In honor of 2008’s World Breastfeeding Week, we have interviewed a variety of moms that have gone the extra mile of pumping for their children. This is Leslie’s story.

Leslie, Mommy of Mason had to go back to work full-time in the Military and wanted to continue to breastfeed. She’s 8.5 months toward her original goal of one year!

What breast pump(s) did you use?

I used three pumps: a Medela swing that broke within the first month then a Playtex double electric which did not work well for me then finally a Medela Pump In Style.

Which pump was the most convenient, and why?

The Medela Pump In Style was faster, convenient and worked better. It also didn’t break!

If you were to have a conversation with a mom today that was about to pump what advice would you have for her?

Just to keep at it, it gets tiring but it is the best for your baby

Did you have any experiences of nipple confusion, bottle preferance, etc. while combining bottle and breastfeeding? How did you cope with it?

I do combine, my son only gets the bottle when he is at daycare or I am not home. I’ve been lucky and he doesn’t have any problems switching back and forth.

What issues did you run into with pumping? How did you overcome them?

The only issue I ran into (other than the pumps breaking or not working) were that I would keep getting bored with pumping. When this happens I just tell myself that it is best and I can not afford formula. The cost of formula is a great motivator!

How would you describe your support system, and how did they help or discourage you from achieving your goal?

My support system is wonderful. I am in the military so I have access to a lactation consultant 24/7, my husband has been supportive and there are around 5 other woman where I work pumping so we help each other out and keep a journal of our pumping experience.

What was your original goal for feeding your child?

I want to breastfeed for 12 months, we are 8.5 monts into it and going strong!

How did pumping influence your goals?

It has helped to keep my supply up while I’m at work, and allows my child to drink my milk from a bottle when I’m away from him.

What was the most difficult thing about pumping?

The most difficult thing related to pumping is just the time it takes to do it. Having to find time for my breaks at work, and motivating myself to pump can be difficult.

If you were to change one thing about breast pumps, what would you change?

I wish they could be faster. It would make it easier to find the time to pump if it didn’t involve so much set up and pumping time. But the double electrics aren’t as bad as they could be, I guess. I forgot my pump at work one day and I had to use a hand pump, not fun.

How did you store your milk?

We have a fridge in our lactation room so I store it in bottles or bags during the day then take it home in ice packs.

Did you ever end up having to pump and dump?

Never intentionally, but once I forgot to put my milk in the fridge on a Friday and found it on Monday so I had to dump it out.

What ‘extras’ did you find helpful to your pumping experience?

Just a good magazine to keep the boredom at bay.

What is your pumping routine?

I try to pump three times a day nothing really helps me let down it just happens. I keep a picture of my son in the Lactation room, though, to help the letdown and to remind me what I’m pumping for.

Did you ever battle with low supply? How did you overcome it?

Not really I have been lucky and haven’t had low supply issues or the need to supplement with formula.