Jennifer looked nervously at the clock. It was exactly 30 seconds past the time it was last time she looked. The ticking of the clock was out of time with the mechanical rhythm of the double electric breast pump which only added to her growing agitation. Her engorged breasts were filled to bursting but in spite of her obvious abundance of milk, the pump was only producing a trickle. She turned the pump up to ‘full’ and whimpered softly as the increased pressure sucked mercilessly on her aching nipples. The trickle increased slightly, but not enough.
She looked at the clock again. Scott would be here any minute and she’d only managed to pump 2 of the 8 oz she still needed to leave so that he could feed the baby while she was at work. In desperation she began to massage her breasts, trying to speed up the process. Just then, she heard the knock at the door. With 6 more oz to go, she knew that she couldn’t stop now so she yelled for him to come in. Jennifer’s face flushed with embarrassment when she saw the look on 18 year old Scott’s face. She imagined how it must look and immediately regretting allowing him to see her this way. He was just out of high school and would be off to college after the summer. “I’m sorry, I know this looks awful, but I’m having a hell of a time getting enough milk to leave for you” she said apologetically. Scott recovered quickly. “No,” he stammered, “it’s just that I wasn’t expecting it. I always figured that the milk in the fridge was the kind that came out of a can.” He had not taken his eyes off of her for a second and Jennifer noticed the look on his face change from shock to fascination.
“How does it work?” Scott asked. “Well, its kind of hard to explain,” Jennifer said hesitantly, “but if you really want to know, come over here and I’ll show you.” Scott’s eyes widened and he practically sprinted across the room. Jennifer questioned the appropriateness of what she was about to do but decided to go ahead with it in the name of education since he seemed so interested. The machine was still whirring and sucking as Scott watched with growing interest. Jennifer explained how it worked all the while juggling the pump with one hand and massaging her breasts with the other.
“So what does the rubbing do? I mean, how you’re rubbing them with your hand?” Scott asked.
Jennifer flushed with embarrassment. “I’m sorry Scott… this must be really awkward for you. The baby’s sleeping. Why don’t you just go watch TV? I’ll let you know when I’m done here” she said softly.
“No.. It’s ok, really!” Scott protested. “Look, I don’t know a lot about breastfeeding but I can see that you’re not getting anywhere Mrs. Carpenter. Why don’t you let me help?”
“Oh no, I couldn’t… I wouldn’t feel comfortable with that and I certainly couldn’t ask you to do that” Jennifer spluttered, now more embarrassed than ever. She cursed herself for letting herself get into this position.
“I’m not some little kid Mrs. Carpenter.” Scot replied. Sure, it’s new to me but I can see that you’re having trouble and I’d like to help if I can. I can also see that you’re already late for work. So just tell me what to do and we’ll get this bottle filled up and you out the door, ok?”
Her breasts were on fire with engorgement now and her nipple couldn’t take much more of this sucking. She knew he was right so with a sigh, Jennifer said “You’re right. And god knows I could use the help.”
Scott stood behind her, reached over and started to massage her swollen breasts. At first Jennifer felt ashamed but she tried to relax, knowing that unless she did, her milk would continue to come out in drops. She closed her eyes and let her head fall back. His hands did feel good.