Pumping Tips
Time to read: 2 min.
For moms whose jobs aren't the typical 9-5, pumping at work takes a little more planning, relying on coworkers, and ingenuity.
Pumping at work takes a lot of dedication, planning, and well…work. And for moms whose jobs don’t have flexibility or regular break times, it can be downright challenging. Finding a time and place to pump is sometimes easier said than done when you’re a server at the peak of dinner service, an ER nurse in the middle of a 12-hour shift, or a teacher with recess supervision duty.
But a lot of amazing women pump at work with unusual schedules every day. It can be done! Sometimes it just takes a little more planning, a little more relying on coworkers, and a little more ingenuity. We asked our community of working mamas for their best tips and tricks for making pumping at work…work. This is what they had to say:
Whether you’re a hairstylist, police officer, paramedic, teacher, restaurant or retail staff, doctor, nurse, or anyone working an unpredictable schedule, the number one tip from moms who’ve done it before is to be flexible. While ideally you should pump about every three hours that you’re away from baby, to help maintain your breast milk supply on days when that’s not possible, pump whenever and wherever you can, even if it’s just for 10 minutes.
Communicate with your coworkers and managers about pumping during the workday. Sometimes managers will accommodate your schedule, and having coworkers who can cover you for a quick break is incredibly helpful. However, if you’re not lucky enough to have a good support system at work, it’s still important to keep the communication lines open in order to meet your breastfeeding goals.
Invest in a car adaptor and pump in your car immediately before and after work (just not while driving). If you're self-conscious about people potentially seeing you, just bring a cover for extra privacy.
Investing in helpful supplies like disposable nursing pads to protect your clothing or uniform from unexpected leakage – particularly if you haven’t had a spare moment for a pumping break – and a comfortable nursing and pumping bra for the postpartum support and easy pumping access you deserve can often prove advantageous. These items often provide added comfort during a busy or irregular shift at work, particularly if you're on your feet most of the time.
It may also be helpful to keep a detailed pumping log on hand or use an app such as Medela Family, so you can conveniently track your pumping sessions in real-time, stay organized, and not skip a beat - or a session! - while balancing pumping with work.
Remember, there are laws in place that protect the rights of working moms in the U.S. and provide them with encouragement to continue breastfeeding. And, depending on which state you live in, you may have additional rights. It’s helpful to brush up on what your rights are, and how to discuss your plan to pump at work with your employer before you head back to work.
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