This morning was my last pump - yay! And it really, for sure was because I gave my pump to my SIL who has a micro-preemie and whose insurance changes on April 1 and will no longer cover a pump rental. I've been only pumping 2x a day this last week for about 10 mins each, and this morning I only pumped about 7 minutes, so I think I'll be okay. Anyhow, bear with me while I brag because I feel like this was a HUGE accomplishment, and just to make it clear to myself what I achieved, I need to write it all down.
I just exclusively pumped for 11.5 months. That is so hard and so awesome in and of itself. Beyond that, while pumping I:
Pumped in a frakking bathroom stall for months at work before deciding to take over a conference room and if someone had a problem with it, oh well (no one ever did).
Traveled 4 times without DS, which meant going through airport security with breastmilk in amounts well over 3 oz (try 3L) without an infant with me. 3 of these times were for leading corporate trainings which I had to duck out of 2x a day to go pump.
Was hospitalized for 3 nights with an infection and pumped and dumped the entire time.
Was put under general anesthesia twice, once for a surgery. Had to pump and dump for 24 hours after both times.
Went without one of my meds for 8 months, which left me with a lot of joint pain during that time.
Endured a staph infection (and timed when I pumped with when I took meds for the next 34 days), a C. Diff infection (again with the meds), and a colonoscopy (and yes, did the days of prep while pumping).
I need to save this reminder to myself somewhere so that anytime I feel like a bad mom, I can read it and remind myself that there was some definite self-sacrifice these last 11.5 months, and that I rock!
So anyway,
I'M DONE!!!!!(Guess there is no sadness here. Don't mind losing that strong bond I developed with my pump.
)Gina