Megan's Milk

by Mary Apodaca

On February 18^th 2001 I gave birth to a to a beautiful 5 lbs. 3 1/2 oz baby girl named Megan Elena.  I never thought twice about breastfeeding her I was determined to nurse my child.

Based on her birth weight I knew that this would be the healthiest for her.  However, this concerned some people that she was so small that she needed a supplement to help her gain weight (not an option in my eyes).

As the day's approached for me to go back to work got closer I started to feel sad for a variety of reasons.  One was what if my baby does not get enough Breasts milk during the day and she would need formula?

The lactation consultant at the support group reassured me that everything would be fine and let nature take its course.  Being a first time mom and adamant about breastfeeding, I feel that I sort of became this spokesperson for working mothers who chose to breastfeed.

I expressed my feeling with my manager, that I was going to continue breastfeeding my daughter until she turned one. Also I would like to start coming back to work slowly to help me adjust to this new transition of pumping and leaving her.

We worked on a 3-day work schedule and from that point a 4-day, and now a 5-day workweek (what a great company).  I also received much support from other co-workers as far as allowing me to use their office to pump.

Nevertheless Megan's milk turned out to be the talk of the department with comments such as, here she goes with Megan's milk supply, or can you spare some milk for my coffee etc. in some cases woman praising me for how dedicated I am to nursing my child.  I thought it would be rather awkward about pumping at work, but the warm reception and curiosity from some, allowed me to educate both men and woman on breastfeeding.

As the month is approaching to Megan's first birthday and seeing her triple her weight plus to 17 lbs. since birth, I now am facing another sadness that my daughter is growing up and the days of finding a room to pump are going to be over soon.

But in the end I have a healthy and beautiful daughter and a great success story to share with other woman.