Elisabeth Hasselbeck on pumping and returning to work

View co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck, 30, and her husband, Arizona Cardinals player Tim Hasselbeck, welcomed son Taylor Thomas on November 9th, joining big sister Grace Elisabeth, 2 ½. In her latest blog for Dreft, Elisabeth fills us in on her love-hate relationship with pumping, explaining it’s use to Grace and returning to work.

I thought I was safe in my room with the door firmly shut. It was the last day of my first week back at ‘The View.’ Truthfully, I was exhausted. It was 8 am. I had a little while before I had to be in the office. I took a moment, closed my eyes, and somehow fell asleep over the loud, obnoxious sound of the pump.

‘Mommy, what in the WORLD is THAT???’ Totally startled, I sat straight up, only to see the cute little expression on Grace’s face after she posed the question. Too tired to make something up, I told her it was a pump.

‘Why is your body in there?’ she pressed on, eyes closely examining the tube/funnel/bottle contraption. ‘So that I can give Taylor my milk when I am at work.’ ‘Ohhhhhhhh… That’s cool and funny.’ (Yeah… my sentiments exactly…) ‘Can I pump too???’ ‘One day, you can pump milk for your baby.’

And, in an oh-so-very-2-year old-moment, she firmly stated: ‘But I want to do it now!’

Since that day, Grace is unphased by the pump. I wish I were too. Imean, I am thankful to have a great one, and that there is a way to beat work and still nourish your child, and keep moms from becomingengorged to the point of high fever…but I still hate it. I do.

I feel as if I have three kids:  Grace, Taylor, and THE PUMP!

Visit Dreft for the full entry — how Elisabeth handled the situation and about her enjoyment of being back at work on the View.

Source: Dreft

Thanks to CBB reader Meghann.

Comments

I totally know how she feels. I have a love hate relationship with my pump. It is wonderful that at 9 months I can still give my son my milk but there are times (esp at 6am and 9pm) that i just want to throw the thing out the window and run over it with my car a few times). I love it but hate it .

- dina on January 22nd, 2008

I never caught on to nursing and still wanted to give my kids the benefits of breast milk, so pumped for a year with each of them. I was so happy to have a second option and got a little alone time every time I pumped, which helped to recharge my batteries. I’d do it again in a second!
My oldest liked to help me too. Sometimes he wanted to hold the bottles as I pumped, and was intrigued by the noise. I just let him investigate and the novelty wore off quickly. Don’t think I ever fell asleep pumping though!

- meli on January 22nd, 2008

I only have a hand pump, and I hate the thing too. It is even worse when the milk won’t flow, and for all the effort there is only a dribble in the bottle!

- Elaine on January 22nd, 2008

Pumps are so annoying. I hated to pump – it always made my nipples feel itchy (no idea why!) and I felt like a milking cow. I much preferred to nurse directly. I will say, I felt a lot less ridiculous once I got one of those Medela bras that you can attach the cups to – this is the best invention ever!

Not sure why Elisabeth was originally going to make up a lie to tell Grace about what the pump was for. I think her truthful explanation was great and just shows you that kids appreciate honestly and can understand more than you think.

- PSB on January 22nd, 2008

I have been a full time pumper for almost 16 months now!! Not because I want to but because we had breast feeding problems. I love giving my son the best stuff in the world, but hate every minute of pumping! i too know what she is talking about- I have 2 kids my son and the pump!

- Rhi on January 22nd, 2008

What is she doing at Sunset Tan? Tanning or getting sprayed. Is either safe? I am also having my maternity photos done and was thinking about getting a spray tan.

- Victoria on January 22nd, 2008

I don’t understand why she would want to make something up either, but the story ws cute. I remember my amazement when I first saw my mom breastfeeding my sister.

- terri on January 22nd, 2008

Why would her initial reaction be to make something up? Unfortunately, this detail makes her sound like a fool.

Why would you ever lie to your child (especially your daughter) about something as natural as breastfeeding? The truth educates and empowers our children.

- genevieve on January 23rd, 2008

Pumping isn’t that bad. It can be a hassle at times, but what’s more convenient than pulling out fresh, nutritionally complete milk out of the fridge or freezer for your little one? Plus it’s free! The advantages by far out-way the disadvantages. Kudos to all the women who pump out there. It’s so worth it

- Joline on January 26th, 2008

i love the comments of children. They are often unphased when we think they will be

- AlwaysThinking on January 29th, 2008