If you’re breastfeeding, you can expect some resistance at work. If you’re not yet ready to return to work, your coworkers might tell you their own stories about how it didn’t work. However, they can also provide you with some information on the reasons why you should breastfeed and the health benefits. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics and most pediatricians recommend breastfeeding.
Pumping while at work
Depending on your work environment, you can easily pump while at work, but remember not to milk your baby, and don’t express more than needed. If you have a coworker who needs to be covered while you pump, you can set a calendar reminder. Moreover, it will help your employer if you communicate your needs in a transparent way. Moreover, a breastfeeding mother can also take a mental break from her work at a reasonable hour.
Before pumping while at work, it’s important to find a quiet, private area where you can do so. This should not be an office bathroom. Instead, it should be a non-public area, such as an empty conference room. You can also designate a room divider in your workplace so that you can use it as a pump room. Make sure that you have the privacy you need and are available for pumping whenever you need it.
Providing breastfeeding accommodations is a legal requirement. There are exceptions to this law. If you’re not exempt from providing these accommodations, your employer is breaking the law. Remember, this is a heavy burden to meet. Moreover, retaliation by an employer is illegal under FEHA and Labor Code. You can ask your employer to provide you with these accommodations if you feel uncomfortable with them. Besides, requesting breastfeeding accommodations is a common part of working mom life.
Consider your shift and the schedule. A 12-hour shift is a long shift. If you work eight hours a day, it would be very difficult to pump regularly every 12 hours. Try to pump a minimum of three times per 12-hour shift. If your schedule doesn’t allow this, consider switching to a more flexible schedule, like evenings or weekends. You can also consider asking for a babysitter to help you while you pump.
Before pumping, ensure that your supply is high. Low milk supply can make pumping while at work stressful and difficult. Keep warm and comfortable. Using a tote bag can make it easier to transport and store your pump. Your coworkers can’t understand your reasons for pumping at work. So, ask them for tips that will help you make your pumping session a smoother process. They’ll be happy to help you!
Planning ahead for return to work
Many mothers breastfeed after returning from maternity leave. If you plan to do the same, it is important to plan ahead. Start by learning as much as possible about breastfeeding and its benefits. Obtain a breast pump if necessary and speak to your employer about your options. The extra effort may be worth it in the end. You can even express breast milk while at work! It will keep your milk safe and convenient while you’re at work.
You may also want to consider returning to work after nursing your baby. It can be challenging emotionally and physically to balance work and life at home. You’ll be balancing your life at work and home while trying to pump milk and manage childcare. Working part-time during the first few months of breastfeeding can help you reconnect with your baby while at work and maintain that special bond between mother and child. In addition to this, it will also reduce your baby’s sick days.
Before returning to work, try to nurse for at least 2 weeks. By then, your baby will have adjusted to breastfeeding with mom, and will be less clingy and easier to express milk using a bottle or cup. Discuss your needs with your employer’s HR department. If you can’t breastfeed, look for childcare that is convenient for you, or consider using an electric breast pump. Try to express milk during your breaks as closely as possible to the baby’s schedule.
Communicating with your manager or supervisor
While breastfeeding has many benefits, it can also pose a variety of workplace challenges. While many employers offer support, they may not have any formal policies in place, so you must find ways to communicate with your boss and make your situation more comfortable. By communicating early and explaining your needs, you can reduce the stress and challenges associated with the breastfeeding transition. Your supervisor may be willing to provide you with flexible breaks or a private room during the day. If you’re unable to take such a request, you can also discuss your needs with HR.
In addition to providing support, you should also communicate with your co-workers about your breastfeeding decision. This will help create a more supportive workplace atmosphere, which will make your transition more comfortable for both you and your co-workers. It’s important to share information about your baby with your co-workers, and show interest in the baby. This will help the manager or supervisor know you’re breastfeeding.
Whether or not your manager or supervisor knows about breastfeeding, they may not understand why it is so important for you to be at home with your baby. Explaining your need for time and space to breastfeed to your manager or supervisor is an excellent way to earn their understanding. Using this as a springboard to discuss your breastfeeding needs and concerns with your co-workers can help them make the right decision for you.
If you’re planning to return to your job after a breastfeeding break, you should discuss your return plans with your boss. Let him/her know your plan to breastfeed every three to four hours or two times in an eight-hour shift. You should also establish a private office or room where you can breastfeed comfortably. Then, you can continue working while nursing your baby. When you’re ready, you can resume your breastfeeding routine and your employer will be happy to allow your lactation needs.
Places where you can pump
If you need a private place to pump while breastfeeding, find a quiet room where you can isolate yourself and focus on your work. If possible, avoid public restrooms. While they may be convenient, they are not the best place for pumping. Many breastfeeding moms also use a photo of their child or a piece of music to focus on their work. Some even listen to relaxing music or “breastfeeding hypnosis” tracks. Another helpful tool is a recording of the baby’s sounds to help them focus on the task at hand.
Many places offer private rooms where breastfeeding moms can breastfeed and pump without causing a disturbance to others. If they don’t have such a room, they are happy to make a special arrangement for you. Alternatively, you can research online to find places with nursing rooms and pumping stations. Regardless of your preferences, there are plenty of places where you can pump while breastfeeding. If you’re not comfortable using public restrooms, you can always use a private bathroom for pumping your baby.
Having a private room to pump in is important when traveling. Many airlines have designated lactation rooms where breastfeeding moms can pump privately without announcing their business. They are also equipped with a chair and table and an electrical outlet, so you can pump in peace while you’re away from home. Besides, you’ll have more privacy when nursing your baby in the bathroom. While this is a more private and convenient option, it can be more difficult to find a place that provides privacy for nursing moms.
If you’re pumping while you’re at work, it’s a good idea to keep your pump and accessories near you. Keep them close to your favorite feeding or pumping spots and you won’t have to travel with a full milk container. Make sure you warm up before pumping, and watch some videos of your baby while you’re working. Try using a power pump and mimic cluster feeding style.