Returning to work after maternity leave presents a unique set of challenges for new mothers. Not only can it be emotionally wrecking to leave your baby for the first time, but continuing to breastfeed adds new workplace barriers to navigate in your daily workflow.
For those choosing to breastfeed, adding pumping sessions to a workday can feel like a complex puzzle. Workplace environments, unfortunately, do not always offer the seamless support needed. Understanding common barriers and knowing how to overcome them is key to a successful breastfeeding journey.
The power tools needed to succeed? Know your rights. Communicate proactively. Be prepared. This guide will outline the main obstacles many breastfeeding moms face and provide actionable solutions to ensure you can continue providing for your baby while managing your career.
Lack of Adequate Space for Pumping & Cleaning
Concern: Many workplaces do not provide private, clean, and comfortable spaces (other than a bathroom) for expressing milk even though it is legally required in many places. Not only does this make it awkward for the actual job of pumping, but it’s troubling to not have sanitary and accessible facilities for cleaning pump parts.
Solution: Request a dedicated pumping space. Clearly communicate the need for a private, clean space that is not a bathroom. Offer suggestions if your workplace doesn’t currently have one (e.g., a spare office, a partitioned area).
Rigid Work Schedules & Break Times
Concern: Inflexible schedules, long hours, and limited control over breaks can make regular pumping difficult, especially for mothers of newborns who need to pump frequently. Even with legal requirements for “reasonable break time,” the actual time needed to pump, set up, clean, and store milk can be challenging to fit into demanding work schedules. Additionally, jobs that involve frequent travel can pose significant logistical challenges for breastfeeding mothers needing to pump and store milk on the go.
Solution: Develop a pumping schedule and a system, but communication is key. Plan your pumping breaks and discuss them with your supervisor to ensure they are feasible within your workday. Be prepared to be flexible, but advocate for your needs. Utilizing hands-free pumping options like a hands-free breast pump or pumping bra can allow you to work on some tasks while pumping, maximizing your time.
Concerns about Job Security or Advancement
Concern: Some mothers fear that taking time to pump or requesting accommodations might negatively impact their career progression or job security. This is likely because many new mothers may not be fully aware of their legal rights to break time and a private pumping space.
Solution: Know your rights! Familiarize yourself with federal and state laws regarding breastfeeding in the workplace. The PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) provide important protections regarding break time and private space.
Unsupportive Work Culture
Concern: A lack of understanding or empathy from supervisors and colleagues can create pressure to prioritize work over pumping, leading to stress and potential impact on milk supply. This lack of open acceptance in the workplace culture make moms feel uncomfortable or self-conscious about pumping at work.
Solution: Educate your workplace. If you sense a lack of understanding, provide your employer and colleagues with information about the benefits of breastfeeding and the legal requirements for supporting nursing mothers. Resources from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and their Office on Women’s Health.
Being Unprepared
Concern: Having a routine in your own home does not always translate to a relaxed routine in a new environment. Physically demanding jobs may make finding the time and energy to pump consistently more challenging as well.
Solution: Pack and prepare efficiently. Have all your pumping supplies organized and ready to go to minimize setup and cleanup time. Consider bringing extra pump parts to avoid the need to wash them immediately if facilities are limited. Also have a plan for storing your breast milk safely, whether in a personal cooler or a designated refrigerator (if available and permitted). Being prepared with all of your supplies will help establish a routine for your new workplace situation.
Bonus Tips for the Best Experience
Communicate Proactively with Your Employer: Discuss your needs with your employer before returning to work. Having an early conversation allows for planning and addressing potential concerns.
Advocate for Workplace Policy Changes: If you encounter significant barriers, consider working with HR or other employee groups to advocate for more supportive breastfeeding policies within your workplace.
Know Your Options if Your Rights Are Violated: If your employer fails to provide the legally required accommodations, you have the right to file a complaint with the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor.
Seek Support: Connect with other breastfeeding mothers or lactation consultants for advice and emotional support in navigating workplace challenges. Online support groups or local organizations can be valuable resources.
Hygeia Offers Pump Support
Returning to work while continuing to breastfeed is a significant commitment. Every ounce of breast milk you provide is valuable, and your ability to do so should be supported.
At Hygeia Health, we understand these challenges intimately. We believe that providing a high-quality breast pump should be a right, not a luxury, helping you overcome some of these workplace hurdles with ease. Our hospital-grade breast pumps are designed for efficiency and reliability, making your pumping sessions smoother and more productive.
Don’t let workplace barriers keep you from your breastfeeding goals. Let Hygeia help navigate insurance coverage and get a premium, 100% insurance-covered breast pump delivered right to your door. Having the best pump is the first step toward a more supported return to work.
We are dedicated to supporting your breastfeeding journey every step of the way. Apply today to see if you qualify for a free Hygeia Health breast pump.
Have you ever stared into that freshly pumped bottle and think, “Huh, today’s batch is looking a little…golden?”
Or maybe a hint of blue?
Welcome to the surprisingly colorful world of breast milk, mama!
It’s like nature’s little art project, and while it might have you raising an eyebrow now and then, most of the time, those hues are totally normal and even tell a fascinating story about what’s nourishing your little one. This blog post will be your breast milk color decoder to help you navigate this liquid rainbow with confidence. Let’s dive into the shades and what they typically mean, so you can feel like a total pro when it comes to your amazing milk!
What can impact the breast milk color?
There are three major things that can impact your breastmilk having a slightly different color than the usual and expected white. This includes what you have eaten, the state of your health (or presence of illness), the stage of the milk, and how the milk has been stored, if at all.
Yellow or Orange: The Early Milk
Need to worry? No!
In the first few days after birth, your milk, called colostrum, is often yellow or deep orange. This color comes from beta-carotene, a nutrient that’s good for your baby. Colostrum is packed with antibodies and is very important for your newborn’s health. As your milk transitions, it may still have a yellow tint for a while. And you might also note that consuming turmeric can also turn your breast milk golden.
White or Creamy: Mature Milk
Need to worry? No!
Around two weeks after birth, your milk will likely become white or creamy. This is mature milk. The fat content in the milk gives it this color. Milk expressed at the end of a feeding or pumping session, called hindmilk, is usually whiter because it has more fat.
Thin and Bluish: Foremilk
Need to worry? No!
At the start of a feeding or pumping session, the milk might look thin and even a little bluish. This is foremilk. It has more water and lactose and helps to quench your baby’s thirst. This coloring can also indicate a higher level of electrolytes in your milk.
Green: When It Might Appear
Need to worry? No!
Sometimes, breast milk can have a green tint. This is often due to something you ate, like green vegetables such as spinach or kale. Green food coloring in drinks or supplements can also cause this change, but you should note that some medications can have the same effect.
Pink or Red: Usually a Little Blood
Need to worry? Not likely.
Seeing pink or red milk can be alarming, but it’s often not a serious problem. The most common reason is a small amount of blood. This can happen if your nipples are cracked or sore, which is common in the early days. “Rusty pipe syndrome,” where extra blood flow to the breasts causes a little blood in the early milk, can also cause this. It usually goes away on its own. Sometimes, broken blood vessels from pumping can also cause a pink or red color.
Brown or Rust-Colored Milk: Uncommon
Need to worry? No.
Brown or rust-colored milk is usually old blood. This can also be related to rusty pipe syndrome.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
While most breast milk color changes are normal, there are times to seek advice from a doctor or lactation consultant. If you see pink or red milk that doesn’t go away quickly or is more than just a little, it’s best to get it checked. Brown or black milk, especially if you’re not taking any medications that could cause it, should also be discussed with a healthcare provider or lactation consultant. If you or your baby have other symptoms along with a color change, like breast pain or fever, seek medical advice.
Understanding the different colors of your breast milk can help you feel more confident during your breastfeeding journey. At Hygeia Health, we’re committed to supporting you with information and the right tools. We believe every mother deserves access to quality breast pumps. Did you know that many insurance plans cover the cost of a breast pump? Hygeia Health can help you navigate this process and see if you qualify for a free, high-quality breast pump. Having a reliable pump can make your breastfeeding experience smoother, no matter what color your milk may be.
Ready to see if you can get a breast pump covered by your insurance? Apply today and let Hygeia Health support your breastfeeding goals.
World Breast Pumping Day, observed annually on January 27th, is a special day to acknowledge the incredible dedication and effort of mothers who pump breast milk for their babies. Today we celebrate the strength, resilience, and commitment of the amazing women who prioritize the health and well-being of babies with breastfeeding.
Breast pumping empowers mothers to provide the invaluable benefits of breast milk to their babies even when they cannot be with them directly, but it is not achieved without great effort. It is a chosen responsibility motivated by love; it takes time and effort to learn how to pump well. Whether it’s returning to work, managing a busy schedule, or overcoming challenges related to breastfeeding, pumping mothers demonstrate incredible strength and determination.
History of Breast Pumping
It may surprise most to learn that breast pumps have been around since the 1800s, initially used for medical purposes like treating inverted nipples and assisting infants who were too small or too weak to nurse. It was 1991 before the first first electric breast pump was introduced. This significant shift was particularly impactful because mothers now had access electric breast pumps they could use in their own homes or anywhere of their choosing.
It was 2017 when Wendy Armbruster established World Breast Pumping Day to celebrate and support mothers who pump. Armbruster, a Certified Lactation Educator, had created an award-winning hands-free pumping bra, the PumpEase™, another tool that simplifies a mom’s ability to pump efficiently.
As some women may experience challenges with milk production, breast pumps can be a valuable tool. Pumping stimulates milk production and can help women maintain their milk supply, making it easier to feed their babies, whether they’re at work, traveling, or simply need a break.
Why It Matters
Breast milk truly matters in our world, and breast pumping plays a role in its availability. This liquid gold delivers optimal nourishment to infants around the world and promotes both the short and long-term health of babies and mothers. Breast milk helps give children the best start in life. It’s like an all-in-one of penicillin, therapy, and ice cream, but without breast pumping, many babies would never benefit from mother’s milk.
Breast Pumping Day is an opportunity to support and acknowledge the amazing job of all mothers. Without them, none of us would be here. Pumping moms greatly appreciate this day marked out for them and the extra effort they make to achieve the ability to breastfeeding.
How To Celebrate
Whether you are a currently pumping mother, you formerly pumped, you know someone pumping, or you just want to support the efforts made by others, there are ways to celebrate this special day.
Share your pumping story. If you were a pumping mom or you are new to pumping, today is a day to feel proud of your accomplishments. It is not an easy feat. Share your stories with others. If you are not a pumping mom, take time listen to someone else’s story.
Surprise a mom. Do you know a pumping mom? She may not even realize this special day exists, so surprise her in an unexpected way. Make her lactation cookies. Send a small gift. Help her with some household chores or drop off a meal. Even something as simple as an encouraging phone call or text will be impactful
Reach out. Be an advocate and supporter to the breastfeeding moms you know. You can offer words of encouragement or simply ask them about their journey. It is especially important to the moms who are having a hard time breast pumping or breastfeeding. Give them the opportunity to speak freely about their struggles and encourage them to seek support.
Supporting Your Breastfeeding Journey
At Hygeia Health, we understand the challenges and triumphs of the breastfeeding journey. We are proud to support mothers with our innovative breast pumps, designed to make pumping easier, more efficient, and more comfortable.
Our high-quality breast pumps are designed to get your one-of-a-kind milk to your baby. To apply for a 100%-insurance-covered breast pump, simply visit our website and fill out the application form. We’ll review your application and contact you with the next steps.
The idea of it may feel intimidating, but pumping at work doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little organization and the right tools, you can make it a seamless part of your day.
In this blog post we will walk you through the process of taking on the challenge and creating a smooth experience of pumping at work.
Planning your work/pump flow
Workplace Support: Talk to your employer about your need to pump at work. Many workplaces are required to provide a private space for breastfeeding mothers. You may also be able to take breaks to pump.
Pumping Schedule: It’s important to establish a pumping schedule that works for you and your baby. Aim to pump every 2-3 hours while you’re at work. If your baby is still breastfeeding frequently, you may need to pump more often.
Creating a comfortable environment
Find a Private Space: If your employer doesn’t provide a designated lactation room, seek out a private space where you’ll feel comfortable pumping. This might be a conference room, a private office, or even your own office if you can arrange to be undisturbed. Consider suggesting to your employer that they designate a lactation space for all nursing mothers. This could benefit not only you but also future employees.
Set Up Your Pumping Station: Once you’ve found a private space, set up your pumping station. You’ll need your breast pump, bottles, and a cooler for storing your milk. If your pump requires plugging in, make sure you have a comfortable seat near an outlet. For added comfort, bring a blanket or pillow. And don’t forget to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water while breastfeeding.
Taking care of your milk
Expressing Milk: Expressing milk can take practice. If you’re struggling to express milk efficiently, especially while pumping at work, a lactation consultant can help you master the proper technique.
Storing Breastmilk: Properly storing breast milk is essential. Store it in a clean container labeled with the date. For extended storage, an insulated cooler with ice packs is ideal. If you have access to a refrigerator at work, you can store your pumped milk there for up to 48 hours. Place it in the back of the refrigerator, where it’s coldest.
Hygeia Health Can Help
At Hygeia Health, we understand the challenges that working mothers face. Our high-quality breast pumps are designed to make pumping easier and more efficient.
We also offer resources and support to help mothers on their breastfeeding journey. Our website provides information on breastfeeding and pumping, and our customer service team is available to answer your questions.
You Can Do It
Pumping at work can be a challenge, but it’s definitely possible. We believe that every mother should have access to the tools and support they need to breastfeed their baby. That’s why we offer 100% insurance-covered breast pumps to qualified mothers.
To apply for a free breast pump, simply visit our website and fill out the application form. We’ll review your application and contact you with the next steps.
