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FREE Breastfeeding Pumping Signs

March 18, 2019 by Larisha Campbell Leave a Comment

Breastfeeding and being a working mom isn’t easy! We’ve made a few FREE breastfeeding pumping signs for your office or pumping area that you can easily put up while pumping. 

We realize that being a working mom outside of the home that needs to pump isn’t easy. Despite clear cut laws in most states about the rights breastfeeding/pumping moms have, you often have to jump through hoops just for adequate times and space to pump.  It’s as though people think leaving your baby is easy.  As though, you have nothing else to do than give someone a hard time about giving you a space other than a bathroom to pump in multiple times a day.  It’s really infuriating that we are still fighting for these simple things. These basic rights for our babies.

Why May You Need a Breastfeeding Pumping Sign

You finally get a pumping space and people decide to keep barging in the door. Talk about a let down mood buster. Constantly having to worry about people coming in while you are pumping is enough to stress anyone out on top of the already stressful situation that pumping at work presents.

Even if you don’t have the issue of people coming in and out of your space unannounced, you may just want a breastfeeding pumping sign for privacy or just because you are the type of person that loves decorating and want to put something up.  No matter your reason for wanting a breastfeeding pumping sign for work, we guarantee that you will love at least one of the signs that we’ve made.

We wanted to take some time and create a few signs for you to print out and be able to put on the door of your pumping space.  While we wish that we could ensure that no one will ever walk in on you, there’s always that risk.  Hopefully, our signs help!

They are completely FREE for you to print out as often as needed. Our only ask is that you share our link with your pumping friends so they have access to them as well!

Tip: On the signs that says “Come back in ____ minutes”, print these out and laminate them. Then, you can use a dry erase marker to write on over and over again.

Scroll down to get the FREE breastfeeding pumping sign(s) of your choice! 

Lactation Recipes – 

Breastfeeding is already hard.  If you would like some delicious lactation recipes, then check out our 15 Lactation Boosting Recipes.  Multiple smoothie amounts, cookies, muffins, pancakes and more.  These delicious recipes will knock your socks off.  Make sure to try the Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Milkshake — our #1 post for more than 5 years!  As well as our super popular lactation energy bites – just 6 ingredients and under 10 minutes to make, these are a huge hit!

Some breastfeeding words of encouragement: 

I know you are here looking for breastfeeding pumping signs for work, but as a mama who nursed both of her kids to 3yo and 4yo, I feel like I wouldn’t be doing my due diligence without sharing a little breastfeeding encouragement.  #1 – you are doing great.  I feel like I needed to hear that more than I did.  Breastfeeding is not easy.  It’s often secluded and shunned, which can cause moms to have a heightened risk of anxiety and nervousness. However, you are doing great.

Just remember that you are doing this for the most important reason ever – to feed your baby for as long as you can. Pumping is one of the harder jobs ever, but you can succeed. Just keep up doing all the hard work that you are doing! You got this mama!

Another post you may be interested in is 50 breastfeeding myths busted! 

 

Grab any of the breastfeeding pumping signs to print at this link.

 

Grab any of these breastfeeding pumping signs to print at this link.

Make sure that you save our breastfeeding pumping signs to Pinterest so that you always have them easily accessible. 

This post was originally published on 3/8/2017 and was updated with new signs and more information on 3/18/2019.

Filed Under: Breastfeeding, Home, Parenting, Pregnancy and Postpartum, Working Moms Tagged With: breastfeeding, pumping, working moms

What Lactation Consultants Want You To Know Before Baby Comes

August 12, 2015 by Larisha Campbell Leave a Comment

lactation consultants

 

As new moms, you likely are trying to learn as much as you can before the baby arrives.  For me, with my first, breastfeeding didn’t come as easy I had hoped and I had to learn a lot in a very short amount of time to make our breastfeeding dyad work.  Luckily, I met an amazing International Board Certified Lactation Consultant who helped me along the way.  Today, she sharing here 10 Things Lactation Consultants wish moms knew before the baby arrives.

1. Have as healthy a pregnancy and birth as you can

Have a pre-conception visit with you midwife or obstetric care provider Many moms are surprised by a pregnancy and have no time to plan. But if you are planning on getting pregnant, please stop smoking, eat as healthy as you can, add or increase exercise, and if you know you really need to lose weight then lose some before you are pregnant with your baby. If you have any bad habits or unhealthy lifestyle choices, limit or stop for your baby’s health and well being. Learn about gut health. Increase the good bacteria in your gut and increase fiber in your diet. Some moms have a chronic health situation, but then be as well as you can be with your chronic situation. Learn how your chronic situation affects pregnancy and breastfeeding. Healthy moms have less breastfeeding challenges.

2. Be an informed consumer

Please do as much research into pregnancy care, birth plan and breastfeeding as you would do to buy a new car or your new cell phone. Your pregnancy, birth, and lactation experience can greatly be altered by those who care and support you. Take an excellent birthing class, breastfeeding class, and read good books about these topics. One excellent choice would be The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. Attend La Leche League meetings or other support group meetings while you are pregnant to learn and see breastfeeding. Do your homework and research. Being a parent is a Big Task. Be prepared.

3. Make friends with your breasts

Yes, I really meant to say that. Our culture is kind of weird about breasts, but they are more than sex objects. Their primary purpose is baby feeding, nurturing, and comfort. Look at them in the mirror. Touch them. Massage them. Learn how to do hand expression. It is a great technique to have when you need it and to learn how to touch your breasts. Have you had a biopsy, breast reduction or augmentation or other breast surgery? All of those helping you with lactation need to know if there have been alterations to your breasts. Do your breasts look “normal”? Does Lefty look like Righty? Get to know what kind of nipples you have. Are you nipples “normal? Normal nipples are stretchy which helps with breastfeeding and latching. Inverted and non stretchy nipples may present some challenges but moms breastfeed with all kinds of nipples. If you have concerns ask your IBCLC or care provider to assess you nipples and breasts for breastfeeding concerns. There should be breast changes during you pregnancy.

Honestly, just like there are some thyroids and pancreases that do not work so well, there are some breasts that do not work optimally. Some moms just struggle and just barely make enough milk. But sadly there are some breasts that even with excellent lactation management they can only make drops. Some moms have insufficient glandular tissue (IGT) which may be identifiable as a low supply risk factor prenatally. The earlier mothers who have low supply risk factors are identified the quicker interventions can be used. Serious low supply which may affect 5-10% of moms is a real issue and needs much more research.

4. Breastfeeding is a learned art.

Breastfeeding is a dance between moms and baby. Mom’s job is to make the milk. Baby’s job is to take the milk from the breast. How do two new dance partners get good at the breastfeeding dance? …..Practice. Lots of it. Just as some new dance partners intuitively dance well with each other, there are other moms and babies that need much more guidance and instruction. Many moms need and want encouragement and support for their doubts in the early days. Having at opportunity to see other breastfeeding moms nurse their babies is helpful. So make opportunities to be around breastfeeding moms. If you can, go to a La Leche league meeting and learn or see if your local hospital has a breastfeeding support group. With good information and support most moms can have a positive and great lactation experience. Breastfeeding challenges can be overcome. Many moms are doing well by 4 to 6 weeks, especially if they have great information and support.

5. Establish your support systems.

My one wish for every mom is that she has excellent information and support. Ideally, your partner and the other women in your life are informed and supportive of your mothering choices and your infant feeding choice. It is very helpful for a new mom to identify who will really support her in her journey as a new mom. Making a meal, running an errand, doing her laundry, or helping you with whatever you need is essential for all new moms. Unfortunately, there seems to always be uniformed critics who have much to say but they are detrimental to your success. Learn to turn a deaf ear to those who do not support your breastfeeding. Support yourself with positive and encouraging friends. Find your village of help and support including an IBCLC and LLL leader to accompany you in your journey.

6. More than you could ever imagine you are going to fall madly love with your baby.

Even if you have dreamed of having a baby since you are a little girl, until that baby is in your arms you will not fully see how much you can love someone in a way only moms understand. For many moms their perspective as a human changes once they are MOM. You will not understand until it happens to you. From then on just about every thought and decision is filtered through your mom brain for the rest of your life. These loving hormones that your body is creating to make you fall in love with your baby is also helping you create milk. 

7. If you are returning to work take the most creative and longest maternity leave you can manage.

If I were president one of my highest priorities would be extending paid maternity leave for moms. Maternity leave in the USA is a joke. Alas, I am not going to be a 2016 presidential candidate so I urge you to gather your resources and be creative on how you can maximize you time home with your baby. Going back to work full time at 6 weeks as a pumping breastfeeding mom is very challenging. Some moms have done that and still have made to a year of breastfeeding. I applaud you for all your hard work. Returning to work at 3 or 4 months is less challenging than 6 weeks. Returning at 6 months is even more manageable. Starting part time helps many moms to ease into returning to work. Each mom has challenges to continue lactation while being a working, pumping mom. Many moms have done this but it takes effort and commitment. Kudos to all moms who celebrate a baby’s 1st birthday as a working pumping mom.

8. Set a breastfeeding goal 

Goal setting is a useful tool. When someone sets a goal to lose weight and is specific, then that person is more likely to approach that goal. Think about what you want for your breastfeeding goal. Some may decide they are going to try breastfeeding as they are very unsure about it. Others may decide a few weeks, a few months, a year or beyond. Now your breastfeeding goal may change but having a goal may help you though the bumps and challenges. Your goal should be your goal not your partner’s, friend’s or anyone else’s goal for your lactation.

9. Becoming a mom will change you.
I have been a mom for 40 years. I have been a grandmom for 14 years. I am a very different person for the better than I was before I was a mom. Honestly I can say being a mom has made me more patient, gentler, and more giving than I could have ever imagined 40 years ago. Becoming a mom makes you grow as a person. By definition a mom is less selfish and more concerned about her children than herself. You will grow and change as a human by becoming a MOM.

10. Breastfeeding is free but breast pumps, lactation consultant services, and accessories are not.
Yes, it is true that normal breasts with good lactation management can make plenty of free milk for your baby (babies). However, an excellent breastfeeding class, a lactation consultant home visit and support, breastfeeding aids and an excellent breast pump are not free. So moms may need to invest money in support of their lactation. That is certainly not as much money as if you did not breastfeed. The Affordable Care Act has mandated certain lactation support so some of your breastfeeding needs may be covered by your health insurance. Just be aware not all lactation consultants who do home visits may opt to deal with the insurance paperwork. So be prepared to invest in your lactation success. It will be worth it! 

 

 

This was a guest post written by Judy Schneider. Judy lives in Pittsgrove, NJ, with John, her husband of 46 years. They enjoy their large family which includes 4 daughters and 10 grandchildren. Judy has been a La Leche League Leader for 39 years and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)  for 30 years. In addition to her commitment to supporting breastfeeding moms, Judy enjoys scuba diving, kayaking , snorkeling and sail boating.

Filed Under: Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding 101, Home, Working Moms Tagged With: breastfeeding

25 Tips for Breastfeeding Moms Who Work

May 27, 2015 by Larisha Campbell Leave a Comment

25 Tips for Breastfeeding Moms Who Work*Disclosure: Affiliate links contained within this post.

 

We know that breastfeeding is hard work.  Breastfeeding and trying to maintain a career is even harder.  We surveyed and asked for advice from various moms and complied this list of 25 Tips for breastfeeding moms who work.  We truly hope it helps!

Before Returning To Work

  • Meet/Call/E-mail your boss at least a week in advance to let them know that you will be pumping.  Arrange a schedule and a place for you to have to pump.  Know your state’s laws on pumping and working and try to come to an agreeable solution for everyone.
    • According to the Affordable Care Act, employers are required to provide a reasonable break time, in a location that is NOT a bathroom, for one year each time the employee has a need to express milk; however, they are not required to compensate you for the time away while pumping. This law is not subjected to employers with less than 50 employees.
  • Buy spare pump parts (tubing, membranes, etc) to keep at your office.  This will make your life easier in case you forget something or something needs an immediate replacement.

Tips Once You’ve Returned

  • Have a clearly defined pumping schedule and stick to your pump times as closely as possible for better milk production. Let your boss and close co-workers know of your schedule so there is no confusion as to what is going on and why you need to be away.
  • You don’t have to wash your parts after you pump every time. Keep a tupperware container at work in the fridge or your cooler and use it to clean your parts at the end of the day.  It keeps everything together and makes cleaning up easier.
  • Keep pictures at your desk and videos on your phone of your baby and even a piece of your baby’s clothing to smell while you pump to help stimulate more milk
  • Wear clothes that you can easily access your boobs at work or you’ll find yourself in your underwear pumping and praying no one walks in on you
  • Ask to be made aware of any planned fire drills if your business has them so you can plan accordingly
  • Try to focus on something else while pumping (work, social media, a hobby) instead of focusing on the amount that is being pumped out each minute
  • Pump when/as often as your baby is eating away. For example – if your baby is having 4 bottles while you are away, you should try to pump 4 times
  • While you are pumping, do breast compressions to get out as much milk as possible
  • Eat foods that are great for your supply.
  • Be open with coworkers.  Most moms have found that being clear and precise about the importance of breastfeeding has created a better relationship in their workplace

Product Tips that will help you 

  • Keep a cooler with ice packs so you don’t have to put your milk in the communal office fridge
  • Buy and use a hands free bra – this will also allow you to pump to and from your way to work if you have a long commute.  Freemies are also great if you have a long commute (longer than 15 minutes)
  • Make sure you are using the right size flanges – your nipples shouldn’t be too tight
  • Buy a spare manual pump and keep it in your car in case you happen to forget your pump one day you have a quick backup solution
  • Replace your membranes monthly
  • Lube your flanges (coconut oil or nipple cream) so you don’t get sore, especially as you get used to pumping
  • Invest in great reusable nursing pads so you don’t leak.  There’s nothing worse than two big stains while you are trying to work around others

Last Reminders

  • Your first week back to work will be the hardest as you adjust to using the pump more, the stress of being away from baby, and getting used to being back at work.  It takes time to establish a routine and pump amounts may vary. Don’t give up and don’t get discouraged.  Just keep working at it.
  • Fat content and nutrients changes depending on your baby’s needs and age.  Therefore the number of ounces you pump doesn’t need to increase with breastfed babies like they do with formula fed babies.  1-1.5oz of breastmilk an hour is typical.
  • Make sure your child’s care provider understands and is doing paced breastfeeding.
  • Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty for taking time to pump.  While your job is important, feeding a human being is vital and you are doing the best for their life.  Just remember, plenty of people take smoke breaks for as long as it takes a mom to pump and they aren’t being made feel guilty
  • Don’t forget to eat and drink!  Your body needs nutrients to convert milk for your baby!
  • Working and breastfeeding is hard.  Due to pumps not being as effective as a baby at removing milk, some moms may not be able to keep up with demand.  We encourage you to verify that your pump is working correctly and seek out help from an IBCLC for advice first, but remember that every drop counts.  If supplementation is needed, we are strong advocates for donor milk, then formula.

Lastly, join Working Moms Who Make Breastfeeding Work Facebook Support Group and you can also check out Kelly Mom’s links for advice on  pumping and working.

These are just 25 tips that we found would be most helpful for working moms who work and want to continue breastfeeding.  What things would you add to our list? Comment below and let us know!

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Special Thanks to some amazing working moms for sharing their advice and for Lansinoh.com for use of their photo. Also thanks to the following bloggers for offering advice: Savy Mommy Moments, Mom’s Messy Miracles, From Wine to Whine, Nourished Simply, and Mommy Snapped. 

Filed Under: Breastfeeding, Home, Working Moms Tagged With: breastfeeding, working moms

Lactation Boosting Foods to Increase Milk Supply

March 12, 2015 by Larisha Campbell 2 Comments

lactation boosting foods

Galactogogues.

Say it with me….Galactogogues….Yea, chances are you don’t have a clue how to pronounce it either.  Am I right?

I’m pretty sure I gave up after the first try because I also get tongue tied trying to say it.  It’s easier for me to say lactation boosting foods and herbs that increase milk supply.  But regardless if you can say it or not, what exactly is a galactogogue, who needs to look into taking them, do they really work, and what foods actually work to increase a breastfeeding mother’s supply.

Galactogogues themselves refer specifically to herbs or medicines used to increase a breastfeeding mother’s milk production.  However, there are other foods out there that may also help.  But…before you jump into the car and head to the store to buy everything on the list, there’s one VERY important question.

Do YOU need to be taking something to boost your  milk supply? 

Chances are you don’t.  Many mothers, unfortunately, fall into “booby traps” where they are lead to believe that they aren’t making enough milk, when they actually are. If your baby has the appropriate amount of wet/dirty diapers, is gaining weight on track according to the WHO chart, and is meeting age appropriate milestones, you don’t NEED anything to boost your supply. Outdated information, bad advice from family, friends, and even pediatricians, a society that condemns public breastfeeding, and a culture that sends mothers back to work before they should, are all problems that may have mothers believe that there is a drop in their supply or see an actual drop in their supply.

So how do you know if you should be taking lactation boosting foods and herbs?

First — Go see a Certified Lactation Consultant. Better yet, go see an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).  Chances are that you ARE making enough milk and the issue is that you aren’t feeding often enough, emptying your breasts completely, or even using the wrong size flanges on your pump, which can decrease your milk supply because you are telling your body not to make enough. This KellyMom article for increasing supply is also an amazing reference.

What are some cases where you may need to look into lactation boosting foods and herbs?

  • Premature delivery
  • Illness in the infant where physical breastfeeding isn’t an option often enough
  • Adoptive nursing
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Separation of mother/infant for reasons such as returning to work

As you can see, there are very little reasons why you may need to look into this.  For me personally, my returning menstrual cycle was the only time that I noticed during our 26+ months of breastfeeding, that I needed a little boost but I also work from home.  We know that MANY, many mothers have to return to work quickly and keeping up with the demand can be challenging.

One reason, you should seek out a lactation consultant or IBCLC is because you simply don’t know the reason for believing that you have a low supply and other practices, like more time at the breast, different size flanges for your breast pump, or skin to skin contact with your baby could all be more beneficial in the long term than lactation boosting foods that are masking a true problem.  Also – many of these herbs and foods have not be tested for safety when it comes to the breastfeeding mother/infant dyad and as with any natural remedy, there can be side effects.  Fenugreek, for example, can result in low blood sugar if the wrong doses are consumed, and should also be discussed with a medical practitioner before using.

All that said, these are the common herbs and foods recommended for boosting your milk supply:

  • Alfalfa
  • Anise
  • Barley
  • Blessed Thistle
  • Brewer’s Yeast
  • Fenugreek
  • Fennel and Fennel Seed
  • Goat’s Rue
  • Hops
  • Marshmallow Root
  • Milk Thistle
  • Nettle
  • Oatmeal
  • Red Raspberry Leaf

Additionally, these foods may be beneficial:

  • Beets, carrots, yams and other vegetables high in beta-carotene
  • Dark, leafy green (think spinach, kale, greens) because of their nutrient components offer benefits

This post from Nice Breastfeeding gives dosing recommendations that you can discuss with your medical provider.

It’s very important to consider that even if you do notice an increase in using one or a mixture of these products, that ultimately getting your baby/child to the breast more often will ultimately, in most cases, increase your supply more than anything else.

Have you had success with any of these herbs or food options?  Did we miss something?  Leave a comment below letting us know what did or did not work for you!

 

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You may be interested in our Lactation Boosting recipes that we currently have:

  • Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Milkshake (or ice cream)
  • Apple Pie Lactation Smoothie
  • Lactation Energy Bites

Filed Under: Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding 101, Home, Working Moms Tagged With: breastfeeding, lactation


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