Breastfeeding for Working Moms
There are many questions that arise for mothers when returning to work and leaving their breastfeeding infant in that care of another. While it can feel overwhelming, lets break it down and talk about the issues one at a time.
Finding a place to pump at work:
For some mother’s this is an issue, for others it isn’t. The law is different in different states. In Illinois – the Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act (820 ILSC 260/1 et seq) states -
Section 10: Break time for nursing mother.
An Employer shall provide reasonable unpaid break time each day to an employee who needs to express breast milk for her infant child. The break time must, if possible, run concurrently with any break time already provided to the employee.
Section 15: Private place for nursing mothers.
An employer shall make reasonable efforts to provide a room or other location, in close proximity to the work area, other than a toilet stall, where an employee described in Section 10 can express her milk in privacy.
With this knowledge in your back pocket, it is much better to approach your employer from a gentler perspective to discuss where you can pump!
There is substantial literature that shows that the advantages to the employer – The US Department of Health and Human Services has brochures for employees and employers – available at: www.mchb.hrsa/gov/pregnancyandbeyond
Finding the right pump:
The first decision is whether to rent a hospital grade pump or buy a personal pump. Rental hospital grade pumps are a better quality. Some mothers prefer owning their own pump. Others rent until they feel confident that breastfeeding is working and then purchase a pump. Sometimes mothers having supply issues will rent a hospital grade pump for a while to boost their supply. Some companies have a pumping room with a pump so that all mother’s need is their own kit. There is no “right” answer other than what works best for you.
There are three manufacturers of pumps – The Ameda Egnall system (now owned by EvenFlo), Medela, and the newest “green” pump system, Hygeia.
There are benefits and setbacks of each brand. Look at the features, the number of parts, how easy it is to clean, portability, etc. Do not be sold by marketing or packaging – look for what will best fit your needs. With the exception of Hygeia, you cannot try them out and see how you like them before you buy.
Starting to pump:
Pumping, like breastfeeding, is a learned art – generally pumping is easier in the morning when you have more milk. Start pumping about one month in advance. If you pump 1-2 ounces each morning, in a week you have 7 ounces, and at month’s end you have 28. This allows you to return to work and not worry with each pumping that you will not pump enough for the feeding. You have a back–up in your freezer.
Storing milk:
Your options are – bags or bottles.
What will work best for you economically? Ecologically? What is your available freezer space?
Bags:
- Can you pump directly into the bag or do you have to transfer from bottle to bag?
- What is the closure system of the bag?
- How easy is it to use?
- How many parts/pieces are involved?
Bottles:
- Bottles are re-usable.
Most bottles on the market have a universal fitting and can be used with any pump that you rent or buy. Some systems require an adaptor. Check.
There are pump storage systems available such as the Milkmate or the MilkBank.
| Location | Temperature | Duration | Comments |
| Countertop/table | Room – (up to 77 F or 25 C) | 6- 8 hours | Keep containers covered. |
| Insulated cooler | 5-39F or -15 - -4C | 24 hours | Keep ice packs in contact with milk and limit opening. |
| Refrigerator | 39 F or 4C | 5 days | Store in the back |
| Freezer compartment | 5F or -15C | 2 weeks | |
| Separate door freezer | 0 F or -18C | 3-6 months | |
| Deep freezer | 4 F or -20C | 6-12 months |
Reference: Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (2004) clinical Protocol #8. Human Milk Storage Information for Home Use for Healthy Full Term Infants.
Store in small increments (1.5 – 2 ounces). Babies’ stomachs are the size of their fists! They do not eat a lot at one sitting. That does not mean we cannot get more in, but they do not need more. Better to thaw two 1.5-ounce servings than thaw a 3-ounce serving and have the baby only eat one.
Thaw milk under running water - NEVER in the microwave. You can also let milk thaw in the refrigerator.
Feeding:
- Babies can be fed with bottles, cup, spoons or in some cultures they have specialty items.
- Each family must find what works best for them and their babies.
Flow is very important. Breastfed babies are accustomed to controlling the flow themselves and can get overwhelmed when the milk comes too quickly.
Always sit your baby up for feeding, just as you sit up to eat. Bring their food to them – allow them to control the feeding.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. Can I add milk to previously pumped milk?
A. It is preferable not to add warm milk (immediately pumped) to already cold or frozen milk. You can refrigerate the newly pumped milk and add it to the milk in the refrigerator and then freeze them together.
Q. How often will I have to pump?
A. Plan to pump 2-3 times a day depending on your workday. It is important not to let you breasts get overfull and uncomfortable.
Q. How long do I need to pump?
A. If you are double pumping, (pumping both breasts at once) 15-20 minutes should be enough.
Q. Do I have to double pump?
A. Again, it is a personal decision, do what is most comfortable for you.
Q. Pumping hurts – is that they way it should be?
A. NO! Pumping, like breastfeeding should not hurt – reduce the suction setting/ try another flange size. If it continues to hurt, consult an international board certified lactation
consultant for assistance.
Q. If my baby does not finish the bottle can I reuse the milk?
A. Yes. Research shows that you can re-refrigerate and use the milk again in 48 hours. This is the longest amount of time researched, meaning we do not have information
about longer time spans.
There are many books and online sources for information. Some of them have accurate information. Some do not. If you are not sure, call an internationally board certified lactation consultant and ask! Read and take what feels right and will work for you and leave the rest behind.
