Any nursing mother who has experienced life sans her infant for more than four hours at a time has had to wrestle with the joy that is the breast pump or face the wrath of the milk coming in with no escape route. Ouch.

 

Each time I personally put my pump to use, I can’t help but feel like I’m milking a cow, the cow being I. I’m sure I’m not alone on this. It’s anything but flattering to have one’s nipples sucked and prodded through those clear funnels of the shield. I envision my nipples like a dog post-neutering complete with neck cone. Ashamed. Sad. Just wishing the dang cone would come off already!

 

Despite this, however, the benefits and joys I get from nursing are well worth the extra effort to pump and maintain my milk supply.  Now that I’ve returned to my graduate studies, I’ve had to tote the pump to class and I must bow out half way through the seminar in order to relieve my aching breasts. At first, I shyly retreated to the public restroom for lack of a more private, comfortable area in which to pump. I would sit on the toilet for 20 minutes, soothing my stall mates with the hum and rhythm of the pump, and then slide into class late from break often with milky stains dripping down my chest from a splash or spill during the process. I wrote a blog post expressing my frustration with this process, and received some wonderful encouragement and support from my fellow readers.

 

After such prodding, I decided to come clean to my male professor and explain my needs. Not only was he completely accommodating of my need for extra time during break, he also gave me a key to his office so that I may pump in comfort and privacy. I only regret that I didn’t ask sooner.

 

While undoubtedly I should have stood up for myself from the get-go, I can’t help but feel like the university should consider the potential needs of their student population, mothers included. I’m very curious to hear how other women negotiate the use of the pump when out in public, at the office, school, etc.  I’m certain that some places are more welcoming and considerate than others, and want to hear how women advocate their needs in those unfortunate instances when the world is not so friendly to their lactating breasts. So mamas, what’s your pumping situation?

Ashley Weeks Cart blogs at Blog a la Cart.

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