Tag: maternity leave

Must-Have Products, Tips & Tricks

Packing a pumping bag for work

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Returning to work outside the home as a pumping momma can feel daunting. I’m here to help smooth this transition for you, momma! You’ll find lists for the absolute essentials, for leveling up your pumping game, and for extra items that are great to have on hand.
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Click HERE or more tips on pumping at work or HERE to read about your legal rights for pumping at work.

(This post was written by Melissa with some help from the mommas over at Pump Momma Pump on Instagram… but if you’d get a kick out of the AI version, check out “Packing a pump bag for work:” Chat GPT version The pictures in that post are hilarious!)

My Number 1 tip? Pack the night before, if possible! Print out a checklist and put it in a page-protector sleeve if you can’t laminate it, then use a dry-erase marker each day, wiping clean each night! If you’d like my list, download my Printable Pump Bag Checklist.
Also, select a pump bag that does double-duty. I like carrying just one bag for my laptop, lunch, pump & accessories, as well as other “mom stuff” in the smallest pockets. (I usually throw in a wristlet with all my essentials like phone, credit cards, and chapstick, instead of carrying a separate purse.) I find that Sarah Wells bags work the best for this, and will be useful for years to come! I still use mine for work, travel, and days out with my young children.

Pumping at Work: The Essentials

Don’t forget the absolute essentials for pumping at work, momma! 

  • Protective Pump Bag- Select a bag that has padding/insulation to protect your investments- your pump and hard-earned liquid gold! Preferred product: Sarah Wells Bags Kelly, Fiona, or Abby, discount code PUMPMOMMAPUMP15
  • Pump & Accessories- It helps to make a list so you don’t forget the fiddly bits!
  • Storage for milk- How will you keep your milk cold at work and during transit?
  • Pumping bra- Some mommas like to wear a pumping bra all day, where others like to strap on one just to pump. Preferred product: Simple Wishes Hands-Free Adjustable discount code PMP15 or Kindred Bravely discount code PMP15
  • Wipes- Keep it clean with regular and/or pumping wipes
  • Ice pack- Have extras in your freezer incase you forget to unpack and freeze one!
  • Washing stuff- If you wash your pump parts at work, bring a travel bottle brush, drying rack, and bottle soap! Yes they all come in travel-friendly sizes!

Pumping at Work- Level Up

Feelin extra? Level up your pumping game with these game-changers! 

  • Designer pump bag- There are many companies offering stylish pump bags- express yourself while you… express yourself! Preferred Product- Mimi & Pal Radley bag discount code PUMPMOMMAPUMP10
  • Portable or Wearable pump- Some mommas appreciate having a portable or wearable pump to offer greater flexibility and freedom Preferred Products- Pumpables Genie Advanced discount code PMP10, Baby Buddha breastpump discount code PUMPMOMMA
  • Milk cooler- Keep that milk cold until you get it safely home Preferred Products- CeresChill OG Chiller discount code PUMPITUP, MomCozy milk cooler
  • Wet bag- Great for storing pump accessories, especially if you do the fridge hack during work
  • Headphones or airpods- For pleasant distraction and a uplifted mood
  • Flange lubrication- Pump in comfort by lubricating your flanges (I suggest coconut oil, personally and professionally) 
  • Entertainment- Get that milk flowing as you take some time for yourself! Catch up on a favorite show, read, listen to music, or scroll instagram

Pumping at Work- Extras

These helpful extras were suggested by the mommas at Pump Momma Pump to help pumping at work go extra smoothly! 

  • Spare pump to keep at work- If you have a spare pump, that’s one less thing to take back and forth every day. A manual pump kept at work is great incase you forget your pump or it runs out of battery. Preferred product: Medela Harmony manual pump
  • Extra parts- Have an extra set of all your pump accessories? Keep them at work in case you ever forget anything!
  • Extra baggies- Always a good idea to keep extra milk baggies at work.
  • Charging cords- A charging cord for your pump and/or phone may come in handy.
  • Spare shirt- Uh oh, spilled milk stains and stinks! Bring along a spare shirt. 
  • Towel or paper towels- To keep your area clean, especially for drips and spills.
  • Snack and hydration- Increasing calories and staying hydrated supports lactation!

I know it’s a lot, momma. The first few days back to work might be a little overwhelming and perhaps a little emotional. I know because I’ve been there myself, twice. Know that you’re capable. You’re a problem-solver. You’re strong and resilient. You got this.

Have a minute? Check out my Perfect Pumping Room post!

Find all my favorites for Back-to-Work HERE on my Amazon idea list!

Be sure to follow Pump Momma Pump on Instagram for education, motivation, and support! (And more great tips like these!)

AI generated pump bag
Tips & Tricks

“Packing a Pump Bag for Work” Chat GPT Version

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I asked Chat GPT (Artificial Intelligence software) to write a blog post with advice and pictures for packing a pump bag. The results weren’t what I expected…

They were pretty great! I didn’t expect that! I expected the most generic list, with robotic language and incorrect information… but I got a compassionate, thoughtful list, complete with very accurate advice for a momma’s return to work! The pictures, however…. *shakes head and laughs* were another story. They cracked me up! I hope you enjoy the results.

*I have included the full results from Chat GTP below, complete with the AI generated images. Any of my own words have been added in parenthesis with PMP- in front. My own version of this blog is coming soon, so keep an eye out!*

*AI generated image* PMP- Apparently all moms returning to work are thin
white women with corporate jobs who take their kids to work?!

Title: Packing a Pumping Bag for Work: A Breastfeeding Mom’s Guide

Going back to work as a breastfeeding mom can be a challenging transition, but being well-prepared with a properly packed pumping bag can make the experience smoother and more manageable. Whether you’re a first-time mom or just need a refresher, this guide will help ensure you have everything you need for a successful pumping session at work. (PMP- Solid start, Chat GPT, let’s see what ya got!)

Essential Items for Your Pumping Bag

  1. Breast Pump and Accessories
    Make sure your pump is fully charged or has a power adapter if it requires an outlet. Don’t forget essential parts such as flanges, tubing, valves, and membranes. (PMP- way to go Chat GPT! Excellent advice and terminology!)
  2. Breast Milk Storage Bags or Bottles
    Bring enough storage containers to accommodate the amount of milk you plan to pump. Labeling them with the date can help with organization and freshness.
  3. A Small Cooler with Ice Packs
    Keeping your milk cold is essential, especially if you don’t have access to a refrigerator at work. An insulated cooler with ice packs will do the job. (PMP- another thumbs up)
  4. Hands-Free Pumping Bra
    A hands-free bra allows you to multitask while pumping, making the process more convenient and comfortable.
  5. Cleaning Supplies
    Bring pump wipes or a small bottle of dish soap and a brush if you need to wash your pump parts at work. Some moms also bring a microwave steam sterilizer bag for quick cleaning. (PMP- So far this is pretty darn close to what I would have written myself!)
  6. Nursing Pads and Extra Clothes
    Leaks happen! Pack extra nursing pads and a backup shirt just in case. (PMP- Many moms on Instagram also suggested bringing an extra shirt and hand towel!)
  7. Snacks and Water
    Pumping can be dehydrating and energy-draining. Keeping a water bottle and some healthy snacks in your bag will help maintain your energy levels. (PMP- Yessssss!)
  8. A Comfortable Cover (Optional)
    If you prefer privacy while pumping, a nursing cover or lightweight scarf can be helpful, especially if you share a space. (PMP- Legally, your work must provide a private space to pump!)
  9. A Notebook or Pumping App
    Keeping track of your pumping schedule, milk output, and reminders for cleaning and storage can be helpful.
*AI generated image* PMP- Dyyyying laughing at this pumping bag. Note the huge haakaa style pump with tube leading to nowhere. Anything else crack you up?
*AI generated image* PMP- The baby on the windowsill! …And yet another thin Caucasian model with an office job.

Bonus Tips for a Smooth Pumping Experience

  • Create a Pumping Schedule: Try to pump at the same times each day to maintain your milk supply. (PMP- Again, way to go Chat GPT!)
  • Have a Backup Plan: Keep an extra set of pump parts at work in case you forget something.
  • Stay Relaxed: Listening to music, looking at pictures of your baby, or practicing deep breathing can help with milk letdown. (PMP- Okay I am beginning to think they borrowed some of this from my website at this point.)
  • Advocate for Your Needs: Communicate with your employer about your pumping needs and ensure you have a comfortable, private space to express milk. (PMP- Yesssssss!)
*AI generated image* (PMP- Just… wat. Gotta get me one of those pump/cooler hybrids! LOL)
*AI generated image* PMP- This is what I got when I requested that the mom be “blue collar.” Way to take me literally! (Also, I don’t think this is Osha compliant, LOL)

Packing a well-stocked pumping bag will set you up for a successful return to work while continuing your breastfeeding journey. With the right preparation, you can make pumping at work a seamless part of your daily routine. You’ve got this, mama! (PMP- VERY happy with this blog post, Chat GPT! The photos however…. could use some work. LOL)

*AI generated image* PMP- *shakes head*…. AI is creepy, man.
Also, note the bottle/pump combo… ?!
Shop Pumpables and save with code PMP10

Be sure to follow Pump Momma Pump on Instagram for education, motivation, and support! (And more great tips like these!)

Tips & Tricks

Introducing a Bottle After Exclusively Nursing

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Hopefully you’re not reading this the night before your baby’s first day at daycare… *laughs nervously* …that’s actually a pretty common scenario for many mommas! Nursing is going so well, with no “need” to introduce a bottle, so the transition to a bottle gets rushed right before mommas returns to work. And how do you even transition baby to a bottle? Or, Maybe you’re planning ahead and looking for the “right” way to introduce a bottle to your breastfed baby. You’ve come to the right place! You’ll find my own advice, plus links to trusted sources with valuable tips to help you on your way!

[Disclaimer- A lot of this is going to be trial and error, so start EARLY and leave enough time introduce baby their bottle!]

WHEN? When should you start?

If your breastfeeding goal is to nurse (directly latching baby at the breast), concentrate on establishing good latch and milk transfer (often working closely with a lactation professional) in those first few weeks after birth. Once you and baby are comfortable with nursing and your baby’s doctor is happy with their growth, you can begin to think about bottle feeding. Ideally, you’d want to introduce a bottle before baby loses their automatic suck reflex. What’s an automatic suck reflex? If you touch the roof of your baby’s mouth with your finger, a pacifier, or a nipple, they will automatically begin sucking. This reflex can diminish as early as 2 months old. A good range to introduce a bottle is between 6-10 weeks postpartum after a good nursing latch has been established. (Latch by Robin Kaplan, M.Ed. IBCLC)
At the VERY least, Start two weeks before you’ll be leaving baby with a caregiver!

Special thanks to my client/cousins Josh & Shelley

WHY? Why use a bottle?

If you are planning to be away from baby during their feeding time, for any reason, you’ll want to ensure that they are able to successfully take a bottle. For some mommas, this means a solo-trip out of the house, girls night out, or a much needed date night to reconnect with a partner. For some mommas, this can mean returning to work after maternity leave. For some mommas, this can mean sharing the responsibility (and joy!) of feeding with a family member or friend. There’s no one reason to use a bottle, and some mommas choose to stay close to baby and offer the breast whenever they are able. This is not a space for division or judgement, this is a space for learning, together.

This is also not a space for guilt. If you are feeling guilty about giving baby a bottle… Let yourself feel it, yes, but let’s work on that. Your baby will be cared for. They will be nurtured and loved and nourished while you are separated and then nurtured and loved and nourished when you reunite. Will you feel guilt when they begin to use a spoon in addition to your breast? Probably not, right? Group a bottle in with all the other utensils that will eventually help nourish their bodies. That mindset may ease your mind a bit, so remind yourself of that when feelings of guilt creep in.

WHAT? What bottle should you use?

Every bottle is different… but it may be the NIPPLE that your baby is rejecting! Try a few different kinds! (For example, many babies prefer the narrower based nipples even though they aren’t marketed as the ones that have a wide base and look like a breast. Some babies find silicone nipples to be too slippery. Some babies like the slightly textured or angled nipples. Etc) It’s widely recommended to use a NARROW BASED nipple with a GENTLE SLOPE. These can be easier for a nursing baby to latch onto. In the image below, I show you a gradual slope (Lansinoh, one of my favorites) and a more rounded one (Comotomo). Select a SLOW FLOW nipple so that they can be paced-bottle fed and work for the milk, like they do at the breast.
What about “Nipple confusion?” When we hear that term, we can get scared that baby will never go back to the breast. What this comes down to is flow preference- with baby preferring the quick, passive flow of a bottle to the breast, which they have to work at. This is why selecting a slow-flow nipple and using paced bottle feeding is so important!

Some of my favorite bottles for nursing babies:

WHO? Who should feed baby?

There are two schools of thought on this tip- Some advise you to leave the house so baby can’t smell you. If you are present, they may wonder why they are latching to a bottle instead of you. On the other hand, some people swear by having your partner use your pajamas or something that smells like you next to baby while they feed from the bottle so they CAN smell you. You could try both!

HOW? How do you transition?

It helps to ease into this SLOWLY and gently. Allow baby to play with or suck on just the nipple, detached from the bottle. You can even dip the tip of the nipple into breastmilk to attract baby. Make it a sensory experience, don’t force it! Do it when baby is in a good mood. You might have heard advice to wait until baby is super hungry so they give up waiting for you and just take the bottle. This seems kind of drastic and sad to me… and a distressed baby is actually LESS likely to want to try a bottle. You could actually try the opposite- feed them partially from the breast, and switch to a bottle while they are still hungry but not starving.
Begin by allowing baby to play with the bottle nipple before attaching it to the bottle. Then, when you are ready to feed, stroke baby’s upper lip with the nipple and let them taste/smell it. Wait until they open their mouth wide, and let them latch onto the bottle. Make sure whoever is feeding baby is using paced-bottle feeding, holding the baby at an upright angle and holding the bottle more horizontal, allowing baby to have control over the flow of milk. Be sure to take frequent pauses for baby to burp and digest. Don’t rush it! Watch for baby’s hungry and full cues.

More tips and tricks from professionals I trust:

…But wait, we didn’t even talk about PUMPING!

Ah yes… this is a super common question I get over on Instagram. If you’re nursing… when are you supposed to pump? This depends on personal preference/situations. Some mommas pump once a day, to store a bit of a stash in their freezers. A great time to do this is after your first feed of the morning, when your body is naturally making more milk. Some mommas only pump before leaving baby, or only pump at work. Remember, if you are skipping a feed, you’ll need to pump instead. Regular milk removal is so important in protecting your supply and feeling comfortable, not engorged, when away from baby!

Pumping on my anniversary night away with my husband

Do YOU have any tips to share? Leave them in the comments for other mommas to try!!!

Be sure to follow Pump Momma Pump on Instagram for education, motivation, and support! (And more great tips like these!)

Use code PUMPMOMMA to save on your Baby Buddha breastpump
Pumping Support

The Perfect Pumping Room

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What would happen if you were asked to redesign the pumping room at your workplace? What would you include? What if there were literally no limit to your budget? In today’s post, I am going to share my own experience redesigning two pumping rooms at my workplace and share ideas gleaned from my Instagram mommas over at @Pump_Momma_Pump for their dream pumping rooms!

Mother’s Room Redesign #1

Being the pumping aficionado in my place of employment, I was given the opportunity to redesign the “Mother’s Room” in two of our buildings. Here’s my first project, room number 1 (shown below.) The space is very small but accommodating (given that some people do not even have a dedicated space to pump!) I warmed it up with a pale sea-salt pink wall color, and lightly feminine décor. It was a pretty simple project and I was so happy with the little space I made for my mommas!

A warm, soothing environment is ideal for breast-pumping. A calm body will allow faster flow of oxytocin, which triggers your letdown reflex! This room was chilly in both temperature and color before the makeover, and the chair reclined too much! Now mothers can settle in, warm up with a woven blanket, and support their upper back with a throw pillow. I might add a space heater, come to think of it…

Mother’s Room Design #2

This year, our company purchased a new building and converted one office into a “Wellness Room.” While I have mixed feelings about the ambiguous title of the room, I am thrilled at the opportunity to design another space for my fellow pumping mommas!
I was absolutely thrilled to find that IT HAS A SINK! Since I won’t be having anymore children, past-me is super jealous of the cush space I am going to create for future mommas, for sure.

Here’s a BEFORE picture of the room. I’ll add an AFTER photo when it’s complete! Can you tell I’m excited about the sink?

Here’s the color I chose for our new serene space:

The finished room! I love it so!

Want to know what I ordered for the room? Check out the first checklist, below. THANK YOU to all the mommas who helped me create this awesome list!

Dream Pumping Room Checklist

After surveying hundreds of mothers in our online community, I have taken their dream pumping room ideas and distilled it down into the following list, roughly in order of importance: (Links are provided as examples, many of which I am using in the design of our new Wellness Room)

The Sky’s the Limit!

What if there really were no limit to your budget? What would you include in your dream pumping space? (Add it in the comments!) Mommas had FUN with this one, let me tell you! Here is what they came up with:

  • Massage chair
  • Ottoman/Footstool
  • Foot massager
  • Water cooler
  • Full-size fridge
  • Snack cart
  • Vending machine
  • Phone chargers
  • Space heater
  • Hospital grade pump
  • Free milk storage bags
  • Drying Rack and bottle brushes
  • Little basket of toiletries like they have at weddings
  • Lockers
  • Magazines
  • Boobie wallpaper (I wish!)
  • Salt lamp/Happy light
  • Plants
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Noise machine
  • Microwave
  • Keurig/coffee maker
  • Throw rug
  • Sterilizer
  • TV
  • Wifi
  • Fish tank (This one cracked me up- how cool would that be?)
  • Lava lamp (Also cracked me up!)

What if my “Mother’s Room” is a storage closet?

Image from people.com, originally from scarymommy

Many mommas are given legally-appropriate space to pump (Meaning a private space that is not a bathroom) but it’s far from attractive or comfortable. Ugh, first of all let me say I feel for you, momma. I know that sucks. Consider having a conversation with your employer or HR about making the space a bit more comfortable or hygienic, in whatever way they can. Are they unable to unwilling? Here are some suggestions:

  • Bring a small mat or tea towel as a clean surface for all pumping parts and Clorox wipes/hand sanitizer to wipe down a plastic chair or anything in your immediate space that might need refreshing!
  • No specific fridge or sink provided for breastmilk? Store your milk and pump parts in a cooler with an ice brick. Although the CDC does not recommend it, you might need to do the “fridge hack” between pump sessions if you do not have an access to a clean sink. (Pour your freshly pumped milk into a clean bottle or bag, reattach pumped-in bottles to flanges, wipe flanges out, and store in cooler until next session)
  • Is the area loud or distracting? Consider using earbuds/headphones to listen to calming music or a podcast to tune out and get into a great headspace for pumping. Watch something on your phone so you’re not staring at a stack of file folders or cleaning supplies.
  • Are you able to leave anything in that space for added comfort, like a different chair or throw blanket? If not, consider packing a small fleece blanket in your pump bag.
  • In a stinky space? Bring scented hand lotion to use! You’ll be practicing self-care AND making your environment smell lovely!
  • Does someone keep opening the door? Ask your HR rep if they can install a slide lock on the INSIDE of the room for your privacy, or find another way to block entry. Remember, you are LEGALLY protected from intrusion by the public (See more about your legal rights below!)

What if we don’t have space to pump at work?

Photo: Workin’ Moms- Netflix

With the help of our Director of Human Resources, I created this letter to be copied and modified for use at your workplace- LINK HERE. You will be prompted to make a copy, and from there you should be able to edit the document as you see fit. If possible, simply ask your employer about a space to pump. If the company has a nice, welcoming culture, I think just going to someone and talking is a good first step…if that does not work and/or it’s not a warm and fuzzy feel, then this letter is perfectly fine and to-the-point. Remember, it is your RIGHT to pump at work- be confident and assertive in expressing those rights. For more on your legal right to pump at work, click HERE.