Nursing Mother's
Back-To-Work Checklist

Breast milk is the best food for babies, but for mothers who are returning to work, providing breast milk for their babies can be a challenge.  Breastfeeding need not end when a mother returns to work, though.  With preparation, encouragement and the right equipment, breastfeeding can continue, without interruption, even after a nursing mother returns to work. 

Here are some things a nursing mother should consider as she prepares to go back to work:

1.       Discuss your plans with your supervisor before you go back to work.  Make your supervisor aware of your plans to pump breast milk and work out a pumping schedule that suits your needs, as well as those of your employer.

2.       Arrange for a place to pump at work.  Ideally, a pumping area should have:

      privacy

      a comfortable place to sit

      an electrical outlet for your pump

      hot and cold running water for rinsing out the equipment and washing your hands

3.       Arrange for some form of refrigeration to store your breast milk after it is pumped.  An on-site refrigerator is ideal, but if that is not available, blue freezer packs or blocks inside an insulated lunch bag or food container can be a solution.

4.       Choose a double electric breast pump that fits your needs.  Double electric pumps allow you to pump both breasts simultaneously, which saves time and helps build up your supply of milk.  High-quality pumps can be rented or purchased from a qualified lactation consultant.  Two popular double electric pumps are the Purely Yours’  Breast Pump from Ameda and the Pump In Style’  Breast Pump from Medela.

5.       When you buy a pump, try to get a battery pack or car adapter for back-up so that you have more flexibility in your pumping locations. 

6.       It is also a good idea to get some extra parts for the pump, including the suction devices and valve membranes that tend to get lost or wear out.  It’s also a good idea to keep the phone number of your lactation consultant or rental station handy for those days when you forget your pump or lose one of the essential parts after you get to work.

7.       Mother's Milk Storage Bags are very helpful for collecting, storing and
freezing breast milk for later use. They are easy to attach, fill and
remove. You can find them at www.momsbags.com.

8.       Easy Expression Products, Inc. makes a line of hands-free pumping bras that are an essential tool if you want to try to accomplish something while pumping, even if it is to just relax.  Hands-free pumping makes the whole process of pumping breast milk much easier and the Easy Expression^TM Bustier and Easy Expression^TM Halter are ideal.  They come in 5 sizes (S, M, L, XL, XXL) and are soft, comfortable and easy to wear.  (www.EasyExpression.com)

9.       An absolute MUST for nursing moms is breast pads to help prevent leaks when your milk comes in at inopportune moments -- like while you’re at work!   Always keep an extra pair in you handbag for emergencies.

10.   Be sure to have an extra nursing bra and, if possible, an extra blouse on hand in case you leak or get breast milk on your clothes while you pump.