By Jenna Taylor
Returning to work after maternity leave is a bit like opening the fridge and forgetting what you went in there for, equal parts confusing, mildly emotional, and done while holding a baby.
My name is Jenna. I’m a first-time mum to an eight-month-old girl named Elsie, who has no plans of weaning anytime soon. I’ve just returned to my part-time admin job after what felt like both the longest and shortest year of my life. My maternity leave was filled with the usual mix of cuddles, contact naps, a lot of Googling, and an entire Netflix series I don’t remember watching.
As my return date got closer, one thing kept popping up in my brain (other than have I brushed my teeth today): how on earth was I going to keep breastfeeding when I wasn’t at home?
I’d worked so hard to get the hang of it. Elsie and I had found a rhythm, and even though I was starting her on solids, breast milk was still her main source of nutrition (and comfort, and naps, and five-minute distractions when I needed to pee). I knew I wanted to keep going. I just didn’t know how it would work at work.
So, I did what all good mums do, I started asking around and snooping online. A friend suggested a wearable pump, which honestly sounded too good to be true. Like, pumping without being tethered to the wall? Sign me up.
After a bit of research (and reading far too many reviews at 2am), I ended up with a wearable pump from The Night Owl. Here’s how it’s going so far:
No more hiding in the stationery cupboard
I used to imagine having to pump in the bathroom or hoping no one would knock on the meeting room door. But now I just pop the pumps in my bra, hit the button, and keep going about my day. I’ve even done it while sorting invoices and drinking tea, hands free and hassle free. No tubes. No noise. No awkward explaining.
I’m way less stressed
Pumping at work can feel like another thing on the never ending list. But being able to pop the pump in discreetly during a quiet moment at my desk has made things so much more manageable. I don’t need to schedule breaks or beg for private space. I can just do it. Which, frankly, is the kind of convenience I need in my life.
It’s not always perfect but it works
Look, I’ve definitely had a few “is this thing on” moments and once accidentally wore it into a meeting longer than intended. (Note: don’t forget to switch it off. Nothing says “professional” like gently whirring through a budget review.) But mostly it just works. And that’s all I need.
It’s made returning to work feel a bit more doable
Leaving your baby to go back to work is never easy, no matter how ready you are. But having something that supports the feeding journey, instead of cutting it short, has helped ease the mental load. I can do my job and still provide milk for Elsie, which is pretty special.
So, to any other mums staring down the barrel of the return to work juggle and wondering how on earth it all fits, here’s what I’ll say: it takes a bit of planning, some trial and error, and probably a few snacks stuffed in your handbag, but it is possible.
Wearable pumps aren’t magic, but they’re pretty close.
You’ve got this,
Jenna x
