This is a guest post written by Motif Medical.
Sleep, eat, work, play, repeat. If this sounds like your normal routine then you might be a new mom getting into the groove of things. However, now you need be prepared to return to your job after your maternity leave! We understand that you have a lot to juggle, but now that work is added back into the mix, you’re probably also trying to manage breast pumping on-the-go.
Here at Motif, we know you really don’t want to drop the ball when it comes to breastfeeding goals, that’s why we’re here to help with everything you need to successfully pump as a working mom on-the-go.
We know you really don’t want to drop the ball when it comes to breastfeeding goals, that’s why we’re here to help with everything you need to successfully pump as a working mom on-the-go.
How To Successfully Breast Pump On-The-Go
- Prepare in Advance
The first key to pumping success is to prepare in advance. Tell your employer in advance about your intentions to breast pump at work so they can prepare a space for you and work with your schedule. Remember, it’s required by law for your employer to provide adequate space and time to use a breast pump.
When choosing a breast pump to use on-the-go, find a lightweight, portable option such as a Motif breastpump. The Motif Duo Double Pump is great for moms on the go who need something small but powerful. By weighing less than a pound, they can easily travel wherever they need to go. By being battery powered they can be used anywhere. Plus, their silent motors and multiple pumping features make them easy to quickly and discreetly use.
Then head into work early one day for just an hour or two to scope out your breast pumping space. See if your lactation room has a plug for your pump or if you’ll need batteries and if it has a fridge for milk storage or if you’ll need coolers. It’s good to invest in a cooler either way to keep your milk fresh as you drive home.
Next, make a list of all of the pumping supplies you’ll need to take with you and pack the night before. By carefully making sure you have everything the night before instead of rushing in the morning, the risk of forgetting an important part will be lowered.
2. Develop the Perfect Plan
Use your Motif breast pump a few times to master every aspect of using it, assembling the pieces, and cleaning it, so you won’t get hung up on something at work. Take note of when you pump and how long your sessions last to schedule your pumping breaks around those times.
Before your back to work starting date, practice your routine to see how long it will take you to get out the door. Include driving your commute to see exactly how much extra time you’ll need to give yourself.
3. Prevent Accidents
Let’s be real. As a new mom, you’re probably exhausted from taking care of baby, working, and everything else going on. Exhaustion can lead to slip-ups, but it’s no big deal, you’ll be prepared for anything.
Consider getting backup Motif breast pumps or supplies to leave in your car or at work in case you forget an important part. If you do leave something at home, don’t panic, you can manually express milk by massaging your breasts.
Drips happen, but hopefully not on your outfit. Bring a hand towel to protect your clothes from drips while disconnecting your pump. Wear layers, so if milk does drip on your clothes you can remove the wet item. It’s also good to have a backup outfit in your car in case a spill happens.
Tightly secure the lids on your storage containers to prevent leaks and store them in the back of the fridge where they will have a smaller chance of getting knocked over. Avoid placing your milk containers towards the front of the fridge or in the door.
4. What to do at Work
No matter how much preparing you do, you still might feel nervous about breast pumping at work. Plus, the transition back to the office and maternity leave is emotional as you miss your baby.
Don’t let a sudden onset of emotions surprise or overwhelm you. Simply excuse yourself to the restroom or outside to reset. Having photos of your baby or an article of their clothing can help you relax and even improve milk flow.
Go ahead and call or text your caregiver for an update when you feel the urge to check on your baby. Knowing that your child is doing just fine will really boost your day and you’ll comfortably feel the need to check in less often with time.
Remain confident with your breast pumping goals and schedule. If you’re stopped on your way to the breast pumping room, politely say you have something to take care of and offer to meet in about 15 to 20 minutes.
Try bringing something to multitask on during your pumping breaks to distract yourself from nerves. You could reply to your emails, review a few articles, brainstorm before your next meeting, and more.
Know your limits. You’re preoccupied as a new mom, and your time and resources are spread more thinly than they used to be. Learn to say no to a project you simply can’t take on right now. You can’t stay up for hours working into the night after baby goes to sleep or you’ll become too exhausted to function.
5. Pump it up, Working Mama!
You already have a lot in up in the air, now you have to add breast pumping at work into the mix? This could be overwhelming to think about at first, but with the right plan, your Motif breast pump, and a little practice, you’ll be able to juggle everything as the main act without dropping a single thing.
Motif Medical is dedicated to offering the very best products that help families stay happy and healthy. Connect with Motif below.
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Want a few extra tips on returning to work and keeping up your pumping? Check out Returning to Work and Pumping here on Daily Mom!
