While nursing my baby girl one morning, I realized my maternity leave was coming to an end. I quickly had to figure out how I was going to keep my supply up (lost of water and oatmeal). Most importantly, how I was going to pump while at work, since I was still nursing. Granted I do have an office, but I am on the road a lot; driving from client office to client office. I had to figure out where to keep my actual pump; the parts that come with pumping and how to keep the milk cool while out on the road. I needed one that worked best for me.
There was some trial and error but I finally got it. I figured out a routine that works best for me and my busy work schedule. Every morning I leave the house with various bags, seriously, my co-workers call me the “bag lady”. I have my purse/MK backpack, my bag that carries my pump and parts, my little black bag that has my ice packs and bottles, and then my work bag which funny enough carries my work items; laptop, note books and paperwork.
Before leaving for work I make sure to nurse my little one, then I start my 3-hour timer from that last nursing session. Once the timer goes off, depending on where I am, I will pump right away. The longest I’ve gone between pumping sessions was 5 hours and boy will I never do that again. If I am at the office then I will post my “Privacy” sign on my office door and pump there.
If I am on the road then I will pump in my car, yes, you heard that right- in my car! Once in my car I will pull into a parking lot and park in a secluded space. I then put up the sun shade (don’t want to give anyone a peep show), plug my pump into the outlet adapter, situate myself and then start the race to see which boob finishes faster! I store the milk in my little, insulated bag with ice packs and continue my adventures of my work day all the while anticipating the next session.
Choosing to pump while working full time is not easy by any means, but i’m happy with my decision and what I’m providing for my daughter.
