In Bloom Doula Services

It may not seem like a big deal to some, but this week marks two months of going back to work after maternity leave, which means two months of pumping to keep my son exclusively on breastmilk. That is two months closer to my goal of keeping him exclusively on breastmilk until 6 months, and breastfed for a year. I am so proud of the fact that I am pumping while going back to work and I believe women should celebrate this accomplishment because it is not easy. Pumping and keeping your milk supply up is a job. Two months worth of counting ounces, packing supplies, sterilizing bottles and pump parts, staying late and arriving early, using any spare moment and free time to get as much milk as possible. I don’t mind doing this work because I believe it has been so worth it! Pumping is a job all it’s own and there’s a lot you need to be successful for a while. I’d say after two months I’ve pretty much got this pumping at work situation down and here is a list of what I have found is helpful to have on hand and keeps the milk flowing.

 

Pump:

Obviously you’ll need a pump. I got mine through my insurance and it was completely free. There were upgrades available that cost a little bit more, and now I actually wish I would have bitten the bullet and upgraded even for the extra cost. The basic Medela works just fine though and it is small and easy to transport. I love my Medela and love that there are accessories available for it almost everywhere. Apply for your free pump through your insurance here.

 

Pump Parts:

There are lots of little parts that make the pump function the right way. You’ll need tubes, membranes and I recommend getting some extras to keep on hand in case you forget a part. If you’re pumping multiple times a day, everyday it would be wise to replace those parts every 3-4 months to ensure you’re getting the most efficient suction for your supply. This set is nice because it includes extra of each pump part you could forget at home, or keep spare ones at work.

 

Nipple cream:

I’ve tried a few different kinds, but my favorite is Yorba. It’s completely natural and nontoxic. It also smells and feels wonderful. I got it in my Bump Box subscription, but you can also buy it on Amazon. I also like Mother Love. It is cheaper, and also all natural, but it doesn’t smell or feel as good, but it does it’s job.

Wipes:

Keeping your breast clean and dry is important because you can end up with a serious thrush problem. Yeast grows in damp places, so keep your nipples dry. I love these wipes by Bella B. They smell like milk and honey. They also nontoxic and from my Bump Box. I highly recommend them.

Pads:

This will help you stay dry! I prefer washable pads because they are better for our planet. These bamboo ones are awesome! I keep a few of these on hand to wipe off my breast when I am done pumping because somehow milk gets around everywhere and is messy. It wouldn’t hurt to have disposable ones on hand as well for days you may leak into your clothes. It’s no fun to have milk spots on your shirt, but it happens to the best of us.

Medela App:

This is a must have for moms just going back to work. Pumping here and there is hit or miss. When I pumped irregularly, or as needed, I always seemed to have a large supply. Once I started pumping at the same times everyday I learned what my normal was. I love being able to record, track and review my milk supply. I have started to notice highs and when my supply takes a dip. You can time your pump sessions and log your ounces. I use it less and less now, but it is great to use as needed.

 

Pump Bottles:

One of my favorite baby shower gifts was this Medela Breastmillk Storage Solution. It came with extra self labeling bottles, and so many great goodies for milk storage. I use 4 bottles a day, so I’d suggest having at least 8 pump bottles, so you can alternate bottles every other day you’re at work. My milk pumped on Friday will be the milk drank on Monday and it works out great! I have oversupply still, so the extra milk from Wednesday or Thursday goes in my freezer.

 

Milk Storage Bags:

I am a pretty loyal brand follower when it comes to baby products. I love Medela because the pump is great and the accessories are everywhere, but when it comes to milk storage bags I prefer Lansinoh. I have far fewer spills, they store flatter and hold more milk than the Medela bags. The Medela bags have a little funnel you attach to the bag to keep the milk from spilling. When I am pumping I am usually in a hurry to get to my classroom, or to get to lunch, or to get home. Messing with that is just annoying. Plus is another thing to sterilize and remember to bring. I’d have some milk storage bags just incase you run out of bottles for the day. You never know what you may forget randomly.

Ice pack and cooler:

I have an hour drive home from work, so I need to keep my milk cool. After I take it out of the fridge I use this cooler that I got on Amazon and the ice pack that came with to transport my milk. I also got a cooler and ice pack when I left the hospital, so having two comes in handy sometimes. I put my flanges in my cooler so they aren’t left out in the school fridge during the day, but wet bags are a great option for that as well. It fits all 4 of my bottles for the day, and my used pump parts. If I have a spill I just toss it in the washing machine.

Nursing Cover:

Nursing and pumping has made me pretty brave. I care very little about a cover now, but if you would like a cover, or if you don’t have much privacy at work to pump, you can get cute ones. Milkmaid Good’s nursing covers work as cover, swaddles, and car seat covers. The prints are adorable, and they are super soft. I never use a cover while nursing. I prefer the two short method, or a blanket. But at work I don’t have my son wiggling and fighting the cover, so it’s nice to have it in my bag when needed.

Water bottle:

Staying hydrated is KEY! I’m bad about getting my daily water intake, so I got some cute water bottles as motivation to drink more water and use less plastic! I like this Mommin Ain’t Easy water bottle because being a mom isn’t easy, especially a brand new mom juggling pumping on top of everything else. Treat yo self!

Hand pump:

This little thing is a life saver! It doesn’t do too much, but if you put it on the breast you’re not pumping it will catch any milk you would otherwise leak into your bra. Sometimes I get an ounce or two, and some days just a few drops, but it’s worth the 12 bucks in my opinion. I got mine on Amazon, of course. You can get yours here too.

Manual pump:

For the day you forget a part, or your pump completely it is nice to have a manual pump. They’re cheap and I just keep this at work for a rainy day. I’ve had to use it already in the two months I’ve been back at work and it was my best friend when I was super engorged and freaking out about my supply and milk for the next day. I have an Avent and Lansinoh manual pump because I have accidentally been without a pump, and in dire need of one, twice now. Luckily they are not that expensive. I’ve only used them each once, so I can’t say which I prefer, but they both worked great for me at the time. I linked them both for you, so you can decide.

Lastly a bag or two. I have a big reusable grocery bag that I keep all of this in, but I have a smaller target dollar section bag that I keep all of the small spare pieces in (nipple cream, pads, extra pump parts, etc.) To me it’s worth the work, so if you want to pump at work do not fear. You’ve got this!

Happy pumping!!