Welcome to the world of motherhood, where you have to navigate through a million things at once. One of the biggest challenges working mothers face is balancing their work responsibilities with breastfeeding. It can be difficult to find time and resources to pump milk while juggling work demands, but it’s not impossible.
Many women choose to continue breastfeeding after returning to work because they know the benefits it offers both for themselves and their babies. Breast milk is packed with nutrients that are essential for a child’s growth and development, and breastfeeding helps build a strong bond between mother and child.
If you’re a working mom who wants to continue breastfeeding, this guide is for you. We’ve put together some practical tips and advice on how to balance breastfeeding and work so that you can continue providing your baby with the best nutrition while also succeeding in your career.
1. Find Lactation Support
The first step in successfully balancing breastfeeding and work is finding lactation support. This can come in many forms, such as hiring a lactation consultant or attending a support group for working mothers.
Your employer may have resources available for nursing mothers, such as a lactation room or access to breast pumps. Don’t be afraid to ask your HR department about these resources or if they can make accommodations for your pumping schedule.
Additionally, connect with other working moms who are also breastfeeding. They may have valuable insights into how they balance their work and pumping schedules or recommendations on where to find helpful resources near your workplace.
2. Build a Pumping Schedule
A key aspect of balancing breastfeeding and work is creating a pumping schedule that works for you and your workplace demands. This requires some planning ahead of time, but it will help ensure that you have time set aside during the day for pumping sessions.
When building your pumping schedule, consider factors such as your work schedule, commute time, and the frequency of your baby’s feedings. It’s recommended that you pump every 3-4 hours to maintain a healthy milk supply, so plan accordingly.
It may also help to talk to your employer about scheduling breaks for pumping sessions or finding ways to integrate pumping into your workday, such as during conference calls or lunch breaks.
3. Invest in Breast Pumps and Storage
Investing in a quality breast pump is essential for working mothers who want to continue breastfeeding. A good breast pump can make the pumping process more efficient and comfortable, which can make it easier to stay on track with your pumping schedule.
There are many types of breast pumps available on the market, from manual pumps to electric pumps. Consider what features are important to you, such as portability or suction strength, when choosing a breast pump that suits your needs.
In addition to a breast pump, you’ll also need storage containers for your pumped milk. Make sure to label each container with the date and time so that you can keep track of how long it has been stored. Breast milk can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
4. Talk to Your Employer
Talking to your employer about your breastfeeding needs is an important step in balancing work and breastfeeding. Many employers are supportive of nursing mothers and may be willing to make accommodations such as providing a private lactation room or allowing flexible work hours.
When talking with your employer about your breastfeeding needs, be clear about what accommodations you need and how they can help support you. It may be helpful to provide them with information on the benefits of breastfeeding for both the mother and child.
Remember that federal law requires employers to provide reasonable break time and a private space for nursing mothers to pump milk for up to one year after the birth of their child. Be aware of your rights and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.
5. Pump on the Go
As a working mom, you may find yourself pumping on-the-go at times. This can be challenging, but there are ways to make it easier.
Invest in a portable breast pump that you can take with you wherever you go. You can also use a hands-free pumping bra so that you can continue working while pumping.
You may also want to consider using a cooler bag with ice packs to store your pumped milk while traveling or commuting. This will help keep your milk fresh until you’re able to refrigerate it.
Conclusion
As a working mom, balancing breastfeeding and work can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. By finding lactation support, building a pumping schedule, investing in breast pumps and storage, talking to your employer, and pumping on-the-go, you can successfully balance work and breastfeeding while providing your baby with the best nutrition possible.
Remember that every working mother’s situation is unique, so be patient with yourself as you navigate through this process. With some planning and preparation, you can continue breastfeeding while achieving success in your career.