First Day Back at Work

[LyndsayMW]

So I am, admittedly, quite emotional today - it is my first day back at work since my son was born, and I am still working out the logistics... but I wonder if I am being selfish. I need advice.

I am lucky enough to work directly across the street from my home. My husband was just laid off of his job last week, but we were planning to have a babysitter/nanny come into our home to watch the baby while I work - DH has taken on that role until he finds a job.

Here is my question: I want to breastfeed exclusively, and thusly I have not pumped very much. I didn't even bother to get an electric pump - I have used a manual. My son has never taken a bottle. I thought that when I returned to work, either I could run home or my babysitter (DH at this point) could bring him to me for a meal. This is, obviously, a hassle for everyone involved. My boss is really very flexible and doesn't (*seem to*) mind either... quite frankly, I have to think that it takes just as much time out of the day for the baby to eat straight from the tap as it would to pump. I work in the office 6-8 hours a day Monday-Thursday. While I was on leave, I couldn't imagine doing this any other way... but I can see the flaws now.

It is only day one, but I can see that it would be far easier for DH to give DS a bottle of pumped milk. Am I being selfish and stupid for not wanting to pump/use bottles? I haven't done any research on what pump or bottles to get... I just don't want to do it. DH is willing to defer to whatever I decide, but of course, I want to make things easier for him too. What do you think?

Maybe I just need to be talked down on a very emotional day... I don't know.

[dislocator3972]

I'm lucky to be in a similar work situation. I've found it helpful to have a pump and a few bottles on hand, because sometimes I'm on a roll and just can't/don't want to stop when my daughter is hungry. Most of the time, DH just brings her to me to eat or lets me know when she's starting to act hungry, and I go feed her as soon as I'm at a good breaking point.

I didn't mind a manual pump when I was travelling, but I prefer a good electric pump at home. I got a used pump on Craigslist and got new tubing/shields/etc. Some people aren't comfortable with that, I was/am.

I don't think you're being selfish for not wanting to pump - it can be a real pain. Plus, going 6-8 hours without seeing your LO is just hard, and those few moments of nursing are wonderful. If you want to continue breastfeeding and DH is willing to bring the babe, then go for it. But a pump (even the manual one) and a bottle or two aren't a bad idea to have around as an option. Maybe there will be a rainy day when you'd rather run the milk home than have DH bring the baby out, maybe you'll have a deadline coming up, who knows. You don't have to commit to only one or the other.

[belltree]

Pumping would take quite a while, I'd think even longer than running across the street, feeding your baby 10min and going back to work.

Just be aware, that some babes don't take bottles.

[Ambishop19]

I don't think you're selfish at all. If my work were right across the street, I'd probably do the same thing. And like belltree mentioned, setting up the pump, pumping and then the clean-up after would take just as long. I guess it depends on how long your baby usually nurses each session, but one thing to keep in mind is that nursing sessions tend to get short as babes get older- at least that has been my experience.

[slimkins]

I don't think you are being selfish at all, but I would maybe consider your husband as well (if he has a preference). I think dislocator3972 was also right with it wouldn't hurt because you never know what will come up. I work three days a week and pump. It can be a pain but it is doable. I do have two electric pumps. There have been times where I used both pumps at the same time and would get around 9 ounces in maybe 10-15 minutes. It might even be convenient for your DH to do one of the feedings and you do the others. Either way, it is your choice, so, do what feels right, but I am always more comfortable with options.

also, I think the bond my husband made when he first got to bottle feed our son is something that he will never forget. It was actually quite sweet to see DS gazing up at him the same way he does to me.

for what it's worth, I love our little 5 oz. wide mouth born free bottles.

[LyndsayMW]

Thank you ladies! I am feeling much better about the whole thing today.

Really, Duh! on my part: Of course I don't have to choose one or the other! I can feed him in person if I am available, and if not, then bottle/pumping is an option. I have a couple days worth of milk saved up in the freezer in case of emergency - this would count, I suppose! I am just going to keep my little manual pump in my desk and use it if I have a meeting or something.

Thank you again!

[Comtessa]

In my case, anyway, pumping takes a LOT longer than nursing, because it's really hard for me to get my milk to let down when I pump. It probably takes me 4x as long to pump the amount of milk that my LO can get in a nursing session. Even with a double-electric pump. And cleanup is a real pain. In your situation, I'd definitely only pump if you have a compelling reason (like being on a roll and not wanting to stop... IMO, that counts as a compelling reason)!

Also, remember that when you nurse, baby gets the foremilk first and the hind milk last, which I have to think is easier on their system - when you pump, all the milk mixes together in the bottle, which is probably ok but not as ideal a mix as the baby would get from nursing.

It's likely to be less time away from work for you (and better for your baby) if you just leave work, go nurse the baby, and come back, than if you pump at work.

[wombatclay]

First, welcome to MDC! I hope you find a wonderful, welcoming, and supportive community for your parenting adventure!

I'm moving this post to our Working & Student Parent forum so that you'll get the most "been there/done that" advice. Balancing all the needs after your return to working outside the home can be tricky (I WOH until my second child was 6-7 months, my third child is my first "home from the start" babe)...

Congrats on your babe, and hang in there! It gets easier as you find the routine that works for you.

ETA- with dd1 I pumped during the week and on weekends to make sure there was always a supply in the fridge/freezer We reverse cycled (dd1 nursed most at night) for the most part. DD2 was much higher needs and some days my mom would bring her to my job for a lunch nursing session. I'd nurse her in my mom's car and leave her asleep in her carseat (my mom would read till dd2 woke up). But I actually found pumping less disruptive to my day than nursing "from the tap". After I got into the pumping routine I filled bottles quickly and without much "thought", so I often read or caught up on email during my pumping sessions.