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- mother and father with their baby
Making friends with your pump
Janine Devereaux, Cahors, France, mother of two children
I have always loved my job. Before I had my child, I thought it would be no problem to return to my job and to find someone who takes care of my baby, I never really thought much about it - until I had my sweet baby Sara.
My baby is my priority
The strong emotional bond between us overpowered me. Your baby becomes your top priority. I didn't think about my job any more - that had never happened to me before. I began to breastfeed immediately, because I had read such a lot about the advantages of breastmilk. I wanted her to have the best start in life, and it was an indescribable experience.
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- Janine with her baby
No more breastfeeding wasn't a pleasant thought
My midwife gave me her support. When my doctor asked me during the first check after the birth when I would like to go back to work, I was shocked. I knew that Sara would be in good hands, but I didn't feel happy about no longer being able to breastfeed.
The alternative - a breastpump
I considered giving up work or taking unpaid leave. Unfortunately, that just wasn't possible. I was very unhappy. Then my doctor told me about the possibility of pumping breastmilk with a breastpump. I had always thought that was something for mothers who had problems breastfeeding, but I was wrong.
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- father with his baby taking breastmilk bottles from the fridge
Supplies of breastmilk
He explained how to use the breastpump. In this way I could ensure that Sara could continue to enjoy the advantages of breastmilk without me having to breastfeed her. I therefore decided on a breastpump and began to pump off breastmilk and freeze it one week before I went back to work. Returning to my job was tough, but perfectly possible knowing that Sara was well cared-for.
Breastmilk management for everyone
I spoke to my boss, and was then even able to pump off breastmilk at the office in a spare room, and use the refrigerator to store it. In the evenings I transported my breastmilk home in a cooling box. To stop leaking breastmilk staining my blouses, I used the practical disposable nursing pads.
