Balancing Breast Pump and Work

Parenthood can be such a wonderful experience, and though one is happy to be a new mother, the process is not without a lot of hitches, particularly when it comes to breastfeeding while at work. Nevertheless, for many moms, a breast pump becomes a perfect solution to continue feeding their children while being at work from time to time. But pumping at work is not easy because of planning where to pump and who to ask for help. If you are just returning to work and trying to navigate how to incorporate pumping into your schedule, or if you are preparing for that time in advance, Promom has listed a few tips that will be of great help.

Preparing for Pumping at Work

It is recommended to prepare for pumping while still at home before going back to work. You should do this sometimes for the baby to adjust to the process. Here are a few steps to prepare:

• Talk to Your Employer: As a starter, you need to have a word individually with the employer. In many states and under many labor laws, nursing mothers are afforded basic rights which include reasonable time to express their milk and a private and appropriate place to do it, if possible. Speak with your employer about needing time and space where you’re able to pump during your work hours and how this can be arranged.
• Choose the Right Pump: A good, effective, and quality breast pump is of paramount importance to working women with young children. You may use an electric pump, but it has speed and can be used anytime. Double electric pumps also come in handy because they are designed in a way that means you can pump both breasts at the same time thus sparing you some time during the day.
• Practice Before Returning to Work: You should familiarize yourself with the mechanics of your pump, and work on predetermining the pumping schedule before the return to work. This aids you in getting accustomed to the equipment and identifying how many hours sessions take. It is also important to begin developing a supply of frozen milk that can be used in those first few hours.
• Pack the Essentials: Ensure that your pumping bag contains pump parts, bottles, or storage bags, a cooler with ice packs, cleansing items, and a pumping bra that can keep your hands free. Preparing these items daily will be less stressful for the professional cook and helpful when tasks are presented throughout the day.

Factors for Comfort While Pumping

The place to express milk is paramount as well. Here are a few things to consider when setting up your pumping space:

• Find a Private Space: In case, your workplace does not have a proper lactation room request a clean area and often-used space to express your milk. This should not be the bathroom, should have a closed door, a chair for the mother to sit on, and a socket for powering the pump.
• Set the Mood: Another thing you can do to encourage milk flow is to bring things that will remind you of your baby. Just looking at pictures that contain your baby’s pictures, listening to the recordings of the sounds your baby produces, or even trying to imagine them can trigger the letdown reflex. Also, bring some small items that make the atmosphere personalized such as cleaning the place, keeping a blanket, or turning on instrumental music when pumping.
• Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Pumping is tiring, so, to keep getting those gains, you have to make sure to stay healthy. Hydrate yourself by taking regular water and keeping some healthy take along food near you to avoid getting tired. Taking a lot of water and feeding the baby also helps in the secretion of breast milk.

Staying Flexible

Like all things related to parenting, it is important to remain very fluid and adapt to the circumstances. Sometimes your supply can be low because of stress or if you are tired, or it can be because work situations do not allow for using the breast pump at regular intervals. Perhaps one of the most critical things about it is that one must remain rather fluid in their approach. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help either from your employer, a lactation consultant, or other moms.

Conclusion

Coordinated is not a word one would associate with breast pumping while on the job, however, it is great for new moms if the right measures and assistance are put in place. With planning, efficient time utilization, and a favorable working environment the mother can still breastfeed their baby. Make sure to give yourself some love, be willing to adapt, and be proud of yourself! To get your breast pump today, visit Promom.in!