PUMPING AT WORK: 4 TIPS FOR BREASTFEEDING OFFICE MOMS

Going back to the office after maternity leave is no easy feat. And adding pumping into the mix can feel like another challenge on its own. But fear not! These handy breast pumping tips for the office will make your journey go smoothly – and just in time for World Breastfeeding Day, celebrated on 27 January.

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1. FIND A SECLUDED SPOT AT THE OFFICE
First things first – secure that spot. Before you are back from maternity leave, contact your manager and your company’s Human Resource department to arrange a private room at the office (not the bathroom) for your daily pumping sessions. According to the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) and its Code of Good Practice on the Protection of Employees during pregnancy and after childbirth, employers should allow breastfeeding mothers at least two breaks of 30 minutes daily to express milk. If possible, visit the area beforehand to check if you are comfortable with it. “Pumping at work can feel awkward, especially for first-time moms, so the more you can do to prepare in advance, the better,” says Danielle Ritter, a certified lactation counsellor.

2. BLOCK OUT YOUR BREAKS
Work can get busy, so it’s important to establish a schedule and block out your time to express each day. If you don’t, it’s easy for your diary to fill up, pushing your pumping session to the wayside. “If you want to keep your milk supply up, you will need to build and keep a routine,” explains nurse and lactation consultant Torey Potter. If you want to be discreet, label this blocked-out time as ‘admin’. Or just be clear and call it ‘lactation space’ – so no-one needs to ask any questions. Remember that your blocked-out time needs to include setup and cleanup time, not just the time you are actively pumping.

3. KEEP YOUR MILK COLD
Do you have a space to store your milk in the office fridge? If not (or you are scared it will be misidentified by your co-workers), always keep your insulated bags of milk by your side in a small cooler bag with ice packs. This will not only keep your milk cool, but also ensure that you can safely transport and store your daily supply. It’s not called ‘liquid gold’ for nothing, and keeping it cold and safe will ensure your baby gets all those good nutrients you worked so hard for that day.

4. PRACTICE YOUR EVENING CLEANING AND PACKING ROUTINE
Been running around like a headless chicken before work trying to clean and pack your pumping essentials? Avoid the chaos and prepare your bag the evening before. To make it easier, make a list and check it off (twice). Labelled your milk with today’s date? Check. Charged your batteries? Check (and check). By ticking off your list, you’ll make sure that you are prepared for the next day of pumping. “Don’t forget to stash some treats for yourself in your pump bag, like your favourite candy or some calming essential oils. You deserve it,” says Ritter.

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