If your maternity leave is quickly coming to a close but you're not yet ready to give up on breast-feeding, you've probably already figured out that you'll have to pump your milk while you're away from your baby. For many women, this is an anticipated challenge–an intimidating challenge, but not one that is insurmountable. By planning ahead you can set yourself up for success. If you are going back to work full-time, you'll want to keep a few things in mind.
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First off, you want to try to stay relaxed during your pumping sessions–stress can hinder your let-down reflex. You'll also want to consider purchasing a double-electric breast pump, or even renting a hospital-grade pump as they are the most efficient and timely options. Be sure to continue nursing your baby regularly when you are home and to continue to maintain a healthy diet and drink plenty of water throughout your work day. In addition to everything mentioned above, there are a number of products that will help make your pumping experience go a bit smoother. Here are my suggestions:
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Hands-Free Pumping Bra
Most double-electric pumps will require you to hold the flanges (connected to the bottles and tubing) up to yourself, but since you’ll also need a hand to turn the machine on and off and adjust the suction level, it’s a good idea to have some kind of hands-free bra. They are widely available at baby-supply stores and online, but if you’re not keen on the investment, you can also cut holes in a tight-fitting sports bra as described here. Simple Wishes Hands Free Breast Pump Bra, $30-$35
Olive Oil
This probably sounds bizarre, but the friction from the hard plastic pump flanges can be quite uncomfortable, especially when you’re new to pumping. Coating the inside of each one lightly with a vegetable-based oil like olive oil, adds just enough lubrication to make it a little more bearable and reduce the risk of soreness, and the small trace of mild oil that may enter the bottle of expressed isn’t likely to affect your baby in any way. Goya Extra Virgin Olive Oil, $3.49
Cooler Bag With Ice Pack
Breast milk can last up to eight hours at room temperature, but to be on the safe side, I prefer to store my expressed milk in an insulated cooler bag with a frozen ice pack. This is an especially good idea if you have a long, unpredictable commute. Your breast pump may come with this set up, but if not they are available for purchase online. Bottle cooler bag and ice packs, $23.79
Oatmeal
Since breast pumps are not as effective as babies at removing milk from the breast, combine that with the often awkward and stressful process of pumping at work, and many moms find that their milk supply drops significantly after returning to work. A daily dose of oats can help rebuild your supply or even prevent the dip in the first place. Any variety and form should help, but I like to use sandwich bags to make little homemade packets of old-fashioned oats, with a bit of sugar and cinnamon. You can make a bunch at once and then when you get to work each day heat the oats in a bowl with milk or water. Quaker Old-Fashioned Oats, $20.58 for six eight-ounce canisters
Microwave Sterilizing Bags
If you wash your pump parts with hot, soapy water every day, it’s not necessary to sterilize them daily, but I do suggest doing it once a week. For just a few dollars you can purchase disposable bags that allow you to sterilize the pump parts in the microwave in about three minutes. Each bag can be used multiple times, so I find that the convenience and ease of use far outweighs the cost of the bags. Medela Quick Clean Micro-Steam Bags, $6
Milk-making tea
Again, decreased supply is one of the biggest issues that pumping mothers face. If your supply is dropping and the oatmeal alone doesn’t seem to be cutting it, try purchasing a box of Mother’s Milk tea. This herbal concoction is a blend of milk-making organic fennel, fenugreek, blessed thistle and other herbs and spices and the drinking per the manufacturer’s instructions has made a huge difference in supply for many nursing mothers, including myself, especially when combined with oatmeal intake and frequent nursing when you’re home. Mother's Milk Tea, $5
