8 Breastfeeding Must Haves For the Working Mom

Congratulations on your new role as a mom! But another part awaits you in your workplace. To help you transition, here are breastfeeding must haves for working moms.

No questions asked. New mamas would know that breastfeeding their little ones is no easy task. Then there’s also a crossroad working mamas face when maternity leave is about to end—to wean or not to wean?

If you decide to continue your breastfeeding journey, you’ll need a couple of items to keep nursing even outside the comforts of your home. At times, it may feel like working two jobs simultaneously. But by opting to do this, you give your baby every chance he can to reap the benefits of breastfeeding, including heightened protection and even optimum development.

Being able to give your little one breastmilk while you transition back to work is challenging. But challenging doesn’t mean impossible, especially if you’re equipped with the right tools to make your pumping breaks more efficient and convenient.

Like in any job, preparation is key to successfully juggling working and breastfeeding. Below we’ll help you do just that by giving you a checklist of must-have items you’ll need when you pump at work.

8 Breastfeeding Must Haves For Working Mamas

Now that you’ve decided to take the path that extends your breastfeeding journey as a working mom, it’s time to figure out the logistics. But first, you’ll need to know the tools of the trade!

Here are ten essential items for every working mom to pump at work successfully.

1. Breast pump

While a manual breast pump can get the job done, it’s not the first thing you’ll want to consider pumping essential when you return to work. You’ll need something that will effectively make your pumping sessions at work less hassle-free and as efficient as possible. Most moms will tell you to go for an electric breast pump.

The working mom behind the blog site Professional Momma listed down the features your electric breast pump should meet:

Compact
Easy to transport daily
Customizable settings
Quiet
It uses a rechargeable battery instead of a cord
Closed system
Built-in pumping timer
Ability to control suction strength to each breast

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Although it’s not your go-to tool, having a backup manual pump like Mama’s Choice Manual Breast Pump is still advisable. Another pro tip is to always have extra pumping parts and accessories with you or stored in your office.

2. Pumping bag

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You might think any old bag could be used as a pumping bag. But that’s not the case. The most important feature you’ll want to look for is that it must have a compartment for cooler bags. This is vital for storing breast milk and ensuring it won’t go to waste.

Another important thing is getting a pumping bag with lots of compartments. (You’ll want to ensure that every item in this checklist can fit in your pumping bag!)

3. Milk storage (bottle, bags)

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When storing your milk, choose a bottle or bag that can give you enough storage capacity and one that you’re assured can safely hold your liquid gold during transport from work to home.

A tip from Professional Momma: “What I do is use two 5 oz bottles as my “collection” bottles. Then, before I start my next pumping session, I dump the previously collected milk into a 10 oz bottle. Then I repeat this process for the rest of my work pumping sessions.”

She also only recommends using breast milk storage bags when you’re pumping an amount enough to freeze to save on costs.

4. Cleaning necessities for breast pump

Always turn to your breast pump manual on how to clean them effectively. For work set-up, cleaning wipes can come in handy. You can also bring a sterilizer set up in your lactation break area in the office.

5. Nursing cover

Although having areas in the office where working moms who are breastfeeding their babies can safely and freely express breastmilk, there are still instances where you are not locked in a nursing room to pump alone.

Some people have to pump right at their desks, while others have to pump in a storeroom or while on a flight. This is when a nursing cover comes in handy for pumping discreetly.

Plus, you can use this cover even outside work. This is also efficient when you’re out with your baby and you need to breastfeed via a direct latch.

6. Breast milk collection shells

There’s no accurate telling when leakage can happen. Having a breast pad in place is your best bet for keeping your clothes dry, but that means you’ll waste precious breast milk.

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Instead of breast pads, consider an innovative product that prevents leakage and collects your precious liquid gold – Mama’s Choice Breast Milk Collection Shells. Made of high-quality, BPA-free materials, these shells are designed to catch every drop of milk without having to bring out your pump. Discreet and efficient, it’s a better alternative to breast pads.

7. Nipple Cream

To prevent sore nipples, it’s good to have Mama’s Choice Intensive Nipple Cream handy too. Made with entirely natural ingredients proven to moisturize the skin and soothe nipple pain, if any, it’s safe to apply whenever you pump.

8. A pumping bra

Save your physical energy by investing in buying hands-free pumping bras. Since breastfeeding and working a 9-5 job in the office is a peak multitasking skill, having a hands-free pumping bra is a must.

Mama’s Choice Seamless Hands-Free Pumping Bra hits all your needs to make your at-work breastfeeding experience more smooth sailing by giving you easy access when pumping.

It’s also made of soft and comfortable material. You’ll also be impressed with its easy access slits designed to make pumping at work less hassle.

Don’t miss out on these breastfeeding must haves every working mama needs!

Mama's Choice Team

The Mama's Choice PH team is composed of three Mamas who are dedicated to spoiling their little ones with lots of cuddles, playtime and the occasional sweets, of course. <3