How To Breast Pump At Work Or In Public Spaces
If you are feeding your baby breast milk, there will be a time when you’ll have to feed your baby in public. And the thought of pumping your milk from anywhere outside the comfort of your home is something most moms dread. We know how stressful it can be to pump milk in offices or public places. Several thoughts start looming in your mind. How to keep the breast pump clean? Where am I going to store the expressed milk? How to make sure no one walks in on me while I’m pumping?
During the pandemic, you may find it even hard to find a suitable place for you to pump when outside of your home as the safety and health protocols to be followed by a place keeps changing. Continue reading our post as we list down a few tips to make pumping in public spaces a more comfortable experience for you.
Use An App
Yes, that’s right. With the latest advancement in technology, you can now basically find an app for every need of yours. There are several apps designed for mommies just like you to help you find a place where you can pump at peace without having to worry about the hygiene, safety, or privacy of the place. Before choosing an app, just be sure to read the reviews and know for sure that the locations they suggest are trustworthy and hygienic, and you’re good to go.
Wear Breast Pump-friendly Clothing
Nobody likes to be stuck in a garment or dress that they will feel uncomfortable in when pumping. So, wear garments that allow easy access to pumping. You could wear a front-buttoned shirt or a loose dress that allows you to use the breast pump without being completely naked. Don’t forget to switch your regular bra with a nursing or pumping bra that makes it easy for you to pump in public. If you’re worried about privacy and comfort, you could also opt for a nursing cover.
Do Your Bit Of Research Ahead of Time
If you’re moving to a new workplace, find out if they have a nursing room available so you can pump in privacy. Similarly, if you’re heading out and might need to pump, check online or call to see if they have a nursing room. Most public buildings and retail outlets usually have nursing rooms so that you can pump. Be sure to check up on the safety and health guidelines followed by any location that you might make use of during the pandemic.
Have All Your Pumping Components Ready
Preassemble your pumping components so that you have everything ready and at your disposal when you need to pump in public. It is a great time-saving hack for mums. This way, there will be zero chances of forgetting any components at home, and you won’t have to spend 15 minutes assembling the pieces. You can also make use of ziplock bags to store all the components so they remain safe and dry. Ziplock bags are also useful for when you don’t have access to a clean sink after pumping breast milk. You can simply throw in all the used components to the bag and wash it later.
Don’t Hog The Space
Remember that multiple people might use the space for various needs. So, be mindful of how much space you use and respect other people’s need for space and access to the same room.
Know Your Rights
Check your state’s law regarding pumping in public. The Fairness For Breastfeeding Mothers Act of 2019 states that certain public health buildings need to provide a nursing room with all the adequate facilities for a woman to pump or breastfeed (1). According to the law, the room should maintain proper hygiene and provide privacy and security against intrusion. The space should have a chair, a working electrical outlet, and a working surface. Similarly, if you are covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) at work, you also fall under the federal Break Time for Nursing Mothers law (2). Under this law, women should have access to a private space to express milk that is not a bathroom and should be given break time to pump.
Choose The Right Breast Pump
There are various breast pumps available in the market today based on one’s situation and need. Before choosing a breast pump, it’s best to take into account the following factors:
- Will you have access to a power source or electrical outlet?
- Will you be on the move a lot or pumping from home?
- Are you okay with using a breast pump that makes a lot of noise?
- Are you looking for an affordable breast pump, or are you ready to invest more for a better pumping experience?
- Do you need a hands-free breast pump and something that can pump both breasts simultaneously?
Deepening on your needs, figure out what kind of breast pump would be ideal for your situation before you make a purchase. Choosing the right pump can not only be time-saving but can also offer comfort and convenience when pumping in public.
Pumping at work or in public spaces can be stressful, especially when you lack the understanding of how to pump and what hacks to use. We hope our article paves the way for a comfortable experience for moms pumping everywhere.
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