Let’s talk a different type of food today – milk for the babes. Going back to work when my little one was 5 months old, was one of the scarier things I’ve done. Sure it was great to nurse at home, while I was on leave, but the thought of pumping at work was incredibly daunting. I thought everyone would be staring at me, walking into work with my pump bag. Here this private and personal choice, was now a public thing, that just felt different without being with my baby. Through some very supportive mom boards on Facebook, family members and friends, I was able to overcome all my worries about pumping at work and it’s become a seamless part of my day. What I wish I had, was some online resource “how to do it” – so here you go. Good luck to those of you about to re-enter your workplace as a Mom (or even 2nd or 3rd time Mama)! It’s going to be okay.
The Gear
A cute tote bag
I found a cute one at jCrew Factory, that I can use long after we’re done nursing. I chose one that has a zipper on top, but any tote bag will do. I think a cute bag not only makes the pumping a bit more fun, but who doesn’t love an excuse to buy a new bag?! This is similar to mine –
Factory dip-dyed bag (click picture for link)
Your pump
Whether you have one already in a bag or are renting a hospital grade one, you can still fit it in your tote bag.
Insulated freezer bag + Freezer pack
I love my PackIt Freezer bag. It has those gel packs built in, a zipper on top, and velcro closing. I keep it in my desk drawer at work, instead of going to the refrigerator. I also keep the freezer pack that came with my pump in the bag to keep things extra cold.
Pump parts
I use one set, and keep it in a gallon size resealable bag, stored in the freezer bag, between sessions. I started out wiping the parts down with the Medela wipes, but keeping the parts cool, rather than cleaning, cut out about 10 minutes in my pump sessions. If you have a mini fridge at your desk, you could always store in there too.
Pump bags
I like the Kiinde ones. They leak less and because they twist on with the attachment, it cuts out about 5 minutes in my pump sessions. They are a bit more expensive, but totally worth it. You can also use them for homemade babyfood purees. At first, I thought I’d use the bottles, but they took up too much space in my freezer bag, and I got frustrated with more things to clean at the end of a long workday.
Handsfree pumping bra
I have one at home, and one at my desk.
Sign to post outside office (if necessary)
I work for a company that has some fun logos. I found a cute image featuring some of them that says “Please do not disturb.” I post this outside my office during every pump session. When I go off site for meetings, the other buildings have mother’s rooms, and I don’t need to do this. There’s already a sign that indicates “occupied.”
Hand towel
For those unexpected spills.
Hand sanitizer
Hand cream
Nipple cream
Other tips
- My cousin gave me a great idea to block out pump times on my calendar right when I went back to work. This has been so great for scheduling meetings. There have been a few times I’ve had to call in or pump later, earlier, and then I just adjust.
- I generally pump the same times my baby gets a bottle when I’m away.
- Have your phone handy to look at pictures and videos of your baby. I relied on this a lot in the first few months. Sometimes I cried, sometimes I still cry. Mostly though, I smile looking at pictures or hearing my baby’s babbles and laughs. Even the most mundane video can be the perfect bit of levity during a work day. If your care provider can send you pictures throughout the day, that’s a fun treat too.
- Lastly, my sister asked a handful of my friends to write me letters for me to open the first week I went back to work – encouragement about my transition. Some were young moms, some were family friends, some stayed at home with their kids, others worked in the office. Their advice and support was/is so helpful. I read one letter a day and still keep them in my pump bag. Even if you just have your mom and partner write you some encouraging words, put them in a sealed envelope, and open in your first few days back at work. And remember, it will get better and it will get easier.