Starting to Really Lose It at Work

My recommendation is to give up on working out for now, except for gentle stretches and core exercises that are relaxing. You are doing enough right now!

As for the pumping, and your employer hassling you, they should know that they are breaking the law. Section 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 2010 requires employers to support breastfeeding moms, because that is MORE IMPORTANT to society as a whole! Here's a link to the complete statute.

http://www.dol.gov/whd/nursingmothers/

If there is anyone at work that is supportive of your breastfeeding, show them this and ask them to send it up the chain on your behalf. Make sure that you are direct and up-front about your plans to pump. Don't fall into the trap of acting like you're doing something secret or shameful.

The first few weeks are the hardest! I know! I've been through it myself. Get a pumping bra, which makes pumping MUCH easier, and try to relax. Try to set up your pumping area to be as comfortable and private as possible, and use that time to relax and send waves of love to your little ones, and to yourself for being such an awesome mom.

Once you get that all sorted out, see if there is a little time at work to do some research on a possible next job. I hope your husband or friends are there to give you a big big hug, and help you to get through this tough time.

In order for you to keep it together you are going to have to change your mind set. You will defintiely need to stop hating your job. You won't give it your best as long as you hate it. You will have to prioritize everything you are doing.

It seems to me that as long as you believe that you don't have the time or the energy to change your situation you will continue to feel and be trapped. I figure that you are in such a position that you can't afford not to.

As far as the pumping of the milk goes. Try to work that out as best you can. Make certain you are on top of your assignments. While you are working, try only workinn on one assignment at a time. Give one task you complete and total concentration and then move onto the next task. If you can better manage your time you will have created the time to successfully pump without looking like you are not doing you job effectively.

Stop looking at your friends and their lives, often the grass isn't greener on the other side. Often teachers don't get paid during their time off and I know too many teachers that mismanage their money so they haven't saved for their months off. Also a stressful situation.

You may have to go in small increments to find new employment and/or work your social networks to find opportuinities. Going to a new employment situation while nursing may be tricky because you have no track record with them but you may want to consider what new like of work or employment would better suit your education, temperment, skills, talents, abilities and family. You will need to do this too because your current level of stress dictates change is needed but most of the change will need to start in your head before it becomes tangible in your life.

I hope this helps.

I'm so sorry-I get it, I really do.

One-I don't think they can give you a hard time about pumping-check on that..I'm 99% they have to allow it.

You are overwhelmed, but your hormones are running amuck right now too so try to keep that in mind...is it possible you are experiencing some post-patrtum blues? The first thing I would suggest is talk to your OB. He/she can help you identify the postpartum depression stuff and even prescribe something to help. I would start there-then if you need meds or just someone to talk to about it - that will help make the rest manageable because when you are depressed it seems like NOTHING is.

Next-try to take it day by day. At least for now. Since you aren't really in a position to make a job move then try to just take the good stuff out if it daily and try not to sweat the small stuff-again meds or therapy will help with this. Remind yourself that jobs are temporary and in a few months when other stuff is on a more even keel you can turn your focus to working elsewhere.

I hope that helps.

S.,

I'm so sorry you're going through. It's so tough to be a working mommy. Kudos to you for pumping at work & trying to make it work. I know from personal experience that pumping at work is not any fun. I used both my break times & lunch break to pump. I don't know if that is what you're currently doing as well? Maybe you need more than the 3 pump sessions due to your milk supply? If so, can you ask to break up your lunch break into 15 minute chunks so that you can get 4 pump session per day? I also supplemented with formula when neccessary and tried hard to not feel guilty about because I was honestly doing my best and it sounds like you are as well. If you're against supplementing, what about pumping extra in the evenings/weekends?

As far as working out, after I stopped pumping I started using my lunch break to work out. I'm very forutnate because we have a gym in our bldg and my boss lets me combine my two breaks with my lunch break so that I get 1 hour to workout. Otherwise, I would go power walking on my lunch break and carry a full water bottle in each hand.

I would also suggest, and maybe you're already doing this, to use your pumping session as your stress relief time. I know it sounds weird. But your alone while pumping so I would kick my shoes off, read a magazine, maybe have a snack, and pump. It helped relief some of the stress.

It'll get easier :0)

Edited to Add: I just wanted to clarify something so that S. and other pumping moms aren't getting the wrong idea here about their legal rights. S. didn't say her employer was hassling her for pumping at work ONLY that they didn't want her using work time. I was never allowed to use work time either. The employer is well within there legal right to say that she cannot use paid time to pump UNLESS she is using her two paid breaks (and then unpaid lunch break). If you look at the article link that Yolanda included in her post that is exactly what the article says that the employer has to provide breaks but it says they don't have to be compensated breaks so an employee can choose to use their two paid breaks. I don't think the employer is breaking any laws here.

I am so, so sorry. :( I wish I could give you a hug.
You go in the bathroom or sit in your car and cry if you need to.
You'll get through this....

Exactly what Yolanda said below. Your employer cannot legally harass you about pumping. Sometimes employers simply don't know that, and once they are made aware of the law, they back off.
I understand how hard it is to be in a job you hate and have your little one's at home. I am there in the same boat with you right now. It sucks, no other words can fit the situation, it just sucks.
Big hugs, mama.

I would start looking for work and brushing up your resume. You could nurse and search online at night. It's possible your employers are trying to do a paper trail on you or push you to the point of quitting, it happens all the time. Get out while you are ahead.

For the time being, try to maintain your composure and your mindset. Let go of offhanded and annoying remarks and maintain as much professionalism as possible.