump at work when I went back. So I BF in the am and when I get home only. I have to pump somtimes in the evening if Daycare has fed him right before I pick him up.

Your a great Mommy for making it this long.

jodynjames2005

You did a great job! I just stopped pumping, too. It's emotional.

applecider

Congrats on pumping for 9 months!  I think I'm going to scope out back-up rooms at work this week.  I can totally see myself ending up in the ladies room.