What You Should Know About Going Back To Work As A Breastfeeding Mom
Once again, Gulf Coast Breastfeeding Center brings us incredible information for our breastfeeding mamas 🤱
Returning to work after maternity leave can be a daunting experience for breastfeeding moms. With the right information and preparation, however, it is completely possible to continue breastfeeding while also managing a full-time job. Here you’ll find what breastfeeding moms need to know when going back to work, including tips for pumping at the office, maintaining milk supply, and navigating workplace accommodations. By arming yourself with knowledge and resources, you can successfully balance your career and breastfeeding journey.
National PUMP Act (Providing Urgent Maternal Protections Act) : According to usbreastfeeding.org , the National PUMP Act “expands the legal right to receive pumping breaks and private space to nearly 9 million more workers, including teachers, registered nurses, farmworkers, and many others.”
If you work for a company with less than 50 employees, the employer is protected to deny you pumping breaks if it causes an “undue hardship”. A true undue hardship is rare and more times than not- the employee is given their right to a break.
Airline, motor coach and rail carriers fall under a special set of rules in this area. If this is your career field, definitely do some research on your rights!
PUMP act makes it possible for you to file a lawsuit if your rights are infringed upon. SPEAK UP FOR YOURSELF if you are asked to make any changes to your breastfeeding needs that do not feel right.
Read more here!
FSLA:
According to DOL “Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), most nursing employees have the right to reasonable break time and a place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view to express breast milk while at work. This right is available for up to one year after the child’s birth.”
“Covered employees may take reasonable break time each time such employee has need to express the milk. An employer may not deny a covered employee a needed break to pump.”
Under FLSA, a bathroom is NOT a permissible place to pump.
Time needed to pump may vary depending on where your break location is, breast pump set up and clean up, troubleshooting, etc.
Dol.gov has a super helpful fact sheet with more details regarding FLSA.
Get the fact sheet here!
How to maximize your pump session on the clock:
Look at pictures and videos of your baby. Bring a blanket that smells like baby.
If you don't have a supply problem you can also bring things to work on while pumping but it's not required. (charting, grading papers exc.)
Fridge method: Take a cooler to put your parts in to keep them cool in-between pumpings if you don't have access to a fridge. No need to rinse or wash your parts while at work if they are kept cold. I do advise washing and sterilizing once every 24 hours.
How often to pump? How long? Keep in mind you are pumping while away from baby so stimulating the breast every 2-3 hours is ideal. If you find yourself in a situation where you'll not be able to pump at the 3 hours mark I suggest doing an extra pump before the 3 hour mark. You might not get the same out put but remember you still stimulated the breast and that's what's important.
More resources ⬇️
