Pumping Tips For The Working Mom

I know for all moms it is very difficult to return to work when your maternity leave is over and having the added stress of wanting to continue breastfeeding and having to pump at work can be overwhelming. I hope these tips may help relieve some of the return to work stress you may be feeling.

Where to Pump

• I have learned that most offices accommodate for breast feeding mothers so before you return to work, be sure to contact an administrator you know and ask if they are aware of a designated pump room. If they are not, contact your local HR and ask them if they can arrange a private location for you.
• I do recommend getting a battery pack in case the location you are given does not have an available power outlet. The battery pack will also become very handy on those occasions when you might have to pump in the car.

Breast Pump Supplies Needed

• Breast pump - I use a Medela and love it so if you need one I highly recommend a Medela.
• 1-3 breastshields for single breast pump process. (Pumping half the bottle on one breast and the other half on the other breast) I take only 1 with me because I wash mine after each time.
• 2-4 breastshields for double breast pump process. (Pumping both breasts at the same time)
• 3 breast milk containers or breast milk freezer bags for single breast pump process. (I personally prefer containers with lids over the bags because I have had more spills when using the bags)
• 6 breast milk containers or breast milk freezer bags for double breast pump process.
• 6 disposable nursing pads
• 1 packet of sanitizing wipes - to wash your hands when you might not have quick access to a sink and/or to clean your pump area before or after if needed.
• 1 milk cooler (Usually comes with the purchase of a breast pump) to put your milk in the refrigerator or freezer at work when you are done pumping. I recommend putting your milk in the freezer if you have a long commute home or if you do not plan to go straight home after work.

Pump Supplies to purchase - Because Mothers are too busy to clean the breast feeding supplies every day I recommend getting the following quantities of accessories.

• 6-8 breast milk containers (4 usually comes with your pump)
• 1-2 boxes of the disposable nursing pads on hand
• 1 cooler is fine but if you have an additional one it helps
• 6-8 Breastshields and valves/membrane (2 usually come standard with the pump)
• 1 Battery pack (Sometimes comes with the pump)
• 1-2 pack of the freezer bags
• 2-3 packs of sanitizing wipes
• 1 Breastfeeding cover (Buy or make)

I wish you all the best on your return to work. Please let me know if you have any questions.