One of the most stressful things about going back to work after three months was breast-feeding. I wanted to continue to nurse, but pumping seemed impossible. Ultimately though, nursing was one of the most satisfying things I did in those early months, and I ended up pumping until Baby Bee was 12 months, and nursing until he was 17 months.
Of course pumping is MUCH easier if you have an office or lactation room. This 2006 article from the New York Times spells out the situation very clearly.
Here are nine tips for working, pumping and nursing:
1. Get extra attachments (breastshield, connectors and valves) for your pump so that you don’t have to clean. I pumped three times, and had three sets of accessories. I put them in a ziploc to take home and clean all at once, that way I didn’t have to trek to the microwave/bathroom to disinfect.
2. Get the Medela Quick clean wipes that allow you to clean the attachments without using the microwave. Even when you have extra sets, there will be times you need to clean — these towelettes make it much easier.
3. If you can, get an extra pump to leave in the office. If you can’t do that, get an extra charger since that’s a heavy thing to carry back & forth.
4. I found that the hard plastic Medela breastmilk freezer set (they are little canister-type things) were much easier to use than the freezer bags. The bags can leak in transit and it’s a big pain. You can get six or seven 3oz canisters in the Medela storage bag. Get two sets so you’re never caught without.
5. Get two ice packs so if you forget to freeze one overnight, you still have one ready in the fridge.6. I didn’t use the “heands-free” nursing bra, but a lot of people I know have and loved it. You might give it a try — could help with some of the mess.
7. Get some babywipes (for your desk) and a stain stick (for your clothes) to clean up after pumping. Invariably a little milk falls. Suits are actually good in that you can take off the jacket and if you have a button down blouse it’s very easy.
8. Reserve time on your calendar for pumping so that meetings don’t get scheduled back to back. This is especially important if you accept a lot of meeting requests without looking at your calendar, like I do!
9. Don’t stress out if you can’t get in multiple pumping sessions each day. Sometimes it just doesn’t happen. Your supply is more resilient than you think. Stress will harm your relationship with your baby more than formula.
What we’re some of your favorites pumping resources and how did you cope if you didn’t have an office?
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