Tell us about yourself. Where are you from, what are you passionate about, how many kids do you have, etc.
My name is Megan Robbins (formally Megan Jayne). My husband and I were married in April 2019 in Marathon, FL (my husband’s hometown). I was born and raised in Davie, FL. My mother still lives in the same home she raised my brother and I in. Even though 2020 was a struggle for most, my husband and I were blessed with the birth of our beautiful daughter, Hailey Jayne, on August 11,2020 (the day after my birthday). We just purchased our first home in Lighthouse Point, FL, and we were both promoted to officers at work.
I have a Bachelors’ Degree in Athletic Training Sports Medicine, so I live a very active lifestyle and try to exercise whenever I can. My husband and I both grew up on the water, so we love to fish, go diving, and be out on the water.
Tell us about your career. What do you love most about your job? Do you have any stories from working with moms and babies that have resonated with you over the years or past few months?
I’m a Lieutenant (firefighter/Paramedic) at one of the local fire departments. When you speak to most firefighters, they say we have the best job in the world, and I would be lying if I didn’t agree. Every day we have the opportunity to help people in some big ways, especially over the last year. Becoming a mother has given me the opportunity to be able to empathize with other parents on the job as well as many of my patients.
Tell us about your first impressions or pre-conceived notions you may have had about breastfeeding and pumping? How did the real thing compare to the picture you had created in your mind?
I was super nervous about breastfeeding/pumping. If my daughter would latch, would I produce, how do I pump, etc. All these questions and unknowns. Of course, social media and the internet don’t do us any favors. Then speaking with other friends and women, it was just all so overwhelming.
Well when she finally arrived, she latched immediately! I was thrilled. Hailey was born on a Thursday, and by Monday she had already surpassed her birth weight. As first-time parents, we were so thankful. Once I began pumping, I was concerned about building up a “supply†for when I returned to work. But then I read something that really helped my anxiety with building a freezer stash “Feed your baby, not the freezerâ€. Which is exactly what I’m doing.
What has it been like breastfeeding and pumping during COVID? We hear stories of the emotional rides moms experience through COVID-19 times and breastfeeding in general. It could help other moms to hear your story of how you got through this challenging experience during a pandemic.
There are some days that are harder than others. My first shift back to work, every time I would sit down to pump, we would get a call. All I could think of was, “This is not going to last long, and I hope my supply can keep up.” Well I have now been back to work for 2 months and I am still pumping. My supply has decreased some but if I miss a pump session, I just pump for longer on my next session. I try to pump every 3hrs (6x a day) when I am on shift.
Breastfeeding and pumping in general is A LOT more work than I ever anticipated, but the benefits verses the sacrifices I have to make is what makes it worth it. Being pregnant in 2020 was a roller coaster of emotions. Between hormones in general and then the anxiety of my husband still working in the field and being exposed to COVID patients every day and possibly bringing it home to myself and our baby was very difficult. Even now being a mother and working, I am afraid of what I could possibly expose my child to when I go home. I always make sure to shower when I get home before picking her up or feeding her.
What’s the most unusual piece of advice you’ve received about motherhood?
Nothing really unusual that I can think of but I couldn’t agree more with the saying “the days are long but the years are short.â€
Name some nursing/feeding items that you can’t live without.
The Ameda Mya portable pump! It’s small, durable, quiet and I use it every day (6 times a day) while on shift.
Also, a hands-free pumping bra. It allows me to pump and write reports at work.
Can you tell us about your first experience with Ameda and how it led you to become an Ameda user?
My neighbor, Maureen, works for Ameda! I seriously couldn’t be more thankful for her support and help when I first started pumping. Since I worked odd hours, 24hr shifts with 48hrs off, and sometimes 48hrs in a row, the Ameda Mya Portable pump has been a lifesaver! It allows me to the be flexible with where and when I’m pumping and don’t always have to be connected to the wall. The battery life is awesome as well, and I can always make it through at least 2 maybe 3 pump sessions without having to charge it.
What’s one piece of advice you wish you would have known beforehand and would like to share with other moms?
SLEEP while you can! The hard parts don’t last forever but your babies smile makes it all worth it.
