In my past six months of pumping I have seen and talked to many pumping mamas who do many things while pumping. In the beginning I did many of these things. They involved:
1. Staring at a photo of my baby
2. Reading a magazine or book - a mini-break
3. Closing my eyes and imaging my milk flowing as I nursed Ari.
You may laugh at these three but they really helped me transition from nursing at home to pumping at work. Then, I got busy....Now I do the following:
1. Talk on conference calls or with the boss
2. Write work emails
3. Eat lunch and snacks
4. Do 1-3 all at the same time AND PUMP
I have always been told I am a good multi-tasker, but I feel like I am taking it to a whole new level. I am one step away of video chatting. For those pumping mamas out there you may wonder if I suddenly grew 6 more arms, really giving new meaning to the word "Octomom." No. Here is how one multi-tasks successfully:
1. Cordless, rechargeable pump. I strap it to my hip so I can walk around.
2. Hands free pumping bra. I love Simple Wishes and have one at home and one at work.
3. A private office (I realize I am lucky). The windows are covered with cardboard.
4. A speaker phone or headset.
5. The ability to not get stressed while doing work so as to not affect the milk flow.
6. A sense of humor - because inevitably with all of these variables something goes awry often (mostly dropping food in my lap).
In fact...I am pumping right now.
Go Mel! As you prob. know I was a pumping manic. I should have been a wet nurse.
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