Adventures in Pumping

Going back to work has been exhausting. Having my mom here this week has made it pretty easy, especially since she cooks dinner every night. But when I have to come home and prepare a meal and take care of Noah, it will only get harder. For now, I'm just trying to get through the days. I'm pretty tired because Noah is waking up around midnight and 5:30am every night. I have to be up around 5:00 to make sure I can get ready and take care of him before I have to leave around 7:00. It's quite an adjustment! The absolutely awesome news though is that I will never have to worry about bringing him anywhere in the morning. At the last minute, one of my friends offered to come to my house to watch Noah during the days. She has a 7 month old son and she wants to stay home with him, so we're both really happy with this arrangement. I still can't believe my luck! I'm so, so thankful for this turn of events. I was not thrilled about daycare!

So on to pumping. I have to say it feels really weird, despite total privacy, to undress half-way and hook a machine up to my chest while at work. But I'm sure eventually it will start to feel more normal, or at least more a part of my daily routine. At least I have my own offices in my schools and access to private refrigerators in the nurse's office. Today pumping was especially interesting. My department had a meeting at the Zoo, and I wasn't sure where to pump. In the morning I found a private family restroom and used that. It was quite the experience. They have a speaker system in the bathroom that plays educational information about the pooping habits of various animals. So here I am, pumping milk and listening to a woman's voice telling me that momma kangaroos lick up their baby's poop when they make a mess in mommy's pouch. And that some weird species of animal has poisonous poop, which it then rubs all over its body to keep predators at bay. Fun times! In the afternoon I went to the guest center and asked if there was somewhere else I could pump. A security guard opened up the first aid room for me, which was way nicer (and quieter) than the family restroom. But as I was getting close to finishing, I heard someone trying to get in. I totally freaked out at the thought of a total stranger walking in on me, but luckily they left. Phew. Man, breastfeeding is such a commitment! But all I have to do is look at Noah's sweet face, and it all becomes worth it.

Next week we have our 4 month appointment, and I'm hoping to get the green light to try some solids. Maybe that will help fill him up at bedtime and he can sleep longer for mommy!