Balancing Breastfeeding and Work: Managing Pumping, Storing Milk, and Maintaining Supply

Returning to work while breastfeeding can feel daunting, but with the right tools and support, it’s entirely possible to maintain your feeding goals. Whether you're pumping to keep up supply, storing milk for future feeds, or simply managing the demands of work and parenting, finding a balance is key. Here’s how to navigate breastfeeding and work with confidence, especially using a wearable breast pump like The Night Owl.

Know Your Rights

In Australia, breastfeeding mothers have workplace protections under the Fair Work Act. You are entitled to flexible work arrangements, breaks to express milk, and access to facilities for expressing and storing breast milk. Start the conversation with your employer early, so arrangements can be made to accommodate your needs.

Establish a Routine

Consistency is crucial to maintaining your milk supply while you're away from your baby. Aim to pump at the same times you would normally breastfeed, which is typically every 3-4 hours. If you're using The Night Owl, its discreet, wearable design allows you to pump on the go without needing to leave your desk or workspace, making it easier to stick to a schedule.

A typical workday might look like:

• Pumping before leaving home.
• Pumping mid-morning.
• Pumping during lunch.
• Pumping mid-afternoon.
• Feeding or pumping once home.

This consistency helps signal to your body to keep producing milk, even when you’re away from your baby.

Choose the Right Pump

A good breast pump is essential when balancing work and breastfeeding. The Night Owl is ideal for working parents because it’s hands-free, quiet, and easy to use on the go. Whether you're in meetings or commuting, a wearable pump allows you to express milk without disrupting your workflow or drawing attention.

Storing Breast Milk at Work

Once you've expressed milk, it’s important to store it safely. Bring along storage bags or containers and label them with the date and time you expressed the milk. Most workplaces have a fridge where you can store your milk during the day. If this isn’t an option, a cooler bag with ice packs works well.

Breast milk can be safely stored:

• At room temperature (under 26°C) for up to 6-8 hours.
• In a fridge (4°C or lower) for up to 4 days.
• In an insulated cooler bag for up to 24 hours.

Managing Milk Supply

Keeping up your supply while at work requires regular pumping, staying hydrated, and looking after your body. In the early days of returning to work, it’s normal to notice a slight dip in supply, but with consistency, your body will adjust. If you’re finding it difficult to express enough milk, here are a few tips:

• Power Pumping: Simulate a baby’s cluster feeding by pumping for 10 minutes, resting for 10, and repeating for an hour.
• Breast Massage: Massaging your breasts before and during pumping can help increase milk flow and make pumping more efficient.
• Look at Photos of Your Baby: Some parents find that looking at photos or videos of their baby while pumping helps stimulate milk flow.

If you’re still concerned about your supply, consider consulting a lactation consultant for personalised support.

Creating a Pumping-Friendly Space

Finding a comfortable and private space to pump can make all the difference. Speak to your employer about setting up a dedicated space, ideally with a comfortable chair, a power outlet, and a fridge nearby. If you have to pump in less-than-ideal conditions, remember that The Night Owl pump is designed to work quietly and discreetly, so you can pump wherever you need to.

Balancing Work and Feeding

Returning to work after parental leave is an adjustment, and it’s important to give yourself time to find your rhythm. Start slow, if possible, by negotiating a phased return or flexible hours while you’re settling into a pumping routine. Don’t be afraid to ask for support from colleagues, friends, or family when you need it.

And most importantly, be kind to yourself. Combining work and breastfeeding can feel like a juggling act, but with a little planning and the right tools, you can manage it successfully.

Celebrate Your Success

Every time you pump at work, you’re providing valuable nutrition for your baby and maintaining a strong connection, even when you’re apart. It’s important to recognise and celebrate your success in balancing work and breastfeeding. Whether it’s the first day you manage to pump regularly or hitting a new milestone, these achievements are worth acknowledging.

In the end..

Balancing breastfeeding with work may have its challenges, but with the right support, a consistent routine, and the flexibility of a hands-free pump like The Night Owl, it’s absolutely achievable. Remember, you're doing an incredible job providing for your baby, whether you're feeding directly, expressing at work, or navigating the challenges of returning to work. By planning ahead and using the right tools, you can ensure both your professional and parenting goals are met.