5 Tips for Pumping at Work
The thought of pumping at work can be stressful. Between privacy concerns, maintaining your supply throughout a busy work schedule, and questions about where to store everything from your milk to your used pump parts - it's no wonder the transition may feel a little.... well, overwhelming at first.
Fortunately, there are a few key steps to make this journey (a little) easier. Whether you're returning to your job following your leave or simply looking for a few tips on making pumping at work successful, the tips below can help you feel prepared before the big entrance back into the workforce.
1. Have a conversation with the HR department before your maternity leave begins
Ask which space will be available for you to express milk upon your re-entrance back to the office and about the options for keeping your milk chilled. If you have your own office, consider investing in a mini-fridge for your personal use. If you must share a communal fridge with your coworkers, I recommend keeping your pumped milk in a cooler with a zipper closure. It's not unheard of for people to mistake breast milk for creamer!
2. Be equipped and ready to take on the day with confidence
Having the right tools for the job can make all the difference. If you're interested in a bag dedicated and designed to carry your breast pump and accessories, great! But remember, there's no need to run out and spend a ton of money on bags and coolers. Rummage through your belongings and see what you have to repurpose for your dedicated pump bags to transport supplies to and from your workplace.
3. No one wants to take their clothes off to pump at work
Invest in a few simple breastfeeding-friendly pieces you can mix and match with other clothing items to create new outfits for each day of the week.
4. Keep a schedule
Whether your baby nurses at the breast or you exclusively pump, aim to express milk as often as you would normally while home with the baby. Unfortunately, for some mamas, busy schedules and long meetings may not make this recommendation easy to achieve (if at all).
If this is the case for you, just remember:
• Attempt to remove milk as close to your original schedule as possible. Even a shortened session is better than no session at all.
• Fluctuation won't be the end to your supply. If you pump an hour early or an hour late, your supply will not be harmed.
5. Supplements can help
If you find that you're unable to maintain your most ideal schedule and you're prone to clogged ducts, consider sunflower lecithin. This supplement is an emulsifier and will thin the fat in your milk (not eliminate the fat), making it less "sticky." It may also help empty your breasts more quickly and help reduce the chances of developing a clog.
For more visual examples, product suggestions, and pumping schedule suggestions, follow Kristen over on Instagram at @bemybreastfriend.
