I’ve been back at work for two years now and I still remember what it was like to go back to work after having a child. Many moms worry about that new phase of life as a working mom but both times I was excited. It’s not that I wouldn’t miss being around for the first steps or the first words but I was also eager to get back to the corporate world, challenge my mind and pee in peace.
While some moms are able to fully wean their child before heading back to the corporate working world, there’s quite a few who have to think about that additional step. Going back to work while still breast feeding can be quite the challenge and having seen friends who have had to return to their jobs as early as three months post-delivery, I have been privy to their journey.
Disclosure: I am part of the PTPA Brand Ambassador Program with Philips Avent and I received compensation as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog, as always, are TOTALLY ours.
Trust me, working in a male driven environment, I know how hard and awkward it can be to talk about breast milk at work, let alone publicly announce that you have to leave a meeting to go and pump! As embarrassing (though it really shouldn’t be) and challenging as it may be to be a breastfeeding working mom, be proud of your decision because it is no easy road. If you are able to breastfeed and want to continue doing so, you most definitely can!
Breastfeeding and Pumping After Returning to Work
Figure Out A Routine : Does it help to breastfeed for the morning and night feeds and pump during the day? Or are you able to take a full lunch break and maybe breastfeed your child or have someone bring them closer to your office ? Once you figure out the options that work for you and your family, it’ll make life easier for you.
Schedule Sessions in Your Calendar : Working days are just appointments and meetings melting into one another so scheduling things into your calendar will allow your co-workers to know that you’re busy during those time slots and will also give you the much needed reminder to head to your pumping or breastfeeding spot. While I hope that spot isn’t the office washroom, I know in some cases it might very well be!
Use a trust worthy Pump : Everyone has different needs – be it double, single, manual or electric. There’s something out there for everyone and having tested quite a few, I believe the quietest one wins in this situation! Couple years ago we reviewed the Philips Avent comfort manual breast pump and I said it was the best travel breast pump. For the same reasons, it’s the one I would have taken to work as I was weaning Baby Boy ever so slowly. The BPA free pump comes with a Natural Philips AVENT bottle, a Natural newborn nipple, a soft, textured massage cushion that encourages natural milk flow and an ergonomic handle for easy operation with just one hand. ONE HAND… so you can do something else, like eat or type that email, with the other. Not only does it make NO NOISE but it also fits in your purse, making it very convenient to transport. All components are also dishwasher safe so that’s another plus.
Keep Microwave Sanitizing Bags Nearby : Most offices have microwaves so it’s easy to sanitize items, especially if something accidentally slips out of your hand as you’re rushing from pumping spot to fridge! If you’re only pumping at work, you may opt to keep all the gadgets needed at your workplace versus taking it home daily so you’ll definitely want to sanitize and clean the parts well. This is another reason I like the Philips Avent Manual Pump, the parts are VERY easy to wash and it had fewer parts than my double electric pump also. One thing to note is that after each pumping session you can drop the pump and parts into a ziplock bag (and in your cooler bag) and toss it in the work fridge, that way you don’t need to wash the parts between each pumping session.
Keep Breast Pads Handy : You never know when something is going to trigger off those hormones! If you walk around with notebook all day, try slipping a thin set of breast pads in there for emergencies. You want to be able to dash towards the closest spot where you can slip those pads in before the milk oozes onto your clothes. The Philips Avent Manual breast pump comes with day and night pads, clearly another reason it has won the Parent Tested Parent Approved Seal of Approval!
Stock up on Bottles and a Cooler : You’ll be transporting the precious liquid from work to home on a daily basis if you choose to pump so be sure to not only have your bottles clearly marked with your name (can you IMAGINE someone mistaking your liquid gold for regular milk!!?) but also purchase a good cooler that will keep the milk cold during your commute. Pumping into my Avent bottles made my life easy but I can definitely see how the milk bags would make it easier to travel with ( I was a klutz who kept spilling milk out of the bags!).
It’s all going to be trial and error at the start. You’ll forget bottles and parts on some days and then MacGuyver your way into solving the problems (trust me, you WILL figure it out). The setbacks at the start are absolutely normal and you will soon figure things out and get into a rhythm. My biggest tip as you return to work is to start back on a Wednesday or Thursday if you can (yes, I say this to anyone returning from vacation too). It takes a couple days to determine what works best for you and to get in tune with the new schedules, having a shorter week will make it all go by so much quicker!
Don’t forget you can enter for a chance to win 1 of 2 Philips Avent Sterilizer Gift Sets – perfect for breast and bottle feeding parents!
Sarah De Diego
February 15, 2017 at 9:38 amI pumped for triplets so I had an electric pump as well as a Avent hand pump (as pictured above) for when I was out and about. I couldn’t have fed my kids without a lot of support.
Besos Sarah
Journeys of The Zoo
Darlene Schuller
February 15, 2017 at 9:47 amI did not have a pump while nursing.. which made it very difficult…
Cyrille
February 15, 2017 at 12:53 pmI did a little of both breastfeed and formula. I pumped as much as I can but needed formula to supplement more.
Tiff
February 15, 2017 at 3:16 pmI would love to have this pump for myself! It sounds like a great one.
Lilly Kav
February 15, 2017 at 10:10 pmI have the Philips Event pump now and have been pumping for about 2 weeks since I have a 1 month old. It’s going well since I pump so my mom or my husband can feed our baby boy if I am out and not with the baby and it gives the husband a chance to take turns feeding the baby so I can get some more rest.
Yashy
February 15, 2017 at 10:28 pmThat’s so great to hear Lilly! I hope the 1st month has been an awesome one for you. I started pumping early and it really helped me greatly! Congratulations on your new addition!
Phil
February 16, 2017 at 8:57 amWe did not have a pump at the time.
Sandy Couzens
February 16, 2017 at 11:35 amThere wasn’t anything wonderful like this when I nursed my babies. Our daughter just had a beautiful baby girl 2 weeks ago and this would be such a help to her. It sure would have made all the difference in my life. Thank you for offering such a Great giveaway 🙂
Julie bolduc
February 16, 2017 at 2:48 pmI did try it for my first child and it went great
T Schmidt
February 17, 2017 at 3:10 pmI tried it for my first child. It went well.
AD
February 17, 2017 at 7:19 pmI adopted, so I have never had the opportunity to breastfeed. But my friends who have breastfed their babies used a pump; most often a Medela electric pump, but they have used an Avent pump while travelling.
Wanda Bee
February 20, 2017 at 9:38 amI never used a breast pump.
erlkonig
February 21, 2017 at 12:40 amSounds useful to my wife.
JM
February 21, 2017 at 12:44 amBreast feeding is the best!
Yashy
February 21, 2017 at 9:09 pmIt is for some!
Erin W
February 21, 2017 at 11:27 amI used a manual and electric pump and it really made a difference for me, what a great invention~
Yashy
February 21, 2017 at 9:09 pmI had an electric and KNOW the manual would have made my life easier on the road and on the go.
amanda s.
February 26, 2017 at 9:27 amI wish I had this for when we were on board flights!!! Would love to gift it to my sister in law.
Jamie Mackay
February 26, 2017 at 9:28 amI actually like that it’s manual and easy to use on the go.
Melinda
February 26, 2017 at 9:54 amI used a breast pump during breast feeding. It helped me store milk for my babies.
Jan Schaller
March 5, 2017 at 10:44 amI did have a breastpump with my first and it helped emensely! It allowed me to get some extra sleep by having my husband do some of the night feeds.
Yashy
March 5, 2017 at 8:07 pmsleep is so precious, especially during those early days. I’m so glad your hubby was able to help!
Darlene W
March 5, 2017 at 6:21 pmBack when I breast fed there were only manual pumps available. Switched to formula since I couldn’t produce enough milk for baby
Krista M
March 9, 2017 at 10:44 amNo I never did use a breast pump but wish I had used one as awesome as this. It looks completely helpful.
Tara Kerr
March 11, 2017 at 9:50 amI just had my first baby 2.5 weeks ago, so we haven’t pumped quite yet but my husband can’t wait to help feed her, so a pump will definitely come in handy in the next little while!
Yashy
March 11, 2017 at 12:19 pmCongratulations!! Wishing you the very best on this journey of parenthood.
Amber Y
March 11, 2017 at 4:06 pmI’ve never breast fed before, but I am deffinitely planning to use a pump while I do. I’m hoping it will make things a little easier all around.