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Breast
Pumping at Work
Questions to ask
yourself about pumping at your workplace.
Breastfeeding
exclusively even after you return to work is possible, if you have
an accommodating workplace. Think about the following considerations:
The Office Layout
Do you have a private space where you can pump? Your own office with
a door that closes is great. A very few companies have designated
pumping rooms, which are ideal. In a pinch, a woman's bathroom, a
spare office, or a conference room where there is privacy, an electrical
outlet (if you have an electric pump), and a chair to sit in will
work.
Is there a refrigerator
at your workplace, and a sink where you can clean your pump in between
uses? You can also keep your milk in a cooler, but being able to keep
that cooler in a refrigerator is ideal.
The Structure of Your Day
Do you get regular breaks that you can use for pumping? You might
want to start out pumping once in the morning, once at lunchtime,
and once in the afternoon. You can gradually shift so that you're
pumping twice in an eight-hour day, assuming you breastfeed before
you leave the house and as soon as you return.
Are your breaks
long enough for pumping? You'll want 10 or 15 minutes for actual pumping,
and the setup and cleanup can take an additional 10 minutes.
Your Coworkers
Is there another
mother at your workplace who is currently pumping? She may have already
mapped out a strategy that you can use.
If you'll be
pumping someplace like the women's bathroom, where other women may
be coming in and out, are you comfortable with that?
Will your coworkers
be supportive? You might want to feel them out before you go on maternity
leave. Just remember that you don't need their permission to make
food for your baby! Having their blessing will make your feel more
confident, however.
Your Boss
Are you comfortable bringing up the subject with your supervisor?
It will be important that she know why it's vital that you get your
pumping breaks.
Do you know your
rights when it comes to pumping? In some states--California, Minnesota,
Illinois, Connecticut, Tennessee, and Hawaii, for instance--your employer
is required to let you pump during your regularly scheduled breaks.
Other states ask employers to at least make a reasonable effort to
give women a clean place to express milk.
Your
should know:
The
information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes
only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical
advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose
or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your
pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any
questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's
condition.
Rebornne Baby. American Baby
