Tips for Breastfeeding at Work
What does returning to the workplace mean for you as a breastfeeding mother? It’s important to know your breastfeeding rights and be prepared to start conversations about the benefits employers will reap from improving their maternity and lactation policies. Other ideas include:
- Communicating with co-workers who have previously breastfed at the company to hear about their experiences.
- Before your maternity leave, schedule a meeting with your supervisor or human resources to discuss breastfeeding intentions and determine what policies already exist.
- Provide your employer with a list of everything you will need to successfully draw.
- Designing a dedicated breast pump room on site.
- Know your rights. This is essential for any nursing mother. Carrying a copy of your state’s breastfeeding laws in your diaper bag can be helpful in case you object to unwanted attention.
Tips for Breastfeeding in Public
Some moms find that breastfeeding in public is easy, while others are not so comfortable. No matter how you feel as a breastfeeding mother, there will more than likely come a time when breastfeeding in public is much easier than finding a private place to breastfeed. For this reason, here are some tips for women who choose to breastfeed in public:
- Know your rights. This is essential for any nursing mother. Carrying a copy of your state’s breastfeeding laws in your diaper bag can be helpful in case you object to unwanted attention.
- Dress for the occasion. Wear clothing that allows easy access to your breasts, such as tops that are pulled up from the waist or buttoned down. Nursing tops that fasten from the bottom up, lift up, or pull to the side are also popular choices.
- Invest in a nursing wrap or wrap that can offer coverage when a private room isn’t available. A blanket or nursing blanket can also be used. If you decide to use one, make sure it is well-ventilated and the baby has room for easy feeding.
- Carry your baby in a sling, swaddle or carrier. This makes breastfeeding on the go so much easier and gives you the ability to continue what you’re doing without having to breastfeed! Some babywearing techniques even allow your baby to have direct access to your breast.
- Prepare expressed milk in advance. This is always an option if you know in advance that you will not have a comfortable space to breastfeed, or if you are uncomfortable breastfeeding in public.