This is a partnered post. As always, all thoughts and opinions are those of the writer.
National Cheesecake Day, National Sisters Day — these are two days that I’m happy to celebrate. But when something gets an entire week, you know it must be important.
August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month, and it falls at the same time I’m preparing to go back to work after having a baby earlier in the year. Balancing work and family is a unique challenge when you’re a nursing mother.
With this being my third baby, I’ve got a pretty good routine down for pumping at work. It’s a commitment, but one that I am willing and physically able to make.
How to Be Successful Pumping at Work
Know Your Rights: Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, mothers should be given reasonable time to express milk for up to one year in a private place, that is not a restroom. It’s important for you to be familiar with your rights, in case you need to politely remind your employer that you have them. I like to stick with the “you attract more bees with honey” mentality, but I take feeding my infant pretty seriously. Those mama bear instincts, I guess!
Most days I locked my doors, closed the blinds, and positioned myself in a place where if someone magically entered the room, I’d have three seconds to move. Other days, I had to sneak into the server room in the computer lab.
Find Your Support Team: As a teacher, I needed to recruit help on the occasions when the schedule changed and didn’t include time for me to pump. I found a few people who would cover for me when I needed them. I made sure I paid them back with lattes and avocados from my tree. Although none of my coworkers are currently nursing, many can relate. It also helped that my friends and sister have new babies also. So when I get pictures like this one of my sister pumping at work, it reminds me that I can do it too.
Make Pumping a Priority: With my 2nd child, this is a mistake I made. I would allow pumping to be postponed, and ultimately found myself not being able to produce enough milk. So then I started subsiding with formula. That started a downward spiral that ultimately resulted in switching to formula exclusively before I was ready.
It’s challenging to turn off work while you’re there. I get that. But if my baby were at work with me, would I not stop to feed her if she were hungry? Of course, I would. So when it’s time to pump, work stops. And, guess what, I’m a better employee when I’m not riddled with mom guilt.
Keep it Cold: If you have space for a mini-fridge, rejoice because that is incredible. But for most of us, we are stuck using a community kitchen. I’m not thrilled about the idea of people shoving around my milk as they grab for their leftovers. And, to be honest, I don’t think my coworkers would be thrilled either. So I store milk in a cooler bag inside the fridge. It’s more discreet and keeps milk cold on the drive home. That way no one is accidentally using breast milk to flavor their morning cup of coffee.
Keep the Girls Happy: As glorious as it is to be hooked up to a milking machine in a corner, breast pumps aren’t always so gentle. To soothe sore breasts from pumping, try a nipple cream. As an Earth Mama ambassador, I received their Natural Nipple Butter. Because it’s certified gmo-free and organic, I don’t have to worry about it putting toxic anything in my baby. It’s perfect for soothing as you adjust to nursing, for pumping, or when your little vampire thinks you’re her teething toy. It’s safe for everybody, so there’s no need to wash it off before nursing. Plus, it feels pretty fantastic anywhere your skin might need a little loving, like dry lips or elbows.
I know how fortunate I am that nursing has been successful for me and my children. I attribute a lot of that to being able to find the right support when I needed it, whether that be from mamas in my life or lactation consultants. For all you nursing mamas out there, I invite you to share how were you successful at breastfeeding while working!
Mariah Moon says
I’m so thankful I never had to pump at work (first baby supply dropped before I returned, second baby I work from home) but I’ve definitely depended on the nipple butter while pumping at home. Thanks for sharing these great tips! Anything that makes pumping a bit easier is definitely helpful!
Melanie says
I agree! It’s a huge commitment so anything that make it easier is appreciated.
Jeannette says
I wish I had known about these products when I was pumping! Sounds like you’re found the recipe for success!
Melanie says
Things keep getting better and better, don’t they?
Andrea Kruse says
Great tips! I intended to pump at work and prepared myself, but then ultimately never returned when maternity leave ran out. My child had special medical needs though and I had to supplement food so continued pumping was always the challenge and supply was always my top goal. Thanks for sharing.
Melanie says
It sounds like you had your hands full. Did you use any teas or anything else to increase your supply?
Brittany C. @ Mom. Wife. Busy Life. says
Great tips! I have friends that tell me funny stories about pumping at work!
Melanie says
It’s good that your friends have a good attitude about it. The things we go through for our kids!
Kelsey Apley says
My sisters due date is getting closer and closer, and she will be breastfeeding so this is a great way to learn how to do it successfully! I will have to share with her, thanks!!
Melanie says
I’m happy to chat if your sister has questions. I’m no expert, but it’s nice to get to hear different people’s experiences. And congrats to your family!
Shop with Me Mama (Kim) says
I stopped working when I had my little ones. But, if I had to go back to work, I would have been pumping, you betcha! Great tips!
Melanie says
It’s a decision I’m happy I’m able to make. Not everyone has an easy time breastfeeding, so I won’t complain (too much).
Kecia says
I wasn’t able to breastfeed my two, but when I was working I wondered how moms nursed at work. I guess with the right products and plan, you can make it work successfully!
Melanie says
You’re right! It’s going to be a slightly different experience for everyone, but I hope it’s encouraging for those are interested and able to know that it can be done.
Hanan says
Great tips! I’m a huge fan of EMAB! I have the nipple cream, and love it – nursing a toddler and baby is tough on my nipples.
Melanie says
Double duty! You’re a supermom!
HilLesha says
I have never breastfed, but these are such wonderful tips for the moms who do! 🙂
Melanie says
Thanks! Whatever way your baby gets nourished is great, but these are the things that worked for me.
Elaina says
Great post! I successfully pumped for a year when I went back to work despite lack of support. I hope more hopeful pumpers read this post!
Melanie says
Thanks, Elaina. I’m sorry to hear you didn’t get the support you needed. But for power to you for making it work anyway!
Kerri says
One of my coworkers allowed me to use her office for more privacy when I was pumping. I really appreciated that. Now, I miss those days!
Melanie says
That’s very thoughtful. It takes a village, doesn’t it?!?!
Angela S says
I was fortunate to be able to stay home with my son while I was nursing, but have many friends who pumped at work. Great tips!
Melanie says
Thanks, Angela!
Tiff @ Babes and Kids says
Wonderful tips! I’ve been pumping at work for almost 9 months and my baby girl is almost a year! I work by myself so I just pump in between patients.
Melanie says
I’m sure it gets hectic. Being a parent is an insane balancing act, but it sounds like you’ve got it all under control.
Liz Mays says
I’m sure it’s a commitment but well worth doing. I breastfed but I was a SAHM so I never pumped.
Melanie says
Pumping isn’t glamorous, but it’s a necessity. Thanks for your support.
Chelle @ Oh Just Stop Already says
Love their products! I’m so grateful that I work from home so I was able to nurse the last 2 kids without having to pump because when I tried it with my first child at 18 it was such a horrible experience. Wish more companies supported it openly.
Michelle says
I was never able to nurse, but I know it has to be tough working while breastfeeding!
Lynsey @MoscatoMom says
I wasnt able to nurse either of mine, but I cant imagine how hard that would be at work. Kudos to all of the Moms who do it.
Digna D. says
Good for you!! So many tips and great information. I wish the net was around when my kids born. My first daughter was full term but under 6lbs. She didn’t want to nurse, it tired her out, which discouraged me once my second daughter came along. I regretted it later as she would have been great at it. Then my son was a preemie and I only pumped for him.
Robin Gagnon says
Thankfully I was able to be home with my daughter. I can see where this could be a struggle. Great that helpful products like this are out there
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
I was very fortunate to have an office that supported me and gave me lots of space.
Laura B says
What a little beauty. I wish you the best of luck once you head back to work. You sound prepared and are armed with Earth Mama so I’m sure you will be a pumping pro!