Frustrated-when did you have to stop breastfeeding?

Question

I’m saddened by the fact that because of my
job I will stop breastfeeding after a couple months. Yes I know it’s illegal for an employer to not provide time/space but it is the reality in many jobs.  I am a teacher and yes my employer said I can use my classroom to pump but it’s so awkward (being windows and 2 glass doors and the chance of at any time- kids or staff unlocking my door).  I also have to work around my class schedule which means some days not having a break for over 4 hours. I’ll never be able to go that long without leaking through everything in the middle of a lesson or class- pretty much forcing myself and baby to wean off before I go back to work full time....   and I’m most likely a lucky one because I can afford to take 12 weeks off of unpaid leave on top of my 6 weeks sick time I have saved up.

Answer

Look into the pumps that you can put in your bra! Also I'm not sure how old your LO is but your supply will regulate to where 4 hours won't be that long to go without pumping. As your baby gets older they might only eat every 4 hours so that's what your body would be used to and you wouldn't leak!
If you're on fb look into a breastfeeding support group for your area and you could ask on there what other teachers do.

Answer

Hi! I am a teacher and I pumped in my classroom the last few months of school last year.  It definitely has its challenges, but there are some ways to make it work!
 I used to shut my blinds and tape a piece of chart paper to the door to block the glass window, and lock my door of course.  I just communicated to the teachers in the rooms around me that when the chart paper was up, it meant I was pumping and they were great about helping to watch my door if a student or teacher knocked.  Plus it was locked, so in the rare case someone was trying to get in I could always quickly get dressed if needed.  
Pumping around a teacher schedule is really tough and there were days that I only was able to pump once or twice during the school day.  I did therefore have to dip into my freezer stash on some days and ultimately needed to supplement with formula for one bottle a day occasionally.   However, my baby was still able to eat breast milk the rest of the day! 
Feel free to ask if you have any questions about others strategies to make it work! However, it also totally fine to stop nursing when you return to work if that's best for you and baby! Good luck either way!  :)

Answer

Look up combo feeding! You combine formula feeding with breastfeeding. If you’re only breastfeeding certain times of the day, your body will learn to produce milk at those times (kind of like when they stop feeding at night). You may not get a year out of it, but you’ll definitely prolong it and the benefits that come along with breastfeeding. It’s not an all or nothing thing 😊

Answer

This makes incredibly sad. 😢

Frustrated-when did you have to stop breastfeeding?

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