Pumping at work
Hey there mama-Are you a new breastfeeding mom going back to work or just need a refresher from the last time you had to pump?
I have everything you’ll need and how to navigate the whole thing!
Let’s get right to it- I’m sure you’re already feeling nervous about navigating going back to work, leaving your baby, let alone pumping. I promise it’s all possible and it gets easier with some practice and time.
In this blog I’ll talk about what you’ll need, how to navigate pumping at work, and your rights to pump while at work.
First, what you need to Pump:
2 sets of assembled pump parts (incase one gets dirty or one malfunctions)
Gallon size bag(s) to hold your assembled pump parts for in-between use
Collapsible drain if you will be needing to wash parts in the sink
Wet dry bag if you decide to wash in-between uses
Bottle brush and soap
Bonus: Microwaveable sterilization bag (Medela and Dr. Brown’s make some great ones)
How to navigate pumping at work:
This was my biggest worry, because when I would pump at home it took a lot of work. I had to time it just right, be mindful to keep everything clean, and then it took another year plus to wash everything. Kidding, but really I started to freak out thinking how I would wash all my pump parts at work, when I barely had time to eat some shifts.
Thankfully a friend told me a “hack” that would save me from washing my parts in-between every use.
That hack? Refrigerating my pump parts between uses.
This means you can pump and transfer your milk into milk storage bags. Then (rinse if you’d like) and place your used pump parts (minus the tubing) into your gallon size storage bag, and into the fridge!
The CDC has a written statement about this, stating if unable to wash parts between use, to rinse and refrigerate. Breastmilk actually has components that reduce germs, even after being expressed. With proper storage, good hand hygiene, and clean technique (when setting up, pumping, transferring, and storing) you can refrigerate parts in between sessions. There is no exact “safe” time limit, but the CDC states you can refrigerate for “a few hours” in between each use if you choose to forgo washing. Here is their full stance on breast pump cleaning.
I’m a nurse and kind of a germ-freak so my biggest thing is to practice having GOOD HAND HYGIENE. Wash your hands before you pump and avoid touching surfaces that could be dirty. I even wipe my phone down if I’ll be on it during my session. One study from the University of Arizona showed our phones being 10 times dirtier than most toilet seats.
Time your pumping sessions around the same time your baby eats- both the length of time and time of day. Make sure you drink well and take snack/ meal breaks to keep your supply happy. My supply is always less if I’m stressed, haven’t eaten, or drank well that day. So take care of you mama!
Your rights to pump at work:
All breastfeeding moms are covered under the PUMP Act. You have the right to reasonable breaks as many times as you need to pump while at work. Included is a private space to pump, one that is NOT a bathroom, and free of risk for intrusion. Your compensation is safe from being adjusted for the time you pump. If your employer does not support you in your pumping needs, the PUMP Act includes the rights to sue.
If I am completely honest, I hated pumping at first, as it added stress in my work life. You wait too long and you’re hurting or risk getting a clogged duct. It requires more work and time to pump versus breastfeed (usually). I give exclusively pumping moms all the applause, because it’s truly a work of the heart to do full time.
Go pumping mamas, you rock!
Now- I try not to stress as much and step away when I need to. The work I do, my patients, and all their needs will still be there when I get back. Luckily, I have a team of nurses that are willing to step in for me during the time I do step off the floor.
Your milk supply and the risk for a clogged duct or engorgement isn’t worth the work you do. So take care of you.
I hope this has helped, especially if you’re just about to go back to work and start pumping yourself. Remember you’re a pumping, working mom- you’re amazing! Take great pride in the woman you are and how you are still able to provide for your baby while you’re away!
one more thing, take a minute to find out if you’re ELIGIBLE for a free pump and replacement parts
Be sure to check out Aeroflow for pumps and parts that are covered by your insurance. Pump parts need to be replaced often (around every 90 days- for efficiency and cleanliness) and there is a good chance your insurance will cover them. I love Aeroflow for the simple fact that they will text/ email me when I’m eligible for replacement parts. They get sent directly to me at no cost and often times will throw in extra goodies like extra breastmilk bags.
Cheers to you and happy pumping!
Sar