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| 15 minutes = two bottles of liquid gold |
When I first started pumping milk when I returned to work with after having Aidan I felt a lost. What is the world do I need to have with me to do this right? I had a little experiencing pumping at home when we returned from the hospital and Aidan needed me to use a therapeutic bottle to help his little preemie mouth learn to suck well. Pump was the least glamorous, least warm and fuzzy process I could imagine for my new life as a mother. I soon learned that pumping is messy, sticky process. I did soon grow used to it. Now it's like second nature. I learned that having 15 minutes to myself to pump could be a nice respite to my day, especially at work.
Returning to work after Xavier, I felt into my old routine very quickly.
Indiana has a supportive law for nursing mom in the work place. I have my own private space. I would be so happy to be sharing the space with other moms wishing to pump and nurse, but I don't. There are constantly women having babies and returning from maternity leave at my job but I'm the only one pumping at work. (sad face)
Here's a little tour of my pumping digs and tools I recommend you keep in your at-work-pumping station. I use the Ameda pump. I bought mine online back in 2008. I think they've change a bit since now. I basically picked it because it was a lot cheaper than the Medela. It works well for me.
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| This is how I leave my set-up in between my 2 pumping sessions. This allows me to pop-in and pump and wrap it up quickly. |
Here is my pumping station. My box of tools close at hand, a couple of kitchen towels are helpful to cover surfaces and transport pump parts to and from home for through washing. The white cloth on the desk is water proof and I use it as a bib of sorts. I feel this is one on the best tips I can pass on to other pumping moms. I tuck this water proof cloth under "myself" and it catches drips and spills of milk from getting me wet. Now I know not everyone will have this issue. I am I prodigious producer of milk and have over filled a bottle once or twice. My pants or shirt would've been soaked at work and it would've been uncomfortable and a bit embarrassing if I had not had this cloth protecting me. I also like that it covers my bare belly. Sure, no one can see me, but I feel a little less naked at work with my belly covered.
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| Like a chef, I have prepared my mise en-place. |
Having my tools set-up and ready to go (AKA mise en place), helps me get in and out in my allotted 15 minutes break time. This is another benefit to having a pumping area. I don't have to set-up and clean up after each pumping session. I have even learned that pumping is an ideal time to read a book. I'm able to set a book, magazine, or my Kindle on the desk in front of me while I pump-away. Nice bonus.
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| The small cooler with 3 to 4 ice packs is enough to cool the milk and store for the work day. |
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| My box of supplies; butt-wipes, bottle sanitizing wipes, empty bottles, bra liner pads to prevent leaks, and milk storage bags. |
At the end of the work day, I gather the phalanges and any other pump parts that need to be washed and take them home. I don't wash them between daily sessions. I don't have the time for starters. You could wash them after each session but it's simply not necessary.
The biological components of fresh breast milk allow it to safely remain out at room temperature for 6-8 hours according to the CDC. That means the little bit of milk left on the pump parts are FINE in the 3-4 hours between my pumping sessions. I have purchased the sanitizing wipes to use if needed but honestly - I don't want my baby drinking milk that has passed over sanitizing solution. That sounds way worse than milk that's a couple of hours old. Furthermore, those wipes are expensive and the package doesn't explain in detail what the active ingredients are? Why do I want to use these on a regular basis? I don't. I don't sanitize my boobs after each feeding, why would I feel the need to sanitize my pump?
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| My notice on the locked door that this room is occupied. |
I've never had anyone knock on the door or any other 'breech of privacy.' People are probably a bit wary of the whole thing, but I really don't care :) Other go out for smoke-breaks, I take a pump-breaks. An empty office makes an ideal pumping room.
Really - anywhere with a plug, space for a small table and a door would work. Do not settle for a bathroom for a pumping space. I have had to do it once or twice.
No one else is asked to eat in or prepare their lunch in the bathroom - neither should your baby. That is one of my favorite details of the Indiana law I mention above. It specifically states that the pumping room should not be a bathroom.
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| (sideways photo) I taped poster board on the window next to the door for privacy. Quick and easy solution. |
I hope this can be a helpful reference to moms returning to work after having their babies. I recommend talking over your pumping situation before you leave for maternity leave.
Also, check into your states laws to be sure that your rights are being enforced. Stand up for yourself and make yourself comfortable in your surroundings. You'll be happy to have a little break in your day and feel a special little connection to your baby.
I'm linking up to Megan at
Sorta Crunchy!
