Returning to work after having a baby is hard enough as it is but if you plan to pump at work, I want to help you make it as easy as possible! Did you know most women stop breastfeeding when they return to work as they don’t want to appear as though they’re not dedicated to their work by taking breaks to pump? It doesn’t have to be that way! It can be intimidating I mean, being half naked in a room at work with people nearby while you pump breastmilk is a little weird at first but if you’re dedicated to making it work, it can be so easy!
Know your rights
As an HR Manager, this one is one I feel hits home for me. You need to know your rights in the workplace! I highly suggest communicating to your supervisor or HR representative prior to returning to work about your plans to pump. It will be helpful to make sure you are all on the same page to make sure they know what you’re doing and when so you can have a successful pumping experience. Make sure they have a room set up for you (if they don’t already have a dedicated room for it). You can read the full details of your rights here but know that a majority of employers are legally required to allow you to pump so make sure you push for what they are legally obligated to provide for you.
Stay hydrated
It’s so easy to get caught up at work, especially if you’re not sitting at a desk all day, and forget to hydrate. However, water is imperative to keeping up your milk supply so make sure to always have water with you (I’ve ever heard Blue Gatorade helps increase milk production) so you don’t see a dip in your supply. I’d also pack a snack because breastfeeding hunger is real.
Pack extra parts
Nothing is worse than getting to work and realizing you left a crucial part to your pump at home. I always pack 2 sets of bottles and a pack of milk bags in my bag just in case I happen to forget lids for the bottles (this happened to me last week) or something of the like. Also, having a spare set means not having to clean your parts each night for the next day which I think everyone appreciates at the end of a long day of working and mommin’.
Prep your pump bag the night before
After being up late or sometimes all night with a baby, mornings tend to be rushed no matter how early you wake up. Prepping your bag the night before will take one less thing off your list. Just throw an ice pack in your cooler bag for your milk and you’re all set.
Schedule your pump breaks
Treat your pump sessions as a meeting. I like to put my pump breaks on my calendar so no one schedules a meeting during a time I need to pump and people also know where I am if they can’t find me. Putting them on your calendar also helps remind you to get up from your desk if you’re super busy so you don’t miss a pump.
Extra tid bit: Enjoy the break! Catch up on Instagram, listen to a Podcast, scroll through pictures or videos of your sweet little one. Trust me, you’ll miss the breaks once you’re done pumping!
