In an ideal world, we would have more maternity leave and be celebrated for our commitment to breast milk…
You are dedicated to breastfeeding your baby and are fortunate enough to be able to do so. Pump breaks are forced interruptions to your daily work routine, and you can choose to multi-task while pumping because you feel the pull of work, but permit me to make a suggestion.
To begin with, if you must continue working while pumping, do your arms a favor and purchase a hands-free corset bra or use a hands-free pump.
And here’s another idea: Close your eyes, let the whirring of the pump clear your mind, and allow yourself to check out for a few minutes. You are connecting with your baby throughout the day by giving her the gift of breast milk. And by the way, you are indeed multi-tasking by producing nourishment for your baby while giving yourself a few precious moments of earned solitude.
Our bodies are in “fight or flight” mode most of the time at work, which certainly doesn’t promote oxytocin release (see managing milk supply). Additional suggestion: If you are incapable of instantaneous relaxation, use your iPod and have a playlist of “Instant Downtime” music. At the very least, do not permit yourself to feel guilty about taking time away from the desk.
Working with others who are using your milk supply