One of the most common misconceptions about breastfeeding among High Desert women is that they can only nurse their children during their maternity leave or if they decide to stay home rather than go back to work. This is simply not true.
Many Apple Valley women have been able to return to work while still providing their infants with breast milk. The best way to do this is by pumping breast milk while at work and providing the baby with bottles of breast milk during the day. These tips will help women come up with a pumping routine that works for them and their babies.
What Are the Best Tips for Pumping at Work?
- Invest in a high-quality breast pump. Pumping takes a bit of time, so you will want to invest in a breast pump that expedites the process. Most working women find that a double electric breast pump allows them to get the most amount of milk in the shortest amount of time. A double electric breast pump will pump both breasts at once, allowing women to easily produce the milk that they need and then return to work.
- Talk with your boss and other business representatives ahead of time. This will help you create a pumping plan prior to having the baby and will help you feel confident and secure about your choice to breastfeed.You will want to identify a private, comfortable place where you can pump your milk. It should be someplace quiet where there are not any interruptions, allowing you the privacy and time you need to complete the task. Also talk about how often you plan to pump and when you will be able to take breaks during the day to do that.
- Bring along supplies to store your breast milk and also supplies to clean your pump after you finish. Some women have access to a refrigerator at work where they can store their pumped milk until the end of the day.If you do not have access to a company refrigerator, bring a cooler in order to keep your milk fresh until you go home and can bottle it for your baby. Also, pack the supplies you need in order to clean your pump at work. You should clean your pump immediately after every pumping session.
You will want to work with your OBGYN, as well as with a lactation consultant, in order to figure out the best way to keep your milk supply up while you begin your pumping routine at work. Remember that breastfeeding works on the principles of supply and demand, so you will want to pump on a regular basis in order to produce the most amount of milk for your baby.
It may seem daunting at first, but many working moms are able to find a pumping schedule and routine that works for them. Pumping allows women to return to the workforce without giving up the chance to provide their children with breast milk.
