Nursing Mothers

As many know, I recently had a son.  "Recently" as in almost five months ago.  But still, he's young yet, so I consider it recent.  I went back to work about a month after he was born, but my schedule was pretty flexible.  I worked from home and then went in to teach.

So now, for the first time, I'm facing full days back at work without seeing him.  I am simultaneously excited about my new job and sad about not spending my day watching my son grow.  I also know that I would not be happy if I stayed home with my son.  Yet, my career and work are more enriched now having him in my life.

New faculty orientation is August 11.  I do not think day care will start until the 15, so John may have to watch our son that day.  It will be my first full day away from him (our son, not John).  I am not worried about him hanging with John for the day, but rather how I am going to get my pumping sessions in.  The schedule is full.  So, I emailed the person who sent the email, let them know I would have to step out to pump, and asked they let me know if there is any time frame I should absolutely plan on not missing.

The laws are such that it is illegal for a job to not allow me time and space to pump.  Plus, Meredith College is, from every interaction I've had, a wonderful and supportive place to work.  Yet, I was a little nervous sending the email.  Nursing mothers- heck, mamas in higher education at all- are not always supported.  This nervous feeling comes from a society that claims to support families but begrudgingly says it's okay for a mother to pump at work, only up to a year.

I am incredibly eager to start in earnest and get back to routine.  I think I am in a good spot.  I am ready to get back in the swing of things- so much so that my excitement overshadows my sadness to not see my son for 8 hours during the day.  This has been a good amount of time for me.  I feel ready. Now it's just time to navigate the having-a-nursing-infant-while-working thing.