Breastfeeding Resources

I find it fascinating how different women fit breastfeeding into their work. Their personal stories inspire me and help me think creatively about my arrangements. Here’s the specs on a few women I know.

I work in a typical office environment where 8-5 hours are the norm. I asked to have my schedule reduced to not work on Wednesdays, which was accepted readily (ironic, given the months I stressed over asking). I pump in my office. The lock and blinds for the interior window arrived about 6 weeks after I returned to work (in the meantime, a “do not disturb” sign on the door and temporary paper blinds sufficed). I pump three times a day about 3 hours apart, but the schedule varies a lot from day to day depending on my meetings.

Dee’s balance was to breastfeed while at home, and formula feed while she was at work. She wasn't into using a breast pump, especially at work. Work circumstances changed and she ended up quitting after a few months back, and switched back to nursing full time.

Jenny has her own therapy practice. She schedules herself for a few hours a day, and doesn’t pump while at work. Instead, she pumps enough at home between feedings to cover her while she’s gone. She breastfed for five months.

Mary is an independent consultant who frequently works at one company. Her commute is about an hour, and she pumps about four times a day when she’s in the office. She doesn’t have a permanent desk, much less an office, so she pumps in her car with the help of window shades. She listens to a lot of radio. She breastfed for nine months.

Want to hear more stories? Here’s how others creatively combine breastfeeding and working.

• Elizabeth Parise nursed her baby while working in a pottery store.
• Some mothers bring their babies to work with them.
• Cecilia Miller's story includes lots of details about her daily schedule.
• The book Hirkani’s Daughters has stories of breastfeeding working mothers around the world. Each story is 1-3 pages.
• Podcast with Hirkani’s Daughters author Jennifer Hicks