Congratulations on your new role as a mama! But another part awaits you in your workplace. To help you transition, we’re sharing the top 8 essentials you’ll need when you start pumping at work.
No questions asked. New mamas would know that breastfeeding their little ones is no easy task. Then there’s also a crossroad working mamas face when maternity leave is about to end—to wean or not to wean?
If you decide to continue your breastfeeding journey, you’ll need a couple of items to keep nursing even outside the comforts of your home. At times, it may feel like working two jobs simultaneously. But by opting to do this, you give your baby every chance he can to reap the benefits of breastfeeding, including heightened protection and even optimum development.
Being able to give your little one breastmilk while you transition back to work is challenging. But challenging doesn’t mean impossible, especially if you’re equipped with the right tools to make your pumping breaks more efficient and convenient.
Like any job, preparation is critical to successfully juggling working and breastfeeding. Below we’ll help you do just that by giving you a checklist of must-have items you’ll need when you pump at work.
8 Essentials For Pumping At Work
Now that you’ve decided to take the path that extends your breastfeeding journey as a working mom, it’s time to figure out the logistics. But first, you’ll need to know the tools of the trade!
Here are ten essential items for every working mom to pump at work successfully.
1. Breast pump
If you’re pumping at work, you’ll need something that will make your pumping session less hassle-free and as efficient as possible. Of course, most mamas will tell you to go for an electric breast pump, right? However, why not take a notch higher with a breast pump that meets and exceeds your expectations? Mama’s Choice Wearable Breast Pump?
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Mama’s Choice Wearable Breast Pump is the best choice for working mamas! This is great for working mamas because it’s completely hands-free, so you only need to secure it in place and turn it on. As each full charge lets powers the batter for up to 80 minutes, you can use it up to four times in the office.
Even better, you don’t need to worry about disturbing your colleagues because it’s quiet as a whisper at only 35dB.
With a soft and gentle suction, a 180ml capacity, and a lightweight build, this wearable breast pump from Mama’s Choice is the perfect companion to help you succeed in your pumping journey.
2. Pumping bag
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You might think any old bag could be used as a pumping bag. But that’s not the case. The most important feature you’ll want to look for is that it must have a compartment for cooler bags. This is vital for storing breast milk and ensuring it won’t go to waste.
Another important thing is getting a pumping bag with lots of compartments. (You’ll want to ensure that every item in this checklist can fit in your pumping bag!)
3. Milk storage (bottle, bags)
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When storing your milk, choose a bottle or bag that can give you enough storage capacity and one you can safely hold your liquid gold during transport from work to home.
A tip from Professional Momma: “What I do is use two 5 oz bottles as my “collection” bottles. Then, before I start my next pumping session, I dump the previously collected milk into a 10 oz bottle. Then I repeat this process for the rest of my work pumping sessions.”
She also only recommends using breast milk storage bags when you’re pumping an amount enough to freeze to save on costs.
4. Cleaning necessities for breast pump
Always turn to your breast pump manual on how to clean them effectively. For work set-up, cleaning wipes can come in handy. You can also bring a sterilizer set up in your lactation break area in the office.
5. Nursing cover
Although having areas in the office where working moms who are breastfeeding their babies can safely and freely express breastmilk, there are still instances where you are not locked in a nursing room to pump alone.
Some people have to pump right at their desks, while others pump in a storeroom or on a flight. This is when a nursing cover comes in handy for pumping discreetly, particularly Mama’s Choice Multipurpose Nursing Cover.
Plus, you can use this cover even outside work. This is also efficient when you’re out with your baby and need to breastfeed via a direct latch.
6. Breast milk collection shells
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There’s no accurate telling when leakage can happen. Having a breast pad in place is your best bet for keeping your clothes dry, but that means you’ll waste precious breast milk.
Instead of breast pads, consider an innovative product that prevents leakage and collects your precious liquid gold – Mama’s Choice Breast Milk Collection Shells. Made of high-quality, BPA-free materials, these shells are designed to catch every drop of milk without bringing out your pump. Discreet and efficient, it’s a better alternative to breast pads.
7. Nipple Cream
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To prevent sore nipples, it’s good to have Mama’s Choice Intensive Nipple Cream handy too. Made with natural ingredients proven to moisturize the skin and soothe nipple pain, if any, it’s safe to apply whenever you pump.
8. A pumping bra
Get a 20% Discount on Mama’s Choice Seamless Hands-Free Pumping Bra | $22.50 $17.90
Save your physical energy by investing in buying hands-free pumping bras. Since breastfeeding and working a 9-5 job in the office is a peak multitasking skill, having a hands-free pumping bra is a must.
Mama’s Choice Seamless Hands-Free Pumping Bra hits all your needs to make your at-work breastfeeding experience more smooth sailing by giving you easy access when pumping.
It’s also made of soft and comfortable material. You’ll also be impressed with its easy access slits designed to make pumping at work less hassle.
Don’t miss out on these pumping-at-work must-haves every working mama needs!
ALSO READ:
Pumping Breast Milk 101: The Ultimate Guide For Mamas
Portable Breast Pump Guide: 5 Things To Look For Before You Buy!
Best Pumping Bra: Our 5 Tips To Help You Find The Perfect Bra
Mama's Choice Team
A team of passionate writers, young mamas, and creative superheroes who help mamas face motherhood one educational article at a time!