Preparing food in a public restroom
By Tessa Kriesel profile image Tessa Kriesel
1 min read

Preparing food in a public restroom

Would you eat food if you knew it was prepared in a public restroom? As working mothers, our newborn children do.

As I sit in a public handicapped bathroom stall pumping, I start thinking to myself how much it sucks to be a working mom. Don't get me wrong, I love what I do, but not having a proper location to do such a task is quite despicable.

Would you eat food if you knew it was prepared in a public restroom?

My poor daughter has to drink breastmilk that was retrieved and packaged there. Why is this natural process of life not being accommodated better?

I had the luxury of staying home with both of my older children when they were born because I was freelancing; I was clueless about what it would be like this time around. I had no idea that going back to work just six weeks after my daughter was born would be so tricky, strategically and emotionally.

I knew Olivia would likely be my last pregnancy, my last delivery, my last newborn baby to cradle and love. Every day of my maternity leave was enjoyed to the fullest and usually included a few tearful moments per day. Either I was crying because I was SO in love with this adorable, beautiful person, or I was crying because time was going by so fast, and I knew I'd see her much less soon.

I will admit, the first few weeks were horrible; however, I found peace with the fact that I had a career and I had to continue moving forward. I was thankful to be able to provide for my daughter in a way that not all mothers get to experience.

Update: 5+ years later now and I can tell you that I quit this awful job a month later and landed at General Mills, where the mothers experience is heavenly. Fight for the right opportunities for you and your family.

By Tessa Kriesel profile image Tessa Kriesel
Updated on
Being a Wife & Mom