As an exclusive pumper of a year and a half, I have gathered some tips that may make the transition and pumping at work easier for you and your baby!
First, PICK your PUMP!
Start in the months before delivery if you are able to… but if it’s already too late, learn everything about your pump BEFORE you go to work. There is nothing worse than getting to work and realizing you 1) forgot a part or 2) don’t know how to use it.
Some common brands are : Spectra (S1 portable) and S2; Medela (various different types); Willow or Elvie (both hands free and tube-free); and Baby Buddha.
Research, research, research! Learn everything you can about your options including what brands your insurance company will cover. Decide what is important to you; noise level, ease of use, multiple functions, suction power, portability.
Learn how the manufacturer suggests encouraging letdown. Discover how to properly clean your pump. Research how often you should replace the disposable parts.
Second, implement a schedule!
If you plan to start pumping before your return to work, pick the same time every day. Try to avoid times that baby would normally want to nurse. Mornings after the baby’s first feeding may be a good time if you are trying to build your supply. You can also try during the baby’s “long” sleep period at night.
Once you return to work, plan to pump on a schedule as close to the schedule your baby would have if you were with them.
Use your time wisely. Between being a homeschooling mother, going to college, working as a doula, and as an exclusive pumper, I spend lots of time in the car. So why not take advantage of that? Invest in a hands-free bra like this one.
You might want to use your time TO and FROM work as two different pumping sessions. This has saved me so much time with my family, and has made creating a schedule much easier. Also consider times you will be seated and add a pumping session as part of the mix. Having lunch? Get setup to pump first. Going to spend 30 minutes responding to emails and phone calls? If you are stuck at your desk, you might as well multitask.
Record your baby’s hungry cry- the one that includes a hiccup sound, and bring a picture along with you. It will help support your milk production.
Third, order extra pump parts!
Make an Amazon Wishlist on your lunch break at work and order 3-4 sets of pump parts. It is wise to keep an extra set of pump supplies at work for those sleep-deprived forgetful days. In addition, it is likely that your dog will eat a backflow protector, and your garbage disposal will swallow a membrane at some point… Don’t wait until that happens to order replacement parts on Amazon Prime.
Fourth, ask your employer where you can pump!
Ease your transition back by knowing ahead of time where the pumping room is, where you can store your milk, how many times you can pump, how long you can take a break, and if the time taken will be paid or unpaid.
Lastly, BREATHE!
We aren’t going to claim that pumping at work is easy, but using these tips will make the transition easier to adapt to.
Join some Facebook groups for pumping parents, keep active on social media and be aware of new gadgets that come out weekly to help with pumping. Remember, you can always reach out to us if you have questions.
By Dana Drisell
