Communicate with your boss and coworkers.

Experts always say that communication is key to any relationship, and the same is true for moms in the workplace! Employers who have never worked with nursing moms before may not know what would be most helpful for moms who need to pump. When breastfeeding moms express their needs, they are more likely to get accommodations that make pumping at work easier. 

For example, if a pregnant mom explains to her boss that she will need a private, designated space to pump when she returns from maternity leave, that gives businesses time to find a room that will work for everyone. And a mom’s request to pump in private is backed up by the law, so don’t settle for substandard treatment from an employer.

Get the right products to feel prepared.

A prepared mama is a happy mama. And the same goes for nursing moms who are getting ready to pump at work. The right products can make a monumental difference in breastfeeding moms feeling their best as they return to the workplace. The setup of a mom’s office can impact which breast pumping products would be most helpful on her breastfeeding journey. For example, if a mom has access to a private refrigerator, she would probably benefit most from breast milk storage bags to store her expressed breast milk during the day. Moms who don’t have access or don’t want to use their office fridge need a portable cooler or personal mini-fridge to keep their breast milk safe.

No matter how an office is set up or where a mom pumps, a portable breast pump that is lightweight and easy to use gives moms essential flexibility as they pump. Although most providers will only cover one breast pump through insurance for each pregnancy, some moms may also want to buy a spare breast pump out-of-pocket or use a hand pump in the place where they pump less often. 

Make breast pumping work for you.

Our final tip is to remember that every mom’s breastfeeding journey is unique. Moms who have maternity leave or other time off work after giving birth may notice certain things that make breastfeeding or pumping easier. For example, some moms find that looking at pictures or videos of their baby can help encourage let-down and make a pumping session run smoothly. Successfully pumping at work comes when moms make their routines into whatever they need them to be. 

Some new moms may get stressed about the work time they lose during a pumping session. Moms who feel like this can try to find ways to be productive while they pump! Something like answering a few emails during a pumping session or even organizing tasks for the rest of the day in their head can make moms feel like they are using their time more efficiently. Moms who feel like they need more time to pump may need to have a conversation with their boss or a human resources representative. There is no federal protection for how long moms get to pump at work, so a mom may need to reach out to a coworker and ask them to help out with work while she is pumping. 

Moms can achieve whatever they set their minds to, and Pumps For Mom is here to help! With the best breast pumps through insurance and essential products like breast pump storage bags, we have the products that moms need to pump like the bosses they are. Our maternity products specialists work directly with moms to help them find the right products covered by their insurance. Browse our breast pumps and qualify for yours through insurance today! 

Get your breast pump through insurance

For most moms, the key to successfully breastfeeding after returning to work is to use a breast pump. And at first glance, these medical devices won’t fit the budget of new parents who need all the diapers and baby wipes they can get. However, with Pumps For Mom, many moms can get a free breast pump through insurance that can make a world of difference when breastfeeding away from home. Many insurance plans cover the cost of a double electric breast pump, with many brands offering pumps that are quiet, compact, and discreet enough to use in the workplace. Work with Pumps For Mom to get your breast pump through insurance before you head back to the office.

Find a comfortable place to pump

Every workplace is different, so there is no easy answer to the question of where to pump. However, there are certain laws in place at both the federal and state levels that give moms rights regarding where and how they pump at work. For example, the Affordable Care Act requires most businesses to provide a private space other than a bathroom where moms can pump comfortably and safely. This space can be anything from a storage closet or an unused office to a dedicated breast pumping room, depending on your workplace. It can often be beneficial for moms to have a conversation with their supervisor before they take maternity leave to discuss a pumping location in the office.

Take your time as you pump

When the time comes for a new mom to return to work and find moments during the day to pump, it is important to take your time and not put too much pressure on yourself. Feeling stressed about any work you’re missing or what your coworkers are thinking can make pumping more difficult and uncomfortable. Many moms need time, peace, and quiet to encourage let-down and pump successfully, and trying to rush the process will probably not do you any favors. Although federal regulations do not guarantee a specific amount of time that a mom can pump at work, this is another topic to discuss with your supervisor so you can be sure you have the time you need to pump during the day. Some moms even find ways to work while they pump, whether it’s responding to some emails or making a to-do list for the rest of the day. You can be productive in more ways than one, mama.

Prepare for breast milk storage

Pumping at work is a challenge of its own, but expressing breast milk comes with the additional need for proper storage. New working moms need to be prepared to store their breast milk safely after they have pumped, which usually means having access to a fridge or freezer at work and a portable cooler to transport expressed milk back home. Taking some steps to keep your breast milk cool during the workday and on your way home helps ensure none of your hard-earned breast milk goes to waste. Once you bring your breast milk home, be sure to practice proper and safe breast milk storage!

Being a working mom is not for the faint of heart, and we know that the pressures of being a successful woman and an amazing mother can be overwhelming. Take a breath–you’re doing great, mama! Give yourself patience as you readjust to the working world as a breastfeeding mom and a full-time superhero. 

The experts at Pumps For Mom know the challenges all moms have to face before and after their little one arrives, and we are here with you every step of the way. From our range of insurance breast pumps to our maternity compression garments covered by insurance, Pumps For Mom is dedicated to making moms’ lives easier. Explore our breast pumps and compression products, qualify for an insurance breast pump with our simple form, or contact us for more information.

#1: Get the Best Breast Pump for You

There is no clear standout breast pump that is perfect for every mom. Find the best breast pump for your unique needs. You know your body best, so consider what kind of suction strength, portability, power options, and accessories you need. If you work in a silent office, you may want a pump like the Spectra S1Plus or S2Plus. They are designed with an ultra-quiet motor so you don’t have to be self-conscious of the noise. If your job barely leaves you enough time for a session, look into a breast pump that offers some serious strength, like the Ameda Mya, with up to 280mmHg of suction. Don’t think you’ll have consistent access to a wall outlet? Make sure your breast pump has an option for battery power, like the Medela Pump in Style Advanced. 

Pumps For Mom helps you find the best breast pump through insurance. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, your insurance should cover the cost of a brand new breast pump. Every plan covers different breast pumps, so be sure to confirm your benefits. Then, browse top breast pump brands and select the insurance breast pump that best meets your needs.

#2: Know Your Rights for Pumping at Work

Returning to work after having a baby can be difficult, especially for moms who want to continue breastfeeding. Thankfully, the law protects new moms’ right to breastfeed and use a breast pump at work. Most importantly, you are guaranteed access to a safe, private, and sanitary space to pump whenever you need to throughout the workday. Having a conversation before you take maternity leave can help everyone in your office prepare for what changes may need to occur before you return. For example, your office may need to create a lactation room or adjust your schedule to include break times. Hopefully, you won’t have to whip out a copy of the Affordable Care Act to receive the accommodations you are entitled to. Knowing your rights and communicating with your coworkers can help ensure you have the best possible experience breast pumping at work. 

#3: Become a Breast Milk Storage Master

Breast pumping is no easy task, and you don’t want any of your hard work to go to waste. That’s why moms who pump at work must know the ins and outs of proper breast milk storage. Freshly pumped breast milk can sit at room temperature for up to four hours and can be refrigerated for up to four days. Moms with a typical 9-5 workday need to find a reliable refrigeration method for their expressed milk to make sure it stays safe for your little one. Finding a cool place for your expressed milk to chill is essential for it to make it through the workday. Breast pump accessories, like breast milk storage bags, may also come in handy and make breast milk storage at the workplace more manageable.

#4: Practice Your Let-Down

As natural as breastfeeding may seem, new moms know that sometimes your let-down can let you down. Whether you are pumping or your baby is feeding at the breast, your milk may not always come down when you are ready for a pumping or feeding session. Thankfully, this natural process can be perfected with practice and a few mommy life hacks. To encourage your let-down when pumping at work, you can look at a picture or video of your baby, use a warm compress, massage your breasts, or take some deep breaths. Thinking about your baby and relaxing your body helps trigger your natural reflexes.

#5: Schedule Pumping Sessions into Your Day

No matter your job, work life can be unpredictable. Meetings pop up, your boss may start a long-winded conversation, or unexpected deadlines take over your day. With all of the unknowns, breastfeeding moms may want to set up a clear schedule for pumping at work. This helps make sure you have time to pump before you get uncomfortable. You may not be breastfeeding on your baby’s schedule anymore. Breast pumping within a similar time frame will also be easier on your body and help keep your milk supply up.

Pumping at work is not easy. From finding the best breast pump to discussing your needs, there may be some challenges for moms making the transition back to work. Just remember that every pumping session helps give your baby the best possible nutrition as they grow. Other working moms have been where you are. You’ve got this!

There are more than a few things that need to get checked off of a new mom’s to-do list. Pumps For Mom is here to make your life a little easier and help you get a breast pump through insurance without the hassle. Our staff helps you easily discover how to get a breast pump through insurance, and our simple qualification form lets you see which breast pumps you qualify for immediately. With top breast pump brands like Medela, Spectra, Freemie, Ameda, and more, the expert team at Pumps For Mom can help you find an insurance breast pump at little or no cost to you. Let Pumps For Mom take care of your breast pump today!

What Does the Law Say About Pumping at Work?

Before 2010, working moms had limited federal protection for expressing milk at work. After the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), however, moms are ensured a safe, private, and sanitary place where they can pump in the workplace. This relatively new piece of legislation requires all employers to provide a private space, “other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from coworkers and the public” where employees can express breast milk. 

Prior to this legislation, many working moms would use a breast pump in bathroom stalls, but this practice is not recommended due to the risk of contracting bacteria in your breast milk or breast pump parts. Along with ensuring you have a safe space to pump, the ACA also covers a breast pump through insurance so you don’t have to cover the cost of a breast pump on your own. 

How Much Time Do I Have to Pump at Work?

Legally, there is no amount of time that is guaranteed for new moms to pump while they are at work. The language used in the ACA is vague, saying only that employers are required to offer “reasonable break time” for employees to express breast milk. This unclear language highlights the importance of talking with your employer to discuss how much time you will need to use your breast pump, safely store your expressed milk, and clean all of your breast pump parts. 

The Department of Labor has also stated that breastfeeding moms are permitted to pump as often as they need to, so be sure to discuss your needs with your employer. For moms who are expecting a limited amount of time to pump while they are at the office, you may want to browse double electric breast pumps like the Ameda Finesse, Spectra 9 Plus or Medela Pump in Style Advanced, which pump breast milk more efficiently than single electric or manual breast pumps. 

Where Can I Pump at Work?

Every workplace is different, but the law requires offices to have a private space, other than a bathroom, where nursing mothers can pump or breastfeed without being interrupted or seen by coworkers. Although some offices may provide a designated lactation room, other workplaces may need to convert a temporary space into an area for nursing moms. Even if you haven’t decided on whether you are going to breastfeed or use a breast pump at work, speak with your employer about potential spaces for pumping breast milk before you go on maternity leave. Reminding your boss of your need for this space several weeks ahead of time will give them more time to develop a comfortable and private space for you to pump.

Don’t be afraid to stand up for your rights as a working and breastfeeding mom. Your right to breastfeed is legally protected, and you cannot be fired or treated differently because you are breastfeeding, as stated in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. If you don’t feel comfortable pumping at work, feel free to venture out of your office and find a space that feels right. Breastfeeding moms are legally protected to breastfeed in public or private locations in all 50 states, so you can find the space that works best for you. 

Although it may be difficult to have a conversation about breastfeeding or pumping with your employer, you have the right to pump your breast milk in a comfortable environment to make sure your baby experiences the benefits of breast milk. 

At Pumps For Mom, we are here for you through all of the ups and downs that come with breastfeeding and pumping. We may not be able to talk to your boss for you, but we can help you get a free breast pump through insurance. The experts at Pumps For Mom make it easy to browse the best breast pumps covered by insurance and select the best breast pump for you and your little one. All you have to do is fill out our simple qualification form, and you will immediately see which breast pumps are covered by your insurance and what any upgrade breast pumps would cost out-of-pocket. You’ve got enough to worry about–let Pumps For Mom take care of your insurance breast pump.