Unless you worked in a rice field and tied your baby to your back, returning to the workforce used to spell the end of nursing for breastfeeding moms. But with legislation in support of pump rooms in the workplace and advancements in pumps, breastfeeding accoutrements and stylish nursing wear—now you can bring home the bacon and fresh squeezed milk as long as you’d like to nurse.
Pumps.
Hands down, the Medela Pump In Style Advanced Limited Edition is my favorite for the working mom. It does a fine job in the pumping department (I couldn’t tell a significant difference from Medela’s hospital grade Symphony pump). Both mimic the sucking pattern of the baby, beginning with a fast, light pattern to enhance let-down and then switches to a slower, stronger expression phase. Compared with past Pump In Style models where the pump was housed in one big black bag, this one breaks down into small, discrete parts (the pump, the matching cooler, which cools up to twelve hours, and a handy tray to set your gear on.) Best of all, the bag doesn’t scream “walking dairy farm.” (Several women at my office asked where I got my bag, thinking it was either a sleek purse or groovy computer bag.)
If you travel with your work, a nice alternative is the Lansinoh Double Electric Breast Pump. It’s a close second to Medela’s pump in user-friendliness and it’s one of the most compact double electric pumps for those who need to travel light.
And for those who worry about getting stuck in a meeting across town or in traffic as their breasts start exploding like a pinata, an even more compact choice is the new Lansinoh Manual Pump intended for occasional use. It fits in a purse, glove compartment, or emergency disaster preparedness box—I keep one in my earthquake kit. Engorged breasts is on par with a 9.9 on the Richter scale for me.
Hands Free Bras.
How any lactating working mom ever survived without The Easy Expression Bustier
hands-free pumping bra is beyond me. At first glance, it looks like a nuclear fall out shelter Halloween costume. Using it is like growing two arms. No longer do you have to hold the pump bottles in cramped chicken-wing fashion. The best way to use this is to wrap this gizmo around on top of your nursing bra with latches down, strap on your breast shields and zip up. Let go and your arms are free to chat on the phone, work on your laptop, read a magazine, or take a siesta.
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