This week I was commuting on the Long Island Railroad and I spotted a pumping mom. No, she wasn’t actually pumping, but I could tell she’s a pumping mom for several reasons:
First, she was carrying more than just her work bag and purse. I noticed the Medela Pump In Style tote bag because it was black and had the tan trim like my original breast pump bag had. Seeing that bag reminded me of the times I’ve carried it into the city for customer meetings, wondering if I was going to make it to the restroom of my customer’s building before anyone could recognize me going into the bathroom and not emerging for a good 20 minutes. (Everyone teases that women take so long in the bathroom, but a pumping mom needs an extra 20 minutes to express her milk – on top of powdering her nose.)
Secondly, I noticed the button-down shirt on a hot summer day. A pumping mom usually knows not to wear a plain shirt. The buttons help your shirt fit you as you, how shall I say this – expand – during your day plus your shirt won’t be wrinkled during your pumping session as you move your clothes to set up the pump. I remember being in New Jersey and having my pump’s battery pack fail – I had to go 10+ hours without pumping and thank goodness I could unbutton my shirt but still be covered with my camisole. I had a light pashmina that I put around my neck to cover the cleavage but I was still comfortable and professional. I was the only one who knew the discomfort I was feeling, and I imagined the woman on the train also knew this little trick for pumping moms.
Last, she was a confident woman and I admire that about pumping moms. She’s not with her baby right now but she’s giving her child the best gift – natural nourishment. Carrying the cooler pack, the breast pump, work bag and a purse – she represented the kind of mom who uses our resources here at Moms Pump Here.
