Giggles and Squeals at Work!

At 10 weeks old, baby Eva was smiling and starting to coo and interact with me, my precious second, and last, daughter. I was getting into a routine, feeling more confident, having so much fun being home with this endlessly happy child.

But it was time.

I was heading back to work after what seemed like the blink of an eye since I had given birth to her. I got dressed and packed up the car that morning, preparing to ease back into my work life—folding up the pajama pants, my daily uniform, and dusting off the heels. But as I loaded Eva up into the car, I wasn’t filled with the same anxiety and dread as I had been just three short years earlier when I had done the same with my older daughter, Olivia. Eva and I left the house together that morning, but instead of going through all of the emotions of dropping her off in someone else’s care for the first time, we kept driving. Together.

With my office equipped with a pack n play and a swing, and doting co-workers stopping in for visits, Eva spent the next 3 ½ months as an honorary “Milk Bank Employee”. She did it all, our little mascot—fell asleep in meetings, gave special input on event plans, spit up on my work clothes, chimed in on phone calls, and tiny fingers on the keyboard helped with grant writing and newsletters. If you were a Seinfeld fan you would know that George Costanza would be so proud of baby Eva's ability to sleep on the job! She was a fabulous sidekick, and did actually allow me to get my work done—pausing for breaks to breastfeed or change a diaper. Most importantly, we were together and continuing to build our bond and solidify our breastfeeding success.

The Mothers’ Milk Bank at Austin is a family-friendly organization, and for that I feel incredibly fortunate. It was proven on my very first day of employment when Olivia (less than a year old) spiked a very high fever at child care. Mortified to leave early on my first day, but worried about my sick little girl, I was met with total understanding as I dashed out…early…on the first day...ugh. It was proven again as I had overwhelming support throughout my pregnancy, topped off with my incredible maternity plan—the cherry on top being “employee may bring child to work until 6 months of age”.

Knowing intimately the importance and benefits of breastfeeding, I think it’s a no-brainer that the Mothers’ Milk Bank would want to do everything it can to encourage and support a successful breastfeeding relationship between a mother and child—and their generous Mother-Friendly plan did just that. Being allowed reasonable time and a clean, practical place to pump is great, but a positive and supportive environment can be just the thing a tired, working mom needs to keep reaching her small breastfeeding goals along the way.



Eva's last day

6 months also came and went in the blink of an eye, as everything seems to with children. I miss her being here, but I know that she was ready to be someplace where she can safely play all day. So, retirement came at an early age for Eva, but she is still contributing as a “donor baby” by sharing her milk with other babies who need it to survive and thrive—something I want both of my girls to be very proud that they were a part of when they are old enough to understand.

For now, I’m just endlessly grateful for the extra time I had with my baby, thanks to MMBA.

Whitney Musitano, Development Director
Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin