During this World Breastfeeding Week 2024, breastfeeding is in the spotlight at Néobulle! We invite you to exchange with Camille, our workshop seamstress but especially a mother of a little Hella, 8 months old.
Everyday life, logistics, Camille shares everything about her organization and her experience around breastfeeding and returning to work!
Hello Camille! How old is your baby? What is her name?
Her name is Hella, she is 8 months old
How old was she when you returned to work?
I returned to work in September, she was 7 months old.
Actually, when I was pregnant, I was working at another company, I requested a parental leave which was refused to me (Note: refusal of parental leave by the employer is illegal, an employee affected by this situation can take legal action at the labor court). Not wanting and lacking the energy to go to conflict, I chose to negotiate a mutual termination. I thus decided to take advantage of my pregnancy and spend time with my daughter during her early months of life. It was also an opportunity to reevaluate my personal and especially professional plans.
I attended 3 workshops at Néobulle as a mother and learned about their needs for seamstresses... and that’s how I joined the company in September!
How did you decide to continue breastfeeding when you returned? (Naturally? Someone told you? Other?)
For me it was natural. I talked about it with a very good friend who had done it. I could not see myself stopping my breastfeeding. I did some research to see how to balance breastfeeding and work.
Were you encouraged in this project?
I discussed it during my very first interview with Néobulle. There were no problems on this subject and measures were put in place to allow me to express my milk.
My close ones, however, supported me a bit less. They questioned how the employer or other colleagues might perceive it (it was not out of malice, but more due to misinformation). The remark "Oh, but you’re still breastfeeding at 7 months?" was made to me…
Some also worried that it would lead to a lot of fatigue.
My partner, on the other hand, was very supportive.
How do you organize yourself concretely?
I pump my milk with a breast pump that was rented on prescription from the doctor (via the Tire-lait express company). I bring her to the workplace, I express my milk for 20 minutes in the morning and a second time around noon for 10 minutes.
I have the company fridge available to store my small jars of milk. During the commute, I put them in a cooler with an ice pack. At home, I freeze some, and the rest goes to the daycare.
Is your baby on exclusive breastfeeding? Does she receive other types of milk? Is she diversified?
Hella is still nursing at home, and if it’s me, she refuses to take a bottle. However, at daycare, or with other people (if I’m not around!), she accepts the bottle.
Level of diversification: it’s a bit delicate. She definitely prefers fruits over vegetables, and she rarely accepts the spoon.
She had a tongue-tie issue that complicates things a bit.
How do you experience this project on a daily basis?
I would do it again without hesitation!
For me, it’s really great. My breastfeeding journey required courage because it was difficult to start, but now that we’re in the groove, it’s fantastic.
It’s a special bond with my daughter. In summary, I feel really good about it.
Things you would like to say to a mother who is hesitant?
I wouldn’t be able to influence her to go towards this or that way of doing things.
Breastfeeding is very personal. I would share my experience, but afterwards, I would tell her that it depends on her feelings and desires.
A big thank you to Camille for sharing her experience!
