In a world where the mantra “breast is best” is echoed by health professionals and “I am woman, hear me roar” resonates in society, we find ourselves navigating the complex journey of motherhood. As empowered women, we embark on careers, manage finances, and nurture our families, often balancing it all as single moms. However, when the time comes to welcome a new baby, we suddenly face a daunting question: “How can I breastfeed if I’m away from my baby for 8 to 12 hours a day?”
The reality is that many of us return to work far too soon—often just six weeks post-delivery. We crave more time to bond with our little ones, especially when our bodies are still adjusting, and our babies are waking up frequently through the night. Unfortunately, instead of advocating for better maternity leave options, the system responded with something that felt insufficient: the Right to Pump. Thanks, but no thanks.
I can only share my experience, but leaving my 8-week-old twins in someone else’s care filled me with dread. It was an overwhelming sensation, like a pit in my stomach that wouldn’t go away. Each day felt heavy as I missed my babies, and I could feel that absence deep in my core. Yet, I returned to work because I am not only the breadwinner but also responsible for our family’s health insurance. Taking time off, even for a few weeks, wasn’t an option.
To all the hardworking and pumping moms out there: I see you. I understand that you’re multitasking during breaks, pumping while eating or working, making sure your baby has enough milk for tomorrow. You’re probably wrestling with whether it’s a good time to step away from your desk, worrying about how your colleagues might perceive your need to pump.
You navigate cramped spaces to pump, often while hanging a “do not disturb” sign that someone will inevitably ignore. Alternatively, you might find yourself pumping at your desk, hoping for privacy amidst the workplace bustle. I know you aim to express as much milk as your little one needs, which can feel like a relentless task. Sometimes, you leave work without enough milk, and the guilt can be crushing.
It’s worth noting that these pumping breaks often go unpaid. Your employer might even require you to clock out, extending your already long workday. Just when you think you might catch a break, you find the clock ticking longer until you can finally hold your baby again.
When you announce your need to pump, brace yourself for the comments: “Again?” “How long will you do this?” “Haven’t you weaned yet?” It’s a gauntlet of judgment, all while you just want to do what’s best for your baby. I know that those quiet moments of pumping, where you sneak glances at videos of your little one, provide a bittersweet comfort. You long for hugs and snuggles instead of the pump and the rush of getting back to work.
I understand the exhaustion that comes with juggling work, motherhood, and pumping. The dry shampoo and pumping-friendly outfits become staples of your wardrobe. Coffee is your lifeline, and “You look tired” becomes a common refrain. You deal with the physical challenges of breastfeeding, like mastitis and nipple pain, all while trying to maintain your professionalism—even when you’ve leaked milk through your top or shed tears out of sheer frustration.
This is the reality of being a working mom who breastfeeds, and the question of how to balance careers with feeding our babies often goes unanswered. We wanted solutions, but instead, we were handed a pump and told to get back to work just days after giving birth. In fact, many dogs in the U.S. enjoy better maternity leave policies. Why is it that we, as humans, cannot have the same rights?
For the sake of my children, I hope they never face the dilemma of choosing between their careers and what’s best for their children. We desperately need extended and paid maternity leave. Until that changes, keep on pumping, fellow moms, and let’s continue to support one another on this challenging journey.
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In summary, being a working mother who breastfeeds is no easy task. The struggle for better maternity leave continues, but our resilience as mothers is unyielding. Together, we can advocate for the rights we deserve.