“World Breast Pumping Day is a day to honour the love in every ounce,” says Wendy Armbruster Bell, the founder of Snugabell.
Tomorrow, Jan 27, 2017, is the first ever World Breast Pumping Day. It is a day that was made to celebrate the hard work and dedication that mothers put in when they are pumping. I want to join the conversation and share a little bit of my pumping experience and 5 ways for you to join in and celebrate World Breast Pumping Day as well.
With Sophie breast feeding wasn’t something that I loved. I didn’t mind it but I also didn’t feel that connection that I had heard so much about. Most of the time I got frustrated because she would latch and un-latch so often that it caused stress and discomfort. At about two months I decided that I would start pumping.
I had a friend that shared her pumping journey with me and she recommended that I give it a try to see if A. I would feel more at ease with feeding and B. To see if Sophie would become a happier baby in the evenings. After pumping for a few weeks I knew that I was going to continue for as long as I could, it was working, I was less stressed about feedings and Sophie was much happier in the evenings. My excess milk from the mornings could now be saved for evening feeds when she tended to be hungrier.
I remember the looks that I got when I would be feeding with a bottle, the questions on whether or not I was still breast feeding and the judgement that others felt necessary to cast. A day like World Breast Pumping Day is appreciated as it can break down the judgement and bring light to the journey pumping mama’s have.
Pumping is A LOT of work. I knew it was when I was doing it, but I am reminded of the amount of work now that I have another baby. Pumping is dedication. Pumping is perseverance. Pumping is hard work.
As world breast pumping day is just around the corner I want to share 5 ways that I will be celebrating World Breast Pumping Day. Hope you join in too!
5 Ways to Celebrate World Breast Pumping Day
1. Spread the Word
If you are a proud pumpin’ mama, shout your accomplishments loud and proud. Share your story with #WeCanPump #WhyIPump and #WBPD2017
2. Share your Story
Some women feel very alone during their motherhood journeys and no matter what you are going through, be open about it. Share your story with your friends, or maybe even a stranger. Talk about pumping openly, it made all the difference for me.
3. Do Something For a Pumping Mama
Like I mentioned above, pumping is hard work. Do something for a friend or family member that is pumping. No matter the situation, whether you use encouraging words or purchase a gift, let your friend know their hard work isn’t going unnoticed.
4. Thank Your Support People
Now if you are a Breast Pumping mama, be sure to thank your support. This could be the person that encouraged you to try pumping or the people that support you while you pump.
5. Be Proud of Yourself
Never ever ever put yourself down for pumping. We all have different stories, embrace your own unique story and walk proud. Our little humans look up to us so so much it is, important that we also appreciate ourselves in the same way they do.
For all you pumping mama’s out there, good for you! Celebrate what you do for your babies and encourage others to do the same. Happy celebrating!
Fine more information and watch a two minute video here.
Pumping definitely is a lot of work, so it’s nice to recognize the moms that pump for their LO’s (and some even donate milk to others’ LO’s!) Wonderful.