I have always been strongly committed to family but also pursuing my professional goals and a successful career. Working full-time, being a wife, raising two boys and on top of all of that pumping at work has its challenges, but in the midst of it all I still have time to laugh. Below are not only some tips for stay-at-work nursing moms, but hopefully information that will provide a good laugh and some “Uh-huh’s” from “The Amen Corner. ”

1. Never wear white to work. NEVER! Milk stains and will create funny-looking circles on your shirt.

2. Bring a separate bag to work just for your nursing supplies. Spilled milk can stain the inside of your purse and cause a strong odor.

3. If nursing, pump in a private and quiet room to allow your milk to flow. If distracted, bring a picture of your child to allow your milk to come down.

4. If you feel comfortable, you can tell your colleagues that you are nursing  and throughout the day you will need to be excused to pump. Involving them will create a support system.

5. Eat solid meals and drink lots of water throughout the day, not only to maintain your energy but to keep up your milk supply!

My colleague and I returned from maternity leave about the same time, and I found it difficult to pump in the ladies’ room. In an effort to make it easier for other new moms, we approached the vice president of our institution and requested the establishment of a lactation room. The university responded positively by creating a comfortable private room. If you’re having difficulty pumping at work, then ask your supervisor for suggestions on a private space to pump. Hopefully, he/she will be able to accommodate your request.

Just for Laughs:

1. Locking the pumping room is like locking the bathroom!

2. I think forgetting your pump is a good excuse to go home early!

3.  Spilled Milk. Nuff Said.

4.  Messing with the pumping room handle is stopping my milk production.

5.  My milk can not substitute as a creamer for your coffee!

Sojourner Marable Grimmett has a BA in communications from Clark Atlanta University and an MA in media studies from Pennsylvania State University. She is a stay-at-work mom and her experience in higher education spans over 10 years working in student services and admissions. Sojourner previously worked at CNN, Georgia Public Television, and as an AmeriCorp member at Harvard University’s Martin Luther King Jr. after-school program. She lives in Atlanta with her husband, Roland and two young sons, Roland Jay and Joshua Palmer.  Visit her blog sojournermarablegrimmett.blogspot.com follow her on twitter and like her on Facebook.

Photographer Ben Dashwood Photography