Heading back to the office after the birth of your new breast-milk-loving bundle? If you’re feeling overwhelmed about the idea of pumping at work, we totally get it. After all, finding time to pump during the workday can be a challenge.
But, going back to work doesn’t have to keep you from feeding your baby the way you want, mama. With a few tips, tricks and tools, you’ll be able to make it work.
How to Prepare for Pumping at Work
Before you go back to work, there are a few things you should do to prepare to make sure there’s a smooth transition. Taking time to prepare beforehand will save your sanity as you balance work and mom life.
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Find the perfect pump: The perfect pump will be compact, easily portable and powerful for at-work pumping sessions. While you may already have a breast pump at home, it might not be the best choice for work (more on this below).
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Give your baby a bottle to try: Offer a bottle to your baby before you go back to work, so your little one can get used to eating this way. If you’re worried about nipple confusion, don’t be, mama. Most babies can drink with a bottle and from the breast without any issues at all.
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Start building your freezer stash: Now is also the time to start pumping and building a nice breast milk stash inside your freezer. Start pumping a few weeks before you return to work, and you’ll have days worth of milk stored before you know it!
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Practice with your pump: If you haven’t yet used your breast pump, do so now. Practice makes perfect, especially when pumping. By the time you go back to work, you’ll be able to latch, pump and store in record time.
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Discuss your pumping plan with others: It’s a good idea to speak with your employer before your first day back about your pumping needs. For example, you’ll need a safe place to pump as well as scheduled times each day. You should also discuss breastfeeding needs with your baby’s caregiver. For example, discuss how much milk your baby should have each feeding and how your breast milk should be stored before feedings.
How to Choose the Right Breast Pump for Work
Have you bought your pump yet, mama? If not, now’s the time, so you can practice and your baby can get used to slurping liquid gold from a bottle.
For work, you’ll want a portable breast pump that’s easy to carry and lightweight. Depending on your comfort level, you may also want a quiet and discreet pump, such as the Willow, that you can wear inside your bra. You’ll also want to choose a high-quality pump since you’ll be using it daily.
To get the most out of every pumping session, we recommend looking for a double electric breast pump. This type of pump will allow you to pump both breasts at the same time quickly.
Already have a breast pump at home? If your budget allows, we recommend having two pumps to make pumping on the go easier. With a second pump, you’re able to clean and pack your pump back up for the next day, while still having access to another pump for evening sessions.
What Are the Laws for Pumping at Work?
What the Pump Act? On December 29, 2022, President Biden signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 into law which includes the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act) and extends more rights to employees. It's ... a lot of information to absorb, so we made it easy for you! Head to our PUMP Act page for access to webinars from our partners at Simplifed and a quick downloadable PDF of everything you need to know!