For the past three years I’ve been fortunate enough to find a flexible working situation where I’m able to have a balance of working with clients, working at home and working in our casual office space in a ratio that changes from week to week. When our child was born just a few short months ago, it was important for me to establish a breastfeeding routine, but also maintain my flexible working schedule when I headed back to work three months shortly after he was born.
Breastfeeding Tips for Working Moms
Buy a Trusted Breast Pump
For the past six weeks, I’ve been using the Avent Comfort Double Electric Breast Pump, perfectly timed for a busy, summer season. With features like the comfort massaging cups and three levels of suction, I was able to effectively express from the first time I tried the pump. Using other styles of breast pumps, I’ve found position wise, I had to lean forward. Leaning forward is really uncomfortable when you’re in that position for fifteen or twenty minutes, and being able to comfortably sit without leaning forward makes a big difference when you’re using a breast pump twice a day.
Approved by parents, with the PTPA seal of approval, you can rest assured that the product has been tried and tested by real parents, just like you.
Schedule Pumping Times
Scheduling pumping times is essential for mothers that are going to work either in the home or away from the home. I like to schedule a pumping time during the last long sleep stretch before the morning feed. Not sure where to start, when you’re transitioning to pumping? When you’re trying to schedule pumping times, choose one of those long sleep stretches and pump mid-way through. This is often the most productive time of the day to pump.
The Philips Avent Comfort Double Electric Breast Pump provided a comfortable and gentle, but also an effective pumping experience, and is so easy to use that you’re going to be able to be able to use it – even if you’re half asleep!
Make a Pumping Station
Having everything you need on hand, like a breast pump, snacks, and plenty of water – makes it easier to pump without leaving the bedroom. Instead of leaving the bedroom twice to get everything that I need to pump, I have a station ready and have to leave only once to refrigerate or freeze the milk.
When you’re not nourished, you’re not going to be able to pump effectively, so having water and snacks on-hand, as a reminder when you’re pumping, helps. In addition to snacks, having a basket that you the gather the used parts in to wash and sanitize, is going to make your life much easier.
Find Trusted Childcare
Finding childcare that’s going to accommodate your feeding preferences is important. You want to be sure that your child is going to be nourished the way that you’ve chosen – especially when you’ve taken the time to pump. From heating the breastmilk correctly, to proper storage, finding trusted childcare will put you at ease when you’ve got to work away from home, or are taking a few hours to focus on a project.
We’ve partnered with Philips Avent and PTPA to give one reader the chance to win a Philips Avent prize package, including Philips Avent Anti-Colic Bottles with AirFree Vent Essentials Gift Set. Enter for your chance to win – below:
If you want some postnatal vitamins, and a lactation supplement you can take breastfeeding protein powder by Majka. It will help increase and enrich your milk supply, while also helping you replete your nutrient stores after pregnancy.