The Cow Jumped Over the Moon

This post isn’t what you think. I’m not referring to the popular nursery rhyme. You see, in this scenario the cow is me {how very fitting, right} and the moon is my job.

I’m actually using this to describe my breastfeeding experience as a working mom. Because sometimes I feel like I’m jumping over the moon to continue to breastfeed Brigham!

I’ve been working full-time at my new job for a little over a month now. And let’s just say it hasn’t been easy. Don’t get me wrong, they are supportive of me. But at this point I am still between two offices. So I’m doing a lot of driving. I had to think outside the box because sometimes my drive times would directly coincide with my pumping times. And since I try to pump at the same times each day I figured out I would have to pump while driving. I don’t really know what other choice I have aside from quitting breastfeeding or quitting my job. The latter isn’t an option right now.

So I get all strapped up to my pump before I start my drive. I use a hands-free pumping bra and use this cover over myself so other drivers won’t dial 911 thinking that there’s a flasher on the road. It actually works like a charm. I really don’t know what I would do without the handy bra. I can get so much done while pumping.

Another issue is I don’t have my own office yet. The HR director told me to ask around for an empty locking office. Hmmmm, okay, but as the new employee of a large company most people still don’t know who I am. So if I walk up to some random coworker to ask if I can use an office they end up asking why I need a locking office. Then I have to explain to them that I’m a nursing mom and need to pump. It usually shuts them up real quick. They hand the key over and scurry off.

And how ’bout the innocent man that approached me in the office kitchen to ask what kind of bag I was using while steam cleaning my pump parts. In retrospect I should have just told him it was a special bag for microwaving fish or something. Because when I told him what it really was his face turned three shades of red as he stumbled over himself trying to get away. Why are people so uncomfortable with nursing? I guess it’s just not office-appropriate conversation.

A few of the women I work with have recognized the extra bag that I carry. They have come up to me and asked if it was in fact what they thought it was. When I tell them I’m a nursing mom of an 11-week-old they give me a pat on the back for continuing to breastfeed after going back to work. Or they’ll say something supportive such as, “I know how you feel. I carried that bag for 9 months.” That always makes me feel good. Like there’s a whole group of women out there who understand exactly what I’m doing and why I’m doing it.

If I’m being honest, I will admit that I hate pumping. I truly hate it. It is not convenient at all. But what exactly is convenient about having a baby? Not much. And I figure that if my body is continuing to make so much milk {seriously, sometimes I get 10 oz in one pump session} there is no reason why I shouldn’t offer this source of nutrition to my newborn son.

Also, there’s the fact that I love nursing Brigham. Hang on while I go back and re-read that sentence a few times. Because it’s a sentence that I NEVER thought I would write. Trying to nurse Landon was a nightmare {no offense, Landon}. I just assumed that it would be the same experience this time. But I’m so happy that it’s not.

It proves the fact that all babies are different. Brigham loves nursing! I adore the way he snuggles up to me. His fuzzy little head starts to get sweaty and he makes the cutest sounds. A sound that says, “Hey mom, I am satisfied!” It feels great. And it took us awhile to get here because of my issues in the beginning.

I’m sure most moms wouldn’t agree with me but my favorite time is that 3 a.m. nursing session. The whole house is quiet and Brigham is so warm and sleepy when I lift him out of the bassinet. A lot of times I find myself staring down at him. And I’m smiling. Smiling at 3 a.m. Whodathunk it? It’s our special time together. Just the two of us. The hustle and bustle of the day is at rest and my family is at peace. Perfection.

I know I’m not the only mom having to deal with the stress of pumping at work. I can understand why so many working moms have to stop when they go back. It’s hard work to keep it up! But I’m thrilled to say that I am halfway to my goal of 6 months. I want to breastfeed Brigham for at least 6 months. If we get there and we’re both still enjoying it then we’ll go from there. I’m not going to put any further pressure on myself. I’ve got enough going on! You know, jumping over the moon and all

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