Pumping at Work

Are you about to go back to work after maternity leave and are still nursing your baby? Not to worry! In many states, employers are required by law to allow nursing moms 15-20 minutes unpaid time to go pump for their babies 3-4 times per day. It's easier than you think and you can make it work if you really want to. When I went back to work after maternity leave, I was able to pump for a whole year and provide my son with precious nutrients even while working. What I learned is that there are a few things that are most important to make it work:

1.       Pump every 3 hours for about 15 minutes. Don't skip a session.

2.       Drink plenty of water or juice during the day.

3.       Nurse at night and in the morning before going to work.

4.       Eat a healthy diet with a good amount of protein.

5.       Bring a photo or blanket of your baby to work with your pump.

Today, many employers have special breastfeeding rooms on site. Check with your employer before going back to work to make sure you have a spot to go pump. If you're lucky and have your own office, you can just lock yourself away for 10 - 15 minutes to take care of business. Many employers whose HR departments market them as "family-friendly" not only allow on-premise breastfeeding, but also actively encourage it.

Besides the nutritional benefits for your baby, pumping also has some great financial benefits. A family can save almost $1,200 per year in medical costs during the baby's first year of life. Not to mention the savings from not having to buy infant formula. Providing your baby with breastmilk will strengthen his immune system and will therefore lead you to take less sick days. It's a win win situation for you and your employer.

Worried about what your co-workers will say?

Sometimes pumping at work might lead to co-worker jealousy - believe it or not. Some people may think you're getting extra breaks that they don't get. Especially men may not be as understanding. If you feel discriminated against, we recommend you treat this as you would any other case of discrimination - bring it up to your boss or HR department. You could also reach out to other nursing mothers at your company to find support.

Explain to your employer how important pumping is to you and your baby including the health benefits and medical reasons. If you don't stimulate your breasts by pumping, your milk supply will eventually dry up. Worse yet, not pumping can lead to plugged milk ducts which can lead to infections in the mother's breasts. Besides your physical well-being, pumping also aids in your emotional well-being. Pumping at work makes you feel as though you are still providing for your baby even though you are not at home during the day.

If you want to know more about your rights as a breastfeeding mom, visit the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (an organization focusing solely on breastfeeding in the workforce) at http://www.waba.org.my for more information.