Don't tense up while pumping

I've found that when your pumping the worst thing you can do is tense up or stress out. You need to be calm collected and focused on your little bundle of joy to be able to extract as much milk as possible. I know it seems very odd to think that our mood will dictate what we pump, but its true. This can be hard when your pumping at work, because of the environment your in. Different moms use different tricks while they are pumping. Some moms, bring a picture of there child, others bring there phone with videos and picture of there loves. I do a combination of things. I find relaxing for me includes finding a way to think of my son (who i am pumping for) by either running through in my head things we did the night before, watching videos of him on my phone and just enjoying thinking of him. other times i flip through a magazine or play games on my phone. Anything that gets me to relax in a high pressure work environment. Also try not to stress on the time, it'll work against you. I find that when I'm really pressed for time, and trying to fit my pumping time in between my appointments, I pump less and I end up needed to use a emergency frozen pack for the next day. That's the most frustrating part when I work so hard to get a stash of frozen breast milk and then need to use it because I cant relax. Its suppose to be for emergency not for non relaxing pumping sessions... So I guess my point is RELAX, easier said than done right!

The inventor of the pump should be kissed!

I have to say even though I despise pumping after months and months of doing it at work, the inventor of the pump should be thanked! This is an irreplaceable item, that allows us working moms to continue to breast feed our children and work. Many of us today don't have the choice to be a stay at home mom. There are more and more families ever year that need two incomes, and that's nothing to beat yourself up over! The pump allows us working mom's to relieve some of our guilt of not staying home with the ability to feed our babies breast-milk.
So what exactly are the options of pumps to choose from:
There are two main sources of pumps. One being electric or battery-powered and the other one being manual. With those you can either single or dual pump. Its all in what you prefer. There is a bra online that actually holds the pump to make it hands free too. (such a great invention!)
Here is a great resource to help you figure out the in's and out's of picking out and using a pump.
www.mayoclinic.com/health/breast-feeding/PR00002

Lack of support the workplace

Why is there no support for breast feeding moms who are working. Breast feeding is becoming more common every day that passes. With the hospitals no instituting lactation consultants, teaching classes, and educators on the benefits of choosing this, why haven't all employers followed suit?

Yes there may be a few companies that truly support this movement for the right reasons, but most's attitudes are just to put up with it. And that's just a shame. If companies would take the stand of building a healthy country, community and employee staff, they should realize that this is where it starts.

Breast feeding babies their first year of life has monumental benefits that out-weigh any argument. An employer should support this choice and embrace it. But for most its a daily struggle to get in pump time at work, and not feel guilty about the time. Its a hassle to remind your employer what lawfully is required to provide as a comfortable space to pump. Its an extra strain on mom's sleep habits to choose to nurse. But in the end its all worth it!

Learn your states requirements for your self and know you always have a choice