Tip 1: Build a Freezer Stash
Now before we actually talk about how to continue pumping at work, let’s talk about what to do BEFORE you go back to work! It’s a great idea to pump or hand express prior to going back to work and building a freezer stash of breastmilk to ensure that baby has enough breast milk if you are unable to keep up your pumping schedule once you return to milk. What did I do? During my maternity leave, I took Legendairy’s Liquid Gold to increase my breastmilk supply and build a freezer stash of breastmilk! If you haven’t tried lactation supplements before, I would suggest starting with Legendairy’s Bestseller Lactation Support Bundle. After you boost your supply, it is important to know how to stash your breast milk to have months worth of milk!
Tip 2: Know Your Rights
Depending on where you are in the world, your rights and entitlements will differ. If you’re in Singapore, did you know that employers are expected to provide adequate arrangements for pregnant and lactating mothers at work? The Singapore National Employers Federation even created an Employer's Guide to Breastfeeding at the Workplace. With this, familiarise yourself with your rights under the Employment Act and talk to your employer about arrangements for you to be able to pump at work!
Tip 3: Invest in the Right Breast Pump!
The right breast pump will be your Breast Friend! - Haha. There are so many breast pumps on the market, so what are some things to consider? Consider a double electric breast pump for more efficient pumping. The best type of pump that you can use are hospital grade pumps which will remove milk more efficiently! Use a hands free pumping bra or consider our Silicone Collection Cups, which is discreet yet does not compromise on the breast pump suction as compared to a wearable pump, It also fits all major breast pump brands such as Medela, Spectra etc. This allows you to be hands free and get some work done while you pump! Compare the different breast pumps on the market to see which fits your needs!
Tip 4: Establish a Pumping Schedule
As is with anything, consistency is key! The production of breastmilk is dependent on supply and demand. In order to maintain your supply, you need to be consistent in your pumping. Create a pumping schedule with 2 main considerations, your baby’s feeding schedule and your work commitments. A rule of thumb is that if your baby is under 6 months old, you should aim to pump every 2-3 hours, which is on average 2-3 times at work. If your baby is above 6 months old, you should pump every 3-4 hours, which is on average every 1-2 times at work. Another problem that can arise from not sticking to your pumping schedule is engorgement and clogged milk ducts. Consider purchasing Legendairy’s Sunflower Lecithin to prevent and treat clogged milk ducts! Learn more about prevention and treatment of clogged milk ducts here!
Tip 5: Storing Your Breastmilk in the Office
Knowing how to store your breastmilk is ESSENTIAL to ensuring that it maintains its quality for consumption and nutritional value. The old fashioned way is to lug around a big old cooling bag with ice blocks and storage bags or storage containers all over the place. How do we Mamas do it the Legendairy way? We suggest using Ceres Chill, an all in one chiller that allows you to store all your breast milk in one, large capacity chiller that keeps your breast milk chilled for up to 20+ hours! No need to carry around so many things! Once you reach home, transfer the milk to your fridge or freezer.
Remember, every mother goes through different experiences in motherhood, breastfeeding, and being a working mother. Everyone has their own unique journey, so experiment and see what works the best for you. With a proper game plan and perseverance, you will be able to successfully navigate the obstacles that come with pumping at work. You ARE a Legendairy Mama and you’ve got this! Happy pumping!
References:
- https://www.thebump.com/a/breast-milk-storage
- https://snef.org.sg/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/NTUC_PLG_EmployerGuide_Final.pdf
- https://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/parliament-questions-and-replies/2016/0913-written-answer-by-mr-lim-swee-say-pq-on-workplace-safety-for-female-employees-of-child-bearing-age#:~:text=The%20Act%20expects%20employers%20to,alternative%20job%20assignments%20where%20appropriate
- https://tellmebaby.com.au/product-comparison/best-hospital-grade-breast-pump/
- https://www.breastmilkcounts.com/back-to-work/pumping-at-work/#:~:text=Usually%20this%20is%20every%20two,lunch%20hour%20to%20express%20breastmilk.
- https://legendairymilk.sg/blogs/news/what-is-clogged-duct-and-how-to-rid-it
- https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/recommendations/handling_breastmilk.htm#:~:text=Breast%20milk%20can%20be%20stored,the%20refrigerator%2C%20or%20freeze%20it.