Back To Work After Maternity Leave: Pumping Tips
By Leva
Congratulations, mama! You've conquered the first few months of new motherhood, and now it's time to navigate the exciting yet daunting return to work. If you are worried about continuing to breastfeed, with planning, you can integrate your pumping schedule into your work routine and continue providing for your babe. This guide will equip you with everything you need to know, from discussing your needs with your employer to creating a pumping schedule that works for you and your baby.
Back to Work and Feeding Strong: A Pumping Guide for New Moms
It is time to grab your pump, pack your essentials, and ease into the transition for both you and your precious little one.
Step 1: Discuss Your Return With Your Employer or HR
Schedule return for Thursday or Friday.
Consider fewer days or hours initially and gradually increase to your full schedule.
Ask if there is an option to work remotely some days, or part-day.
Chat with HR about a private space where you can pump. Legal requirements state that the requirements for a pumping room need to be private and have access to a sink.
Let them know how much time you will be taking to pump. This usually follows your baby’s feeding schedule.
Step 2: Office Pumping Essentials:
Invest in a good pump: Consider hands-free options.
Hands-free pumping bra: Saves time and frees up your hands.
Safe milk storage & transfer: Ensure proper containers like Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags or BPA-Free bottles and transportation methods - breastmilk coolers are designed to fit bottles and usually come with an ice pack.
Power: Charger and cord, or invest in a battery pack, which really comes in handy when you have to pump while traveling in a plane or car.
Breast Pads: pack a few and consider using reusable pads.
Other Items to consider: nipple cream, sanitizing wipes, body wipes for any spills, water bottle and snack bars.
Step 3: The Feeding Schedule:
Nursing: Feed according to hunger cues once home, including overnight feeds to keep up with supply and demand.
Ask your caregiver to stop feeding your baby 1.5 hours before your return from work so you can take up the next feed soon after you arrive home.
Step 4: Pumping on a Schedule:
Stay on a schedule: Aim to pump whenever you would typically feed your baby at home.
A pump equals a feed: This helps maintain your milk supply and maintains supply and demand.
Missing pumps can decrease supply and lead to plugged ducts: Talk to your Lactation Consultant if you experience plugged ducts.
If you are unsure whether you have a plugged milk duct, read our article: Do I Have A Plugged Duct?
Bookmark our handy article on How To Unclog A Milk Duct for future reference.
Our handy Leva Guide To Pumping will assist you in getting started on your pumping journey.
Step 5: Staying Hydrated & Nourished:
Stay hydrated and eat well: Returning to work can impact milk supply. Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious foods. Aim for 16 cups of water a day.
Step 6: Digital Support
Download the Leva App to help you stay on top of your feeding schedules, de-stress with our meditations or get in some fantastic postpartum exercise to boost your endorphins and lower cortisol levels.
If you are struggling with pumping at work, reach out to one of our experienced lactation consultants for some advice. Even the most joyful of journeys experience speed bumps and potholes, so go easy on yourself mama, you got this.
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1. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2012). "Breastfeeding and the use of human milk." Pediatrics, 129(3), e827-e841.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). "Breastfeeding FAQs: How many extra calories does breastfeeding require?" Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/faq/index.html
3. Office on Women's Health. (2019). "Breastfeeding: Maternal diet." Retrieved from https://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/healthy-eating-and-physical-activity#3
4. United States Department of Agriculture. (2021). "Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025." Retrieved from https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/
