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Heading back to work after baby is a transition. Heading back to work as a breastfeeding mom (who now needs to pump) adds its own set of challenges.
If you’re like me, the thought of pumping at work (and all the logistics that go with it) can be anxiety-inducing. But having the right tools in your arsenal can make life a little easier.
As a working mom, I wanted to provide my tried and true recommendations that have helped me on my “pumping at work” journey. I’m all about efficiency and ease.
Without further ado, here are my 5 recommended products for breastfeeding moms headed back to work:
- Lunchbox/Cooler
You’ll need some type of cooler or lunchbox to store pumped milk. This particular lunchbox (from Pottery Barn Teen of all places) was suggested to me by another mom. It is extremely spacious, yet compact. It won’t take up an obnoxious amount of space in the work fridge (if you’re lucky enough to have one). No one will suspect it’s breastmilk (if that matters to you; I personally was self-conscious about this).
I also like this lunchbox because it will serve our family for years to come. There are a million products under the sun you can use for this same purpose. Many products are marketed specifically as a breastmilk cooler, but I encourage you to broaden your search and think long-term.
I ultimately decided on a lunchbox because I wanted a product that wouldn’t collect dust in the back of the cupboard after I was done pumping. I always try to minimize our footprint and one way which I do this is by thinking about the lifespan of a potential product after it’s used for its intended purpose. I opt for products that have a long lifespan or can be used for multiple purposes. In this case, after I am done pumping, I plan on using this lunchbox for taking snacks to the zoo and for other outings. Then a few years down the road, it can be used as the baby’s lunchbox once we enter the “bring your own lunch to school” phase.
The set-up of this lunchbox will likely work no matter what you’re pumping situation looks like; whether you pump into bottles or bags. It is very roomy and can be organized in a variety of different ways.
I initially kept the breast pump parts (flanges, etc.) in the top compartment and bags of milk and an ice pack in the bottom compartment. One handy trick I learned from other pumping moms is to just refrigerate the breast pump parts while at work instead of washing to save time. I also pump straight into bags to save time and hassle.
I then realized that I can fit my pump (Ameda Purely Yours Double Pump), as well as my pumping bra in the top compartment, and the ice pack, bags of milk and pump parts in the bottom compartment. This is an added convenience for me, as it is one less bag that I have to bring with me when pumping. This is probably overkill and unnecessary for most people, but it just goes to show the capabilities of this lunchbox. I definitely push it to its max!
Helpful hint: This lunchbox comes in other patterns, but you’ll have a lot more options if you order during the start of the school year! You can also get it personalized!
2. Pumping Bra
You’ll want to save time and pump on both sides at once. The only easy/practical way to do this is with a pumping bra. This one is great because it zips on and is Oeko-Tex certified!
Wear your nursing bra to work, unhook, then zip this on. Now you’re hands free!
3. Haakaa
This is one of my favorite items ever! The “haakaa” suctions on and catches the letdown from one breast when pumping/nursing from the other. It can also be used as a manual pump.
I recommend every pumping mother keep this in her work bag “just in case.” I can’t tell you how many times this has come to my rescue. Like the one time (ok several times) I’ve forgotten a part that renders the pump inoperable. Or the time I was stuck in a crazy traffic jam and didn’t have time to pump before a meeting. I stuck the haakaa on under my shirt while in traffic and was able to relieve the pressure and get 5oz of milk!
4. Water Bottle
While you’re at work, make sure you’re drinking enough! I like to bring a re-usable water bottle to work to keep at my desk. It’s far to easy to get caught up with work and ignore those thirst cues. The experts over at KellyMom emphasize that drinking when thirsty is essential to maintain your supply.
5. Tea
To help with fluid intake and milk supply, I recommend trying this tea. I’ve heard too many stories of women whose supply dwindles after returning to work. I wanted to take every possible measure to avoid this, so I bought this while still pregnant and am so glad I did! Also important is that I feel safe drinking it, as it’s made by a company I trust and is 100% organic.
The good thing about this recommendation is you don’t have to take this one to work with you. I know it has a relatively small footprint, but pumping adds so much extra baggage to the daily commute, I really try to streamline and minimize as much as possible. With that being said, I usually drink a cup of this tea in the evenings. It has become part of my wind-down routine and helps me relax and slow down. You could of course drink it at work as well, but for me it is just too much of a hassle. I am lucky if I can remember all my pump parts, remember!? So I definitely do not have the bandwidth to prepare tea ahead of time to take with me. I also didn’t want the extra hassle of preparing tea and cleaning up at work. But everyone’s situation is different, so do whatever works best for you!
That concludes the 5 must-haves for pumping at work! I hope this list was helpful in helping you prepare for going back to work! I truly believe that these recommendations will help you succeed! I know they helped me! Just remember, you CAN do this!
I’d love to hear from you! You can reach out via e-mail or Instagram @modernmindfulmom. Let me know what you think!
