Standing in my living room the other day, Ginny walked up to me with my keys. She handed them to me and said, "Bye bye, Mommy!" She thought I was leaving. In reality, I had gotten home about an hour earlier and was only getting up to help Charlie with something, not leave. She had a point though; I haven't been home much lately. Late meetings, late events, weekends traveling for work or something going on. It needs to be done, but the guilt. Oh, the guilt!
I'm away right now actually, at a conference for work. Jeff can't get FaceTime to work, so I'm left with a text letting me know that the kids have been asking for me all day. Crushed.
It comes and goes, the guilt. The guilt, knowing that I love my job and the people I work with and would do anything if it meant their success.....balanced with the fact that I should probably be home once in a freaking while to put my kids to bed, help with dinner, or play outside before it gets dark. As the busy times at work come and go, proportionally, so does the amount of time I am at home (and the time I have to blog - sorry, friends). I've been doing what I'm doing for several years now and the ebb and flow of chaos isn't new to me. I don't know what it is, but the past few months have been rougher than the typical schedule predicted. Maybe it's stress about Jeff's job search, maybe it's stress about Charlie's still mysterious immune system problem, maybe it's 100 other things. Maybe it's that every time I come home, the kids run to me screaming my name like it's been a year since they've seen me. Maybe it's how they cry and ask why I'm "leaving again" when I eat a quick dinner then head back out to a meeting.
I've read enough HuffPo Parenting articles to know that it's not the end of the world, my kids still love me, and that I'm not the only working parent out there who deals with this. I also recognize that at least I get to GO home in between (hey all you deployed military parents out there doing the real hard work). It still sucks. Not the most poetic word to describe it, but it's the best one I can muster at the moment. It sucks. I feel guilty when I'm at work, I feel guilty when I'm at home. I want to be in two places at once, fulfilling two identities; two pieces of myself.
I keep waiting for the magical time when I have it all figured out, but I know it's not as easy as that. It is what it is and I just need to make the best of it. For now, I'm bringing home a big stuffed (Finding) Nemo that I got from the conference as a peace offering to my children. They'll love it, hug me, and life will go on. We'll play all day, then Monday I'm back to work. It's getting to the time of year where things will slow down for a while, meaning fewer events and more time at home. They don't care either way - they're happy for the time we have together, miss me when I'm gone, and celebrate when I return. I just wish I could keep things that simple. It's amazing how wise even the littlest ones are about life and how to live it.
Showing posts with label Working Mom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Working Mom. Show all posts
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Mommy Goes Back to School with Speck!
**This post was sponsored by Speck and contains links to their products and media outlets. The products being reviewed were provided to me by Speck free of cost. All opinions are 100% my own and I do not review products that I don't believe in or use myself.**
No, I'm not taking classes, but working in the education world it means I "go back to school" too. The truth is, August and September are rough on my sanity, my time....and my electronics. I am constantly on the go, in and out of meetings and trainings, and putting a lot of miles on my MacBook and cell phone. Let's put it this way, there were a few days in there where I got over 100 phone calls (dropping my phone at least four times while trying to answer it) and killed my Mac book air battery at least twice a day, getting coffee on it (while closed) at least once. How do they survive my abuse?
While at Blogger Bash back in July, I chatted with the reps from Speck and learned a lot about their products. Haven't heard of Speck? They make tough cases for your electronic devices in super fun prints and colors that actually protect your stuff from life!
So, teachers, students, administrators - let's celebrate back to school and having to haul our crap to and from work/class with a giveaway from Speck!
If you have ever owned a MacBook you that they are, erm...an investment. It comes with a pretty tough case, but no one likes dings, dents, and scratches on their $1K+ anything. When given the option, I chose this gorgeous pink (of course) SeeThru case from Speck's website. Aside from having several beautiful colors to choose from, Speck has cases for all current MacBook models and several tablets (including iPad). Made from durable polycarbonate plastic, these cases mean business...while still looking pretty!
As with any case, it's a good idea to remove it now and then to clean out any debris that naturally would get between the product and case while you're on the go. With some other cases I've tried, this can be a huge chore; prying off multiple layers and trying to snap things off and on without breaking it. At no point did I feel like this case was going to break as I put it on and took it off. In under 30 seconds, I lined up the two case pieces and snapped them on. It's also sturdy, sitting on four rubber feet which keep it from tipping when you open it when one hand.
I have gotten a ton of compliments about this case; the vibrant color, how sleek it looks, etc. This case (the color is called Raspberry) is to die for - it's so bright and beautiful. It's a bit hard to photograph because it's so shiny, but trust me on this one.
My laptop goes everywhere with me. To and from work, on trips, and is often within reach of the kids. While no case smaller than a life raft will protect from catastrophic damage, this case is exactly what I need to protect it from the bumps, drips, scrapes, and scuffs of every day life without adding weight and bulk or making it ugly.
I bought a MacBook Air for a reason and don't want to weigh it down with a heavy rubber and plastic monstrosity.
My favorite things about this case...
The thing I like most about this phone case is that it has the benefits of the dual layer rubber/plastic combo for shock protection, but it's one piece. No pulling the two layers apart and getting them to realign juuuuust right. Pop it on, pop it off. I'll never go back to the-brand-who-will-not-be-named.
Now this phone, I've dropped it. Like, a lot. Between the kids and my own butter fingers, I've had my share of mini-panic attacks as my phone has bounced to the ground and cartwheeled across the parking lot. This case can take it. Plus, just like the MacBook case, it provides serious protection without being heavy or bulky. Phones are made to fit in your hand a certain way and unless you're on a construction site or driving a tank, adding a huge, bulky case does you no favors.
Speck cases are available at a variety of stores making them easy to shop for both online and in person. You can find cases for your tech at Target, Best Buy, Apple, Verizon, T Mobile, Telus, Rogers, REI, and many more!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
So, teachers, students, administrators - let's celebrate back to school and having to haul our crap to and from work/class with a giveaway from Speck!
If you have ever owned a MacBook you that they are, erm...an investment. It comes with a pretty tough case, but no one likes dings, dents, and scratches on their $1K+ anything. When given the option, I chose this gorgeous pink (of course) SeeThru case from Speck's website. Aside from having several beautiful colors to choose from, Speck has cases for all current MacBook models and several tablets (including iPad). Made from durable polycarbonate plastic, these cases mean business...while still looking pretty!
 |
| Party in the front, y'all. |
As with any case, it's a good idea to remove it now and then to clean out any debris that naturally would get between the product and case while you're on the go. With some other cases I've tried, this can be a huge chore; prying off multiple layers and trying to snap things off and on without breaking it. At no point did I feel like this case was going to break as I put it on and took it off. In under 30 seconds, I lined up the two case pieces and snapped them on. It's also sturdy, sitting on four rubber feet which keep it from tipping when you open it when one hand.
 |
| Please note, the Little Mermaid is a sticker on my computer, NOT part of the case! |
I have gotten a ton of compliments about this case; the vibrant color, how sleek it looks, etc. This case (the color is called Raspberry) is to die for - it's so bright and beautiful. It's a bit hard to photograph because it's so shiny, but trust me on this one.
My laptop goes everywhere with me. To and from work, on trips, and is often within reach of the kids. While no case smaller than a life raft will protect from catastrophic damage, this case is exactly what I need to protect it from the bumps, drips, scrapes, and scuffs of every day life without adding weight and bulk or making it ugly.I bought a MacBook Air for a reason and don't want to weigh it down with a heavy rubber and plastic monstrosity.
My favorite things about this case...
- Fantastic colors to choose from.
- Chances are, they have a case for your technology and needs.
- Super nice customer service.
- Protects my computer from everyday abuse without adding weight or bulk.
- Easy to use and easy to clean.
The other case I had the privilege of reviewing is the Speck CandyShell Case for the Samsung Galaxy SIII. I know, I know, the SIII isn't exactly a new piece of technology, but don't worry, there are a huge variety of cases available from ones that hold credit cards and money to ones that actually amplify your music!
The thing I like most about this phone case is that it has the benefits of the dual layer rubber/plastic combo for shock protection, but it's one piece. No pulling the two layers apart and getting them to realign juuuuust right. Pop it on, pop it off. I'll never go back to the-brand-who-will-not-be-named.
Now this phone, I've dropped it. Like, a lot. Between the kids and my own butter fingers, I've had my share of mini-panic attacks as my phone has bounced to the ground and cartwheeled across the parking lot. This case can take it. Plus, just like the MacBook case, it provides serious protection without being heavy or bulky. Phones are made to fit in your hand a certain way and unless you're on a construction site or driving a tank, adding a huge, bulky case does you no favors.
Speck cases are available at a variety of stores making them easy to shop for both online and in person. You can find cases for your tech at Target, Best Buy, Apple, Verizon, T Mobile, Telus, Rogers, REI, and many more!
Want to win a Speck case of your choice? If you can choose between them that is...
Of course you do! Check out the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
No Wonder I'm Stressed
A few weeks ago, I got sick for the first time in a looong time. Probably since being pregnant with Ginny. I got full on, want to claw my throat out strep. Ugh. I don't know how kids deal with this kind of illness - I wanted to jump off a bridge. I have no idea if its related or I'm just using it as a timeline, but since then, seemingly out of nowhere, I've been getting this weird fluttering feeling in my chest.
Now, the hypochondriac in me has been fighting the urge to call on Dr. Google to diagnose, but so far I've held out. The thing I don't get is that it's not pain, it was just fluttering. I was able to run that 10K without a problem, so it can't possibly be my heart, right? For three weeks I chalked it up to stress. After all, things are....stressful. It's the busy season at work, Jeff still doesn't have a job, figuring out all the stuff with Ginny's doctors....it's been a tad hard on the emotions. The past few days, however, these flutters have been accompanied by a headache and a weird nausea that only lasts as long as the flutters. And at that point I called my doctor.
She checked me out and said my heart sounded fine, but wanted me to do 24 hours on a Holter monitor just to be safe. Alright, I can get behind that. She also told me that she wanted to do blood work to check my thyroid. I explained that the other doctor had checked it back in the winter (when I was dead tired all the time, like 1st trimester level of tired) and said it was fine. After double checking it, she said that it was technically fine, but that my T3 and T4 levels were one point above the bottom of the range and should have been followed up on. Oh, well that's nice to know! So between the flutters, fatigue, difficult weight loss, and a few weird hormone things, it could be my thyroid. OR I could just be crazy. At least I know it's one of those options. Updates to come, I suppose.
My doctor's appointment was not the only one yesterday. Charlie also went to the pediatrician, this time for his eyes. We've noticed him squinting at things and one eye drifting a little when he looks over his shoulder. Not sure what's going on, but he was referred to a specialist to figure it out. So, between his immunology referral and this eye referral on top of Ginny's urology referral, let's just say the referral coordinator at the pediatrician and I are on a first name basis. :-/ At least my insurance is accommodating these requests, right? There's always a bright side.
In the meantime, there's lots of waiting for appointments and test results. At least everyone is (relatively) healthy in the meantime.
Now, the hypochondriac in me has been fighting the urge to call on Dr. Google to diagnose, but so far I've held out. The thing I don't get is that it's not pain, it was just fluttering. I was able to run that 10K without a problem, so it can't possibly be my heart, right? For three weeks I chalked it up to stress. After all, things are....stressful. It's the busy season at work, Jeff still doesn't have a job, figuring out all the stuff with Ginny's doctors....it's been a tad hard on the emotions. The past few days, however, these flutters have been accompanied by a headache and a weird nausea that only lasts as long as the flutters. And at that point I called my doctor.
She checked me out and said my heart sounded fine, but wanted me to do 24 hours on a Holter monitor just to be safe. Alright, I can get behind that. She also told me that she wanted to do blood work to check my thyroid. I explained that the other doctor had checked it back in the winter (when I was dead tired all the time, like 1st trimester level of tired) and said it was fine. After double checking it, she said that it was technically fine, but that my T3 and T4 levels were one point above the bottom of the range and should have been followed up on. Oh, well that's nice to know! So between the flutters, fatigue, difficult weight loss, and a few weird hormone things, it could be my thyroid. OR I could just be crazy. At least I know it's one of those options. Updates to come, I suppose.
My doctor's appointment was not the only one yesterday. Charlie also went to the pediatrician, this time for his eyes. We've noticed him squinting at things and one eye drifting a little when he looks over his shoulder. Not sure what's going on, but he was referred to a specialist to figure it out. So, between his immunology referral and this eye referral on top of Ginny's urology referral, let's just say the referral coordinator at the pediatrician and I are on a first name basis. :-/ At least my insurance is accommodating these requests, right? There's always a bright side.
In the meantime, there's lots of waiting for appointments and test results. At least everyone is (relatively) healthy in the meantime.
Friday, August 22, 2014
August Stole My Blog
I'm sitting at my kitchen table having gotten home from work on time for the first night in weeks. Working in the education realm, August is by far our busiest month with all of the training and prepping before the students return. This makes for a crappy blog turn out every single year. No really, if I pull up my stats for the past few years, my blog takes a dive for about 3 weeks every single August. I really need to hire a late summer ghost writer...
Don't get me wrong, I love my job and I love this time of year - it's what I live for! BUT it also means that I've hardly seen my family, am most likely eating too much junk food on the go, and haven't had time to blog about, well, anything.
August 1st was a big day for me; a big shitty day. It was the 15th anniversary of my Mother's death. Since I was 15 years old when she passed away, it meant that on August 2nd, I had officially lived longer without her than with her. Talk about a heavy realization. A lot happens in the first 15 years of your life, but so, so much more happens after that; all things I haven't been able to share with her. I read this Huff Po article a few years ago, knowing this day would come. Well, it came and went.
Death is such a horrible thing. Just when you think you're at peace with it, you get a slap of reality that reminds you that you'll never be at peace with it. There's no possible way to be. I knew this time of my life would come, but it's such a strange realization to have none the less.
Luckily for me, August kept rolling whether I liked it or not and was a welcomed distraction. While I was out working my tail off, Jeff has been home with the kids trying desperately to find a job. Unfortunately, he's also in education and there are zero jobs in this area right now. The ones that have opened up have been met with hundreds (not an exaggeration) of applications. Other jobs in the area either retail (pay too little to pay for full time daycare), require significant additional education, or are driving a tractor trailer, which would take him away from home too much for my work schedule. For now, he's going to be a SAHD with the kids, but thankfully we'll still be able to afford to send Charlie to preschool.
Speaking of preschool, Charlie starts on Monday! How is this possible?! All next week I'll be posting about how we've been preparing, his first day, and a whole bunch of good educational type stuff.
I also have a ridiculous number of amazing reviews coming up as a result of Blogger Bash that I can't wait to share. So, consider this an apology; an annual apology. August stole my blog once again this year. Stay tuned - I promise I'm not disappearing again.....at least until next August.
Don't get me wrong, I love my job and I love this time of year - it's what I live for! BUT it also means that I've hardly seen my family, am most likely eating too much junk food on the go, and haven't had time to blog about, well, anything.
August 1st was a big day for me; a big shitty day. It was the 15th anniversary of my Mother's death. Since I was 15 years old when she passed away, it meant that on August 2nd, I had officially lived longer without her than with her. Talk about a heavy realization. A lot happens in the first 15 years of your life, but so, so much more happens after that; all things I haven't been able to share with her. I read this Huff Po article a few years ago, knowing this day would come. Well, it came and went.
Death is such a horrible thing. Just when you think you're at peace with it, you get a slap of reality that reminds you that you'll never be at peace with it. There's no possible way to be. I knew this time of my life would come, but it's such a strange realization to have none the less.
Luckily for me, August kept rolling whether I liked it or not and was a welcomed distraction. While I was out working my tail off, Jeff has been home with the kids trying desperately to find a job. Unfortunately, he's also in education and there are zero jobs in this area right now. The ones that have opened up have been met with hundreds (not an exaggeration) of applications. Other jobs in the area either retail (pay too little to pay for full time daycare), require significant additional education, or are driving a tractor trailer, which would take him away from home too much for my work schedule. For now, he's going to be a SAHD with the kids, but thankfully we'll still be able to afford to send Charlie to preschool.
Speaking of preschool, Charlie starts on Monday! How is this possible?! All next week I'll be posting about how we've been preparing, his first day, and a whole bunch of good educational type stuff.
I also have a ridiculous number of amazing reviews coming up as a result of Blogger Bash that I can't wait to share. So, consider this an apology; an annual apology. August stole my blog once again this year. Stay tuned - I promise I'm not disappearing again.....at least until next August.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Back to the Grindstone: Pumping at Work
Well, hello there old friend. We meet again.
After I had C, I went back to work after about 12 weeks and though I had been pumping every now and then since he was born, work was a whole new adventure. I was no longer about pumping in case we went out to dinner and needed to leave milk with a sitter; I needed to pump so he could eat the next day. No stress or anything. Thankfully, I had an understanding employer and a pumping friendly work setting. I was able to pump and bring C breast milk for about 5 months before he weaned. I hope that my experience last time can help me breastfeed even longer this time around!
Brought to you via trial and error (and tears, spilled milk, and one ruined keyboard), here are my favorite tips and tricks for pumping at work.
Bringing the Basics
Your pump is the obvious #1 on this list. If you plan on pumping while working full time, make sure its a good double electric pump that is made to handle the work load. I have a Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump with On the Go Tote
. This thing is a work horse and I'll be able to use it again this time around. There are several brands that make pumps hearty enough for full time use - ask around and do your research. Check with your insurance company to see whether they will help with the cost, but even if they won't - YES they are worth the money.
Your pump will most likely come with a cooler bag, but I like bringing something separate with more space. Other basics include flanges, connectors, tubing, storage bottles, and covers.
Point A to Point B
With all the stuff that goes into pumping, you need to figure out how to carry it around discreetly. Absolutely no need to be ashamed, but even the most confident breastfeeding Mom would probably rather not advertise at work that her "purse" is actually a breast pump. The version of the Pump in Style Advance (PISA) that I have comes in a sleek tote bag that I've gotten several compliments on and carried at work, professional conferences, and during job interviews. The pump motor is also removable so I could put it in different bag if I wanted to. The tote has plenty of room for everything I need to pump and for work, so I just use it as a purse.
This time around, I'm forgoing the tiny cooler bag that comes with the pump and am carrying the Lunch Break Thermal by My 31 as my cooler bag. There is plenty of room for everything and then some - including my lunch. This also means I have room in my pump bag for the items that would be in my purse cutting my stuff to carry from three bags (purse, pump, lunch bag) to two.
So You Forgot Your _______
At some point during your pump at work journey, you WILL have that moment where you forget something important. Hopefully, its not your entire pump (yes, I did that once). Forgetting a few pieces here and there sucks, but its normal. You just need to get creative!
I asked a bunch of Moms what their in a pinch solutions were and the most popular answer was Ziploc baggies. You can pump into them or use them with a rubber band as a bottle cover. They're easier to come across than milk storage bags in a work setting and work just fine.
What if you forget your cooler bag or icepack? If you can't get your hands on a fridge or baggie of ice, milk can safely remain at room temperature (61-79 degrees) for around 4-8 hours, depending on the temp of the room. Depending on your shift and when you pump, this may work for you. Here are more guidelines for storing breast milk from KellyMom.com.
Now lets say you do forget your pump or an important piece like flanges or connectors. If not, you may need to just hand express that day and write yourself a huge reminder Post-it for the future. Its not fun, but neither is being engorged for 8 hours.
Back Up Supplies
An easy way to avoid the panic of forgetting something important is to keep a stash of supplies in your car or desk. I always kept two bottles with caps, extra flanges, breast pads, baby wipes, and a few sample size packs of lanolin.
Another situation to be prepared for is pump/electricity failure. Its 9am and you're settling in for your first session and the power goes out. What do you do?! This has actually happened to me twice. Maybe I'm just lucky! Having a manual pump, battery pack, or car adapter will save the day....and your boobs.
General Tips
Nothing makes you want to go "moo" more than pumping. Its not relaxing or fun. Unfortunately, stress can seriously affect your supply. While its not always easy, try to create a relaxing environment wherever you pump, whether its an office, a storage room, a break room, or your car. If you have the luxury of pumping at your desk, shut your door and take advantage of the time to get things done uninterrupted. Its a great time to clean out your inbox!
Worried someone will bust on into your office mid pump? Get a rubber wedge door stop and kick it into the back of your door. It'll slow someone down enough to call out - even if they have a key.
Having supply issues while you're at work? Make sure your pump is in working order, drink lots of water, have a snack, and look at your little one. A cuddly baby is going to elicit a different response than a motor; pictures and videos of your baby can help relax you and get things going.
Keep your sessions as efficient as possible by not washing pump parts. I wipe out the flanges with a tissue and put the connectors, unwashed, in a wet bag in my cooler. The milk on them stays cold and they can be used again the next time. I wash everything when I get home. Not washing saves valuable time, especially if you're pumping during short breaks.
If you have a work wide Outlook calendar, mark off time so people know not to bother you (and that you're not just MIA). I simply write "Hold." Some people know what it means, some don't, but it helps me stay on schedule and not miss a session.
Keeping an extra power cord at work plugged in under your desk makes it easy to plug in go instead of crawling under your desk every day. Took me hitting my head several times under my desk to think of this one. Must have knocked something loose!
Resources and Links
Hands free pumping trick
Breast milk storage guidelines
US Department of Labor: Break Time for Nursing Mothers under FLSA
Breastfeedinglaw.com
LLLI: Breastfeeding and the Law
WorkandPump.com
After I had C, I went back to work after about 12 weeks and though I had been pumping every now and then since he was born, work was a whole new adventure. I was no longer about pumping in case we went out to dinner and needed to leave milk with a sitter; I needed to pump so he could eat the next day. No stress or anything. Thankfully, I had an understanding employer and a pumping friendly work setting. I was able to pump and bring C breast milk for about 5 months before he weaned. I hope that my experience last time can help me breastfeed even longer this time around!
Brought to you via trial and error (and tears, spilled milk, and one ruined keyboard), here are my favorite tips and tricks for pumping at work.
Bringing the Basics
Your pump is the obvious #1 on this list. If you plan on pumping while working full time, make sure its a good double electric pump that is made to handle the work load. I have a Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump with On the Go Tote
. This thing is a work horse and I'll be able to use it again this time around. There are several brands that make pumps hearty enough for full time use - ask around and do your research. Check with your insurance company to see whether they will help with the cost, but even if they won't - YES they are worth the money.Your pump will most likely come with a cooler bag, but I like bringing something separate with more space. Other basics include flanges, connectors, tubing, storage bottles, and covers.
Point A to Point B
With all the stuff that goes into pumping, you need to figure out how to carry it around discreetly. Absolutely no need to be ashamed, but even the most confident breastfeeding Mom would probably rather not advertise at work that her "purse" is actually a breast pump. The version of the Pump in Style Advance (PISA) that I have comes in a sleek tote bag that I've gotten several compliments on and carried at work, professional conferences, and during job interviews. The pump motor is also removable so I could put it in different bag if I wanted to. The tote has plenty of room for everything I need to pump and for work, so I just use it as a purse.
This time around, I'm forgoing the tiny cooler bag that comes with the pump and am carrying the Lunch Break Thermal by My 31 as my cooler bag. There is plenty of room for everything and then some - including my lunch. This also means I have room in my pump bag for the items that would be in my purse cutting my stuff to carry from three bags (purse, pump, lunch bag) to two.
So You Forgot Your _______
At some point during your pump at work journey, you WILL have that moment where you forget something important. Hopefully, its not your entire pump (yes, I did that once). Forgetting a few pieces here and there sucks, but its normal. You just need to get creative!
I asked a bunch of Moms what their in a pinch solutions were and the most popular answer was Ziploc baggies. You can pump into them or use them with a rubber band as a bottle cover. They're easier to come across than milk storage bags in a work setting and work just fine.
What if you forget your cooler bag or icepack? If you can't get your hands on a fridge or baggie of ice, milk can safely remain at room temperature (61-79 degrees) for around 4-8 hours, depending on the temp of the room. Depending on your shift and when you pump, this may work for you. Here are more guidelines for storing breast milk from KellyMom.com.
Now lets say you do forget your pump or an important piece like flanges or connectors. If not, you may need to just hand express that day and write yourself a huge reminder Post-it for the future. Its not fun, but neither is being engorged for 8 hours.
Back Up Supplies
An easy way to avoid the panic of forgetting something important is to keep a stash of supplies in your car or desk. I always kept two bottles with caps, extra flanges, breast pads, baby wipes, and a few sample size packs of lanolin.
Another situation to be prepared for is pump/electricity failure. Its 9am and you're settling in for your first session and the power goes out. What do you do?! This has actually happened to me twice. Maybe I'm just lucky! Having a manual pump, battery pack, or car adapter will save the day....and your boobs.
General Tips
Nothing makes you want to go "moo" more than pumping. Its not relaxing or fun. Unfortunately, stress can seriously affect your supply. While its not always easy, try to create a relaxing environment wherever you pump, whether its an office, a storage room, a break room, or your car. If you have the luxury of pumping at your desk, shut your door and take advantage of the time to get things done uninterrupted. Its a great time to clean out your inbox!
Worried someone will bust on into your office mid pump? Get a rubber wedge door stop and kick it into the back of your door. It'll slow someone down enough to call out - even if they have a key.
Having supply issues while you're at work? Make sure your pump is in working order, drink lots of water, have a snack, and look at your little one. A cuddly baby is going to elicit a different response than a motor; pictures and videos of your baby can help relax you and get things going.
Keep your sessions as efficient as possible by not washing pump parts. I wipe out the flanges with a tissue and put the connectors, unwashed, in a wet bag in my cooler. The milk on them stays cold and they can be used again the next time. I wash everything when I get home. Not washing saves valuable time, especially if you're pumping during short breaks.
If you have a work wide Outlook calendar, mark off time so people know not to bother you (and that you're not just MIA). I simply write "Hold." Some people know what it means, some don't, but it helps me stay on schedule and not miss a session.
Keeping an extra power cord at work plugged in under your desk makes it easy to plug in go instead of crawling under your desk every day. Took me hitting my head several times under my desk to think of this one. Must have knocked something loose!
Resources and Links
Hands free pumping trick
Breast milk storage guidelines
US Department of Labor: Break Time for Nursing Mothers under FLSA
Breastfeedinglaw.com
LLLI: Breastfeeding and the Law
WorkandPump.com
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Back to Work!
Though the official start of summer was only a few days ago, living on an academic calendar means our summer started back in May. It also means that we're almost halfway through since "summer" ends in mid-August. All that being said, I'm back at work and the summer is flying by. Does the lack of posting make sense now?
Though its been busy and my time with the kids has been reduced, I am happy to be back at work. Don't get me wrong, I obviously adore my family and cherish every second with them, but I also really love my job and missed it quite a bit. I started out slow to help the transition - my first week, I worked three part time days, the next week I was back full time, but have been coming home for lunch everyday. One of my biggest fears was that my milk supply would tank when I went back to work, so being able to come home for lunch to nurse G has helped tremendously.
I started pumping a few weeks ago in anticipation of going back to work and though I wasn't thrilled about pumping again, it was nice to have a buffer of milk in the freezer. My supply has always been on the high side, but there are worse problems to have. So far the whole working and pumping thing is going well, but I'm fully aware it could change at anytime. No reason to stress though - today my supply is good, G is nursing well, and that's all I can ask for.
Last week, C began going to a new daycare and he loves it! He and G will attend full time in August when J goes back to work. For now, however, he's going part time just to get out of the house and socialize. Plus, it means J can get some one on one bonding time with G.
Otherwise, G is happy and growing like a weed, C is doing great with the potty training and has been chattering up a storm, and J is applying to every teaching job he can get his hands on in hopes of getting a full time position somewhere for the fall. The weather is beautiful, our garden is growing, and life is good.
I'm hoping once I get back into the swing of things with work and being a full time working Mom, I can post more. There are so many posts I've started, but never finished due to lack of time. I love blogging, but sometimes it just falls to the back burner. Besides, if it weren't for my family, what would I write about? ;-)
Though its been busy and my time with the kids has been reduced, I am happy to be back at work. Don't get me wrong, I obviously adore my family and cherish every second with them, but I also really love my job and missed it quite a bit. I started out slow to help the transition - my first week, I worked three part time days, the next week I was back full time, but have been coming home for lunch everyday. One of my biggest fears was that my milk supply would tank when I went back to work, so being able to come home for lunch to nurse G has helped tremendously.I started pumping a few weeks ago in anticipation of going back to work and though I wasn't thrilled about pumping again, it was nice to have a buffer of milk in the freezer. My supply has always been on the high side, but there are worse problems to have. So far the whole working and pumping thing is going well, but I'm fully aware it could change at anytime. No reason to stress though - today my supply is good, G is nursing well, and that's all I can ask for.
Last week, C began going to a new daycare and he loves it! He and G will attend full time in August when J goes back to work. For now, however, he's going part time just to get out of the house and socialize. Plus, it means J can get some one on one bonding time with G.Otherwise, G is happy and growing like a weed, C is doing great with the potty training and has been chattering up a storm, and J is applying to every teaching job he can get his hands on in hopes of getting a full time position somewhere for the fall. The weather is beautiful, our garden is growing, and life is good.
I'm hoping once I get back into the swing of things with work and being a full time working Mom, I can post more. There are so many posts I've started, but never finished due to lack of time. I love blogging, but sometimes it just falls to the back burner. Besides, if it weren't for my family, what would I write about? ;-)
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