I decided to write this very personal article to document what exactly a working mom who is breastfeeding and/or pumping goes through. I think shedding a light on all that we, as working moms do, needs to be brighter. This process can be lonely, challenging, and exhausting with little to no recognition, praise or help. So, here it goes. Here is a day in the life with me:
5:30-6:00 am wake up to breastfeed Stella for 15-20 minutes.
6:20 am try to put her back to sleep for at least an hour.
6:45-7 am wake up for work.
7:00 am get Stella from her crib and change her diaper
7:05 am bring her into my bed for 5-10 minutes for a snuggle and playtime
7:15 am get up and get ready for work. I usually let Stella "help" me pick my clothes and I brush her teeth.
7:30-7:45 am go downstairs, start the coffee, get my pump accessories ready. Prepare Stella's breakfast and feed her. Put my lunch, snacks, and coffee together. Pack my bag.
7:50 am leave the house kissing Stella and wishing I could take her with me.
8:15 am arrive at work and start the day.
9:00-9:20 am go pump. Wash my parts, label and store my milk.
9:20 am back to work
10:00 am the nanny usually arrives and we begin texting
10:30 am have a snack while working
12 pm go pump. Wash my parts, label and store my milk.
12:30 pm go to the gym
1:15 pm head back to the office
1:30 pm have lunch while I work
3:00 pm go pump. Wash my parts, label and store my milk.
3:30 pm start wrapping the day
4:00 pm go get my milk, pack my bag and leave
4:30-4:45 pm arrive at home and rush inside to see my baby
4:47 pm pick up my little angel and kiss her to death and recap the day with the nanny, and unpack my bag
4:50 pm breastfeed her
5:00-5:30 pm take her for a walk
5:30-6:00 pm prepare and feed her dinner
6:00-6:30 pm play, kiss, and cuddle in her play pin, in her room, and on the couch.
6:30-6:45 pm bath her and play in the bath
6:45-7 pm dry her off, change her and cuddle
7-7:30 pm play, read a book and calm down for bed. Put Sella down for bed.
7:30-9:00 pm simultaneously cook dinner, prepare my breakfast (overnight oat bowl), wash my pump parts, wash my lunch Tupperware, coffee tumbler and breakfast container. Wash Stella's bottles and set out to dry.
9:00-9:15 pm wash dishes from dinner and clean the kitchen
9:15-10:15 pm plop on the couch
10:30-10:45 pm breastfeed Stella
10:45-11:00 pm brush my teeth, take a shower and get ready for bed.
2:30 am wake up to breastfeed Stella for 15-20 minutes.
Working and being a mom is mentally challenging because as a marketing professional, I have to have my finger on the pulse with what's new in the industry. So, there is always this pressure to keep up and stay ahead.
That is usually what my day looks like. Some days vary, but it usually jam-packed and I'm always on the go. Sometimes I feel incredibly empowered and others I feel lonely and defeated. I handle the majority of home life tasks on top of it all. Being a mom is hard on one's sanity. Being a working mom is hard on one's heart. I have so much respect for moms. If someone hasn't told you today, you're doing a GREAT job and you ARE appreciated! Just think, the house would probably crumble without you. That kind of feels good :) Moms really need support. Let's keep supporting each other, mamas! Tell another mom how she is doing today. Spread the love. xx
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