Pumping at Work: Tips for keeping Your Supply Up (Without Stress)

 

Returning to work doesn't mean you have to stop breastfeeding. But it does mean you need a strategy. Pumping in a storage closet or bathroom is not okay (and often illegal).

Here is how to make it work.

1. Know Your Rights

In the US (and many other countries), employers are legally required to provide:

  • A private place that is not a bathroom.

  • Reasonable break time to pump for up to 1 year.

  • Action: Talk to HR before you return to ensure the room is ready.

2. The Gear You Need

  • Hands-Free Bra: This is non-negotiable. It allows you to type, eat, or scroll on your phone while pumping.

  • Extra Parts: Keep a spare set of valves and membranes in your desk. If a part breaks, you can't pump, and that is a disaster.

  • The "Fridge Hack": (Check with your doctor first). Instead of washing pump parts after every session, put them in a Ziploc bag and store them in the fridge. Wash them thoroughly once at home. This saves 20 minutes a day.

3. Block Your Calendar

Treat pumping sessions like client meetings. Mark them as "Busy" on your digital calendar so colleagues don't schedule over them. Consistency is key to maintaining supply.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baby-Led Weaning (FAQ)

1. When is the best time to start Baby-Led Weaning (BLW)? Most pediatricians recommend waiting until your baby is around 6 months old. The key signs to look for are: the ability to sit up with little to no support, losing the "tongue-thrust" reflex (pushing food out of their mouth), and showing a genuine interest in what you are eating. Always consult your doctor before starting solids.

2. Is choking a bigger risk with BLW compared to purees? This is the #1 fear for parents! Studies suggest that there is no increased risk of choking with BLW compared to spoon-feeding, provided you follow safety guidelines. Avoid hard foods like raw apples, whole nuts, or round grapes. Soft, stick-shaped foods (like steamed carrots or avocado slices) allow the baby to control how much they swallow, which can actually teach them to chew better.

3. Do I need special gear to start? You don't need much, but a few tools help. A high chair with a footrest is essential for stability (which helps with safe swallowing). As mentioned earlier, a "starter spoon" like the NumNum Gootensil (linked above) is great for babies who want to practice self-feeding with softer foods like yogurt or oatmeal. You will also want a bib with a "catch pocket" because BLW is messy!

4. Can I mix purees and finger foods? Absolutely. You don't have to choose just one method. Many parents do "combo feeding." You might offer a loaded spoon of oatmeal (for iron) alongside a strip of omelet. The goal is to make mealtime a positive, sensory experience for your child, not to follow a strict rulebook.

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