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Overcoming Barriers at Work
By
Gina Ciagne
from District of Columbia
When I found out I was pregnant with my first child, I conducted as much research as possible. This led to a firm commitment to breastfeed my daughter without supplementation from formula, barring any medical need to supplement. I learned about the benefits of breastfeeding as well as the risks to my child associated with not breastfeeding. I could not justify giving her formula because it is simply impossible to replicate the hundreds of immunologic agents found in breastmilk.
Preparing to head back to work, I knew pumping would be challenging. I continued to nurse her at home and gave her expressed breastmilk at daycare. At work, I pumped in a storage room and was occasionally walked in on despite the do not disturb note on the door. Eventually I stumbled upon a room in which mothers could pump milk in my building; however, I was dismayed that very few mothers took advantage of the room because there was no formal lactation program or internal promotion of the rooms. I wondered how many women stopped breastfeeding when it came time to return to their jobs because they did not know that there was a place to pump. Even if mothers knew about the risks associated with not breastfeeding, needing to have the understanding of an employer as well as the time and space available to pump are essential.
Despite the barriers at work, I forged ahead and found my own place to pump and successfully educated my boss about my need to pump 3 to 4 times daily. I breastfed Jalen for 15 months and pumped for 9 of those months. It was challenging and rewarding, but every single second was worth it because I know that I gave everything I had to ensure she could have the best start in life — and the benefits of breastfeeding continue to this day.
When our son, Luca, was born, I was sure that it would be easier. But, different babies can often mean different feeding experiences. He took to nursing well but we had to learn our own dance and rhythm. He was bigger when he was born and perhaps that is why he nursed more often and for longer periods of time. But, rather than get derailed and worry that I could not produce enough, I monitored his input and his output and weight and knew that I was providing what he needed though nursing. I had a "just in case" contact list of lactation consultants, breastfeeding friends, and family who supported breastfeeding instead of a "just in case" can of formula.
The commitment and time involved in nursing Luca took some adjustment by all of us, but mostly for Jalen, who was used to having our full attention. But because I nursed her until she was 15 months and she remembered nursing, it was perhaps easier for her to understand the importance of feeding her brother breastmilk. She often would plop down next to me while I was nursing Luca and she would pull up her shirt and nurse a stuffed animal or baby doll alongside us. And my husband's unfailing support made breastfeeding Luca — as well as Jalen — possible.
I returned to work after 3 months, again, pump in hand. I nursed whenever I was not working and pumped at work 3 to 4 times a day. I also wanted to be absolutely sure that I had enough to send with him to daycare so I pumped at additional times at home when Luca was sleeping or after he nursed. I was also getting an advanced degree at the time so there was quite a bit of juggling — no more than other parents who juggle far more than I, so I was no martyr or hero. I was doing what I needed to do for myself and for my family. But, it did not get in the way of breastfeeding and pumping. I nursed Luca for 17 months and pumped 14 of those months. As with Jalen, it was sometimes challenging and time consuming, but it was worth it. Although he does get sick, his illnesses are less severe than if he had not been breastfed.
Breastfeeding has been one of the best things I have ever done for myself and for my children. In fact, it led to a career change; my husband calls my work in the breastfeeding promotion and advocacy my true calling. I am happy just knowing that the benefits of breastfeeding my children will last a lifetime and that I have given them the best start in life.
Gina Ciagne is a certified lactation counselor and works for a breastfeeding product company. She lives in Washington, DC with her husband Marc, daughter, Jalen, and son, Luca.
Content last updated February 23, 2009.
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