Added information from the PUMP Act.
Still, returning to work doesn’t have to mean the end of breastfeeding.
Not sure how to juggle breastfeeding and work?
These tips for breastfeeding working mothers can help.
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires that your employer provide basic accommodations for breastfeeding moms.Trusted SourceU.S.
This right is available for up to one year after the childs birth."
This law applies to hourly employees as well as salaried employees.
If you’re not covered by the federal law, you might be covered under your state law.
Be sure to ask your HR representative at work or check out your state’s breastfeeding rights.
So don’t be afraid to talk with your employer about your needs.
Or you might rent a hospital-grade electric pump from a hospital, pharmacy or baby-supply store.
(Fees range from $30 to $60 a month).
Another option to consider is awireless, wearable pump, which could allow you to work and pump simultaneously.
Practice at home
Next, it’s time to get the pumping party started.
In fact,combining breastfeeding and bottle-feedingcan be the best of both worlds.
Plus, you get a bit of a well-earned breastfeeding break.
Concerned about offering your breastfed baby a bottle?
Most babies take to the bottle quickly and switch between bottle and breast withoutnipple confusion.
Make a plan
Discuss your pumping needs with your employer in advance.
Once you get on a schedule, balancing everything becomes much easier.
Plan your pumping sessions for when your baby would be feeding if you were at home to avoidengorgementandleaking.
You may also want to invest in somebreast padsto absorb any leakage between pumping sessions.
This will also keep your milk production up.
You’ll need a space with an electrical outlet, a table and, ideally, a comfy chair.
Could you use the conference room and lock the door?
Is there an empty office you could borrow?
A dedicated lactation room?
Go for empty
At each session, give a shot to pump until both breasts are empty.
Remember that federal law protects that pumping time for you.
Get things flowing
So the cold conference room isn’t all that conducive to letting letdown happen?
Take steps to relax.
Stay hydrated and well-nourished
Always keep a big bottle of water at your desk or workstation.
Your best bet is to get on a breastfeeding schedule and coordinate with your caregiver.
Which means you have tosafely store and transportthe milk you pumped at work.
The ideal storage for expressed milk?
Don’t have access to one at work or worried a colleague may mistake it for coffee creamer?
Be sure to label each container with the date it was expressed.
So what are other options for you?
The most important thing is to give yourself a break.
Trying to do it all on your own will likely leave you feeling stressed and overextended.
If you’re traveling internationally, be sure to pack the appropriate electrical adapters.
An inexpensive hand pump is a great backup option to bring along, too.
I’d close my eyes and think of them, and then the magic would happen."
It’s subtle and not as wasteful as a plastic baggy.
I love being able to toss it in the washing machine, too."
It holds four Medela bottles and two flanges.
I used it in my classroom and in our bedroom for nighttime pumps."
But especially ensure you have bottles and lids (or storage bags).
It came in handy on many a road trip and lunch breaks for me."
