Hey there, đź‘‹

I’m here to share some real stories of courageous working mothers who have been able to balance their career and motherhood by pumping at work. Breastfeeding is essential to the growth and development of a newborn. However, when the new mother resumes work, it may be challenging to continue with the breastfeeding schedule. But with the help of a breast pump, mothers can efficiently express their milk while at work.

Here are some real-life stories shared by working mothers who pump at work.

Story 1: The Challenges of Pumping at Work

One of my colleagues, let’s call her Jane, is a working mother who breastfeeds her newborn. She had to resume work when her baby was six months old. Jane was looking forward to continuing with her breastfeeding journey by pumping her milk while at work. However, upon resumption, she discovered that her workplace had no breastfeeding room or designated area for nursing mothers.

Jane had to express her milk in the restroom, which was not only uncomfortable but also unhygienic. She often felt embarrassed when her colleagues walked in on her while she was expressing her milk. But with the help of her supportive boss, she was able to request for a designated breastfeeding area in the company and get the necessary permission to use it.

A working mother expressing breastmilk in a restroom

Story 2: The Importance of a Supportive Manager

My friend, let’s call her Maria, is a working mother who enjoys the support of her boss. Maria’s boss understands the significance of breastfeeding and the benefits it has on the growth and development of a newborn. Her boss always provides her with an opportunity during the day to express her milk.

Maria also enjoys the support of her colleagues, who have never made her feel uncomfortable or embarrassed while expressing her milk. Additionally, her employer provides a designated room with adequate equipment and storage facilities to enable nursing mothers to express their milk effectively.

A breastfeeding mother in a designated breastfeeding room provided by the employer

Story 3: A Flexible Schedule Enables Bonding with Baby

One of my colleagues, let’s call her Karen, is a working mother who is fortunate to have a flexible schedule that allows her to spend more time with her baby. Karen works part-time and chooses to express her milk during her lunch break or after work when she has returned home. This enables her to connect more with her baby and enjoy the breastfeeding journey.

Some companies allow nursing mothers to work flexibly, which could be the difference between expressing milk adequately or not.

A mother bonding with her baby

Story 4: Supportive Colleagues Can Make a Difference

One of my colleagues, let’s call her Sarah, expressed her milk at work and shares this unique story. She works in a male-dominated industry and was worried about how her colleagues would respond to her pumping routine. However, Sarah’s colleagues were understanding and supportive throughout her breastfeeding journey.

They even provided her with a private area in the office where she could express her milk. This positive experience allowed her to continue her breastfeeding journey until her baby was a year old.

A mother expressing her milk with the support of her colleagues

Tips

đź‘Ť Many companies now allow nursing mothers to take paid breaks to express milk while at work.

đź‘Ť Before resuming work, new mothers should check if their workplace has a designated pumping area or find out the official company policy on breastfeeding.

đź‘Ť A flexible schedule can allow mothers to spend more time with their baby while still maintaining their work responsibilities.

👍 Support from colleagues and employers can make a significant difference in a working mother’s ability to breastfeed.

Breastfeeding is a crucial part of a child’s growth and development. Working mothers who pump milk at work deserve our support and understanding. It’s not an easy feat, but with the right support system and policies, it’s possible to continue the breastfeeding journey and enjoy a successful career.

A mother pumping at work amidst her busy schedule

That’s it from me today, 👋 Hope you learned so much from these real-life stories of working mothers who pump at work!