Tips For Pumping Breast Milk At Work
“Some days, she’ll have no idea how she’ll do it, but every single day it still gets done”
Many new parents don't know what to expect when it comes to pumping while returning to work after maternity leave. Whether you work part time from home or full time in an office, it doesn’t have to mean the end of breastfeeding. If you’re not sure how to juggle breastfeeding and work, here are some tips for breastfeeding working parents that can help.
Practice at home. About two to three weeks before you go back to work, start trading one daily nursing session for a pumping session while your baby feeds from a bottle. You can still breastfeed mornings, evenings and weekends, while partners and caregivers get to bond with the baby by bottle feeding while you’re at work.
Make a plan and schedule. Discuss your pumping needs with your employer in advance and plan where you will pump. You’ll also need a refrigerator, an insulated bag, or cooler with ice packs to store your pumped milk during the day. Creating a schedule for pumping at work and breastfeeding at home can be really helpful. Plan your pumping sessions for when your baby would normally be feeding if you were at home to avoid engorgement and leaking.
Have a good pumping spot. You can basically pump anywhere you find privacy and comfort. Pumping is made to be easy and convenient so you can provide for your baby even when you aren’t with them. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires that your employer provide basic accommodations for breastfeeding moms. The law also requires that employers provide working moms reasonable accommodations and time to express their breast milk until 12 months after her baby’s birth.
Stay hydrated and well-nourished. Always make sure you have a big bottle of water at your desk or workplace. Breastfeeding is hard work and you need a lot of fluids to keep up your supply. Keep plenty of healthy snacks on hand as well to replenish the 200 to 500 calories a day your body uses to produce milk. Granola bars, fruit, yogurt, nuts, cheese, and cereals are nutrient-dense options and will give you the energy you need to continue pumping at work.
Resources. There are so many different sources to find tips on how, where, and when to pump while on a busy schedule or away from home. There are so many working parents that are all in the same boat so you are definitely not alone in this journey. If any help is needed, contact our Infant Feeding Specialist to make sure that you and your baby have the best possible experience.