Working and Pumping, Working and Pumping, Working and Pumping
By Viv Holt Being a single mother, I knew that staying home with my new daughter was not a reality. So when it was time to return to work, I decided to work three 12 hour shifts, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. I was employed by the local Catholic hospital. My work understood, that I needed a position that I could pump four to five times a day during my long shifts. So, they put me in a small office with a switchboard phone and a computer. My job was to play lei zone between doctors. This one person office worked out well for all of its necessities! When it was time to pump, I would just shut the door and continue to work. While my boobs were hooked up to what seemed like a small version of a cow pump (my Medela Pump In Style Breast pump), I would continue to answer phones, respond to faxes, and so much more. However the closed door did not mean much to anyone. I honestly believe that at least 1/3 of the hospital employees have embarrassed themselves by walking into my office, sitting down with me, and taking at least 2 minutes to say, "What is that noise?" Although embarrassing to them, I ALWAYS got a kick out of it! Several physicians have calmly realized what I was doing, but instead of darting out of my office, they would laugh and say, "Way to multi-task!" or "Keep up the good work!" I have even been hooked up to my pump while one of our sisters used the over head to say morning prayer! One of my all time favorites is when one of our male chaplains came in and had a seat with me, after realizing what I was doing he was mortified. He could not even speak to me. Later on in the hall, he got all tongue tied and asked me, "if everything came out okay?" The best one yet, is when one of our diagnostic techs walked into my office and got so flustered he accidentally asked me for milk! To this day everyone asks him, "Got Milk?" I have been so blessed to be employed by this great organization! I know that there are so many women who have struggled with their employers, and it breaks my heart. My message to them is, yes it is hard work. It takes so much discipline, to go home take care of little ones, and remember to wash your pump and sterilize it. You sometimes feel isolated from all of your co-workers. Not only may they not understand your desire, but you spend all of your breaks at work stuck in some room pumping! Don't give up! When your child is 25 years old you won't say to yourself, "Man, I sure wish that I would not have nursed my baby!" I am happy to say that my daughter is eight months old, and still happily nursing. People are still walking in my office, but it doesn't bother most of them any more. It is a way of life for all of us! I hope someone finds this inspirational and funny! |
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