You might be asking yourself how you can keep up with the needs of your child while getting back on track with your career. We’ve put together some helpful advice on how to continue breastfeeding for working moms.
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Get Additional Lactation Support
Being a working mom might feel like you’re trying to balance the weight of too many things at once. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to navigate the breastfeeding process alone.
Getting professional lactation support from a board-certified lactation specialist will provide you with the tools you need.
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Buy A Pump That Works
You might be overwhelmed with the amount of breast pump options. But we guarantee that you don’t want to skimp out on the product you buy simply to save a few extra dollars.
A single manual pump might be the more affordable option, but it’s not the best one. A double electric pump will save you time so you can get more work done in a day.
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Talk To Your Manager
An employer must ensure the safety and well-being of their employees. This also means for those who are pregnant or have recently had a child.
Section 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act states the following:
“[The act] requires employers to provide a nursing mother reasonable break time to express breast milk after the birth of her child. The amendment also requires that employers provide a place for an employee to express breast milk.”
You may need additional time during your lunch break to pump or need to take more breaks than usual. Be upfront about your needs and in turn, initiatives like TLN’s Newborn Families Program can help to improve the company’s support of women and mothers in the workplace.
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Get Creative With Pumping
The reality of you finding peace while pumping during the workday might not be feasible. You may have a job that requires you to be on the road all day long. Or perhaps you’re unable to letdown because you’re feeling overly stressed in a new pumping environment.
This means you’re going to have to get creative. Watch videos of your child while you’re pumping to help trigger the release of milk. Try meditating during those times rather than trying to catch up on work emails.
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Add Pumping To Your Work Calendar
Getting your body on a regulated schedule can be helpful when trying to pump. Plus, work can become overly demanding and the next thing you know, you’ve skipped pumping altogether. This can lead to discomfort or limit your milk supply over time.
Instead, add pumping to your work calendar. You can label it as a meeting for discretionary purposes. But blocking yourself out at the same time every day will keep you from forgetting while keeping your body regulated.
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Bring Multiple Sets Of Pump Parts
Probably one of the hardest parts about pumping at work is the cleaning process. You may only have the bathroom or open kitchen area in the breakroom to clean your pump. Not to mention, it takes up extra time.
Set yourself up for success by bringing in multiple sets of pump parts to work in a diaper bag. It’s best practice to clean your breast pump after every use
A bottle brush is a great solution to do a quick clean immediately afterward. Then you can do a deep clean once you get home. Don’t forget to bring sanitation wipes to clean up your pumping station directly afterward as well.
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Be Patient With Yourself
Pumping in the workplace isn’t a flawless transition. There may be some hiccups along the way before you get the hang of it.
You may forget breast pads at home one day or forget to pump one day. Be patient with yourself. You’ll find a rhythm and routine over time.
Summary
When it comes to pumping at work, it’s important to know your rights. An employer is legally obligated to provide you with what you need. Be open with them and communicate as soon as you return to work.
Set yourself up by providing yourself with the necessary things you need like a quality breast pump, extra parts, and a schedule. And of course, don’t forget to be patient with yourself. There’s always a learning curve when you start something new.
