Motherhood transforms life for many women. Breastfeeding and pumping moms seem to have their own special set of changes. We took a lighthearted look at those changes when we asked our Facebook friends to finish the statement, “You know you’re a breastfeeding or pumping mother when…” Here are the 5 most popular answers:
5) You cry over spilled milk:
Jacque M. “You have cried over spilled milk or yelled at your husband for throwing some out!”
Tiffany D. “Cried over spilled milk...yep”
4) You appreciate an area to breastfeed or pump:
Emalee B. “The first thing you think of when doing ANYTHING (work, running errands, date with hubby, meetings, etc) is where/when will I nurse/pump?”
Luciana G. “You put a smile on your face whenever you find a special little room in public places reserved for breastfeeding/pumping moms!”
3) Your clothing options change:
Allison A. “Plan on what top you'll be wearing (at least I do!)”
Larin N. “All your bras resemble trap doors “
Corrie O. “When you don't wear regular bras anymore because it's just easier to wear nursing bras all the time.”
Kristen H. “When you dream of putting on your breast pads....”
2) You receive support from unexpected places:
Ana-Alecia A. “People at work know your pump schedule and remind you it's time to go pump... (And I've only been back to work for a little over a week...)”
Hilda N. “When your 4 year old daughter feeds her pretend baby like mommy and only bottle feeds when she "goes to work.”"
Heather H. “Your other kids know your pumping schedule and remind you when it's time.”
Trang N. “When my son 4 years old knew how to put Medela pump parts together and said, "Mommy I help you" and "Mommy, baby sister wanted your milk".”
1) You’re prepared for just about anything:
Amanda M. “Your drawer at work is field with extra set of shields, and storage bags for those days you forget a part and a cheap single manual pump for when you forget the whole bag all together.”
Kristyl L. “You have a 32 ounce (or larger) cup of water with you at all times.”
Melissa S. “When you keep extra nursing pads and handheld pump in your purse when you know you will be away from the house for a while.”
LaShera M. “You eat with one hand at your desk during your 30 minute lunch break.”
Kristine T. “When you have two Medela pumps at work just in case one breaks down.
Rebecca A. “You've pumped while ordering a bean burrito from the Taco Bell drive-thru (using your pump's battery pack and your nursing cover).”
Jamie D. “When you have to keep your arms folded over your chest because you've leaked through your shirt while in public. Also, when you keep extra clothing in your car in case that happens.”