Breastfeeding and Being a Student

[sagesmothertree]

Are there any other student moms out there breastfeeding?  Am I crazy for even mentioning this?

I'm due in July with my second child and am taking full-time classes starting at the end of August. I did breastfeed (but mostly exclusively pumped) with our first child, so it's not new for me. I've scheduled my fall classes at intervals (two classes per day, with at least 2-3 hours in between) so that I can get home and feed our baby.  We only live 5 minutes from the university, and my classes aren't more than 90 minutes. What I'm really worried about is if I have to pump for some reason. Where the heck will I do it? In the womens bathroom, while all these 18 year olds stare?!

Sometimes it's weird being older and going to college with all these "young kids."  I remember being that age, and I'm only 25, but feel like I've got decades on the youth, with one child "under my belt" and another on the way, a house, a husband... last thing I need is anyone staring at my artificial milk extractor!!  hehe. Or maybe I'm just crazy.

[t2009]

OMG yes! I BF'd after DS was born... through my last three semesters of law school & during two summer internships. It's possible... not always fun, but possible. And it's awesome that you live close enough to be able to actually go home & nurse ... I think if you can make a routine that will work, you'll be fine.

As for pumping. What sort of school are you at? I'd contact your dean of students or student affairs office right away. If your school is big enough, it may be that there is a pumping room that you don't know about. Even if it was created for employees, you should lobby to use it. At campuses (albeit, law school campuses, with slightly older student bodies) I've seen two set-ups ... small closet turned into pumping room, closet off of a bathroom (larger) turned into a pumping room. Most campuses will have a closet that maintenance can live without... & it doesn't have to be expensive... donated furniture & a electrical outlet is really all you need. And, really, no one will know what you are carrying around in that extra bag!

And I know how you feel about feeling "way" older than your fellow students. Well... I am way older but still, the baby & such added a lot to the gap between me & most other students. But you may be surprised... Depending on how big your school is, I am sure it would be possible to connect with other student-parents on your campus. (Getting a pumping room would be another reason to connect with other moms on campus -- strength in numbers!)

[Drummer's Wife]

My school has Breastfeeding/pumping rooms that are comfy and private with outlets and chairs to sit in and pump or breastfeed.

I'd ask the school; you might be surprised that they do have a place in case you did end up needing to pump. With your schedule and distance to school, it sounds like it will work out just fine, but it would be good to know for future semesters.

[Super~Single~Mama]

I BF/pumped during law school as well (hey t2009!!  How's life post bar exam?), and my school had an extra "office" space turned into a pumping/nursing room.  It had a fridge, rocking chair, extra chair, and a desk in it.  It was GREAT!  No one knew about it either, so it was perfect.  We could even study in there sometimes when we needed to be left alone and no one would bother us!

Definitely ask the dean of students - they'll be able to point you in the right direction.