6 October 2021Heading back to the office after maternity leave can be a challenging adjustment. As a breastfeeding mum, not only do you have to settle back into the daily grind, but you also have the extra job of pumping and expressing milk for baby at work.
If you’re planning to head back to the office soon, even if it’s just for a few days, it helps to have your bag all packed and ready to go when you are. For a smooth, stress-free breastfeeding experience, we’ve compiled a checklist of essentials for working mamas
1. Breast Pump
A good breast pump is the most important thing you’ll need to bring. A light, portable electric breast pump, like the Imani i2+, is an excellent choice — especially if you need to carry it to and fro each day. With this small wearable device, you won’t need to carve out time from your workday for pumping. Pump sessions can be done entirely hands-free while you carry on with your daily activities! Since it is quiet, you can also pump at your work desk without distracting colleagues. Don’t forget to bring along a nursing cover to cover up whilst pumping.
Alternatively, you could consider leaving a pump at your workplace for convenience. In that case, we recommend the Spectra S1 — a great hospital-grade pump that helps to express milk well.
Don’t forget to pack the essential accessories and extra attachments for your pump too! These include breast shields, tubing, valves, membranes and power adapter.
2. Breast Milk Bottles or Storage Bags
Since you’ll be away from your little one for 9 to 10 hours a day, multiple pump sessions are vital to maintain your supply. It’s always a good idea to have extra empty bottles on hand to store your milk. You could also opt for storage bags, which take up less bag space. We are very fond of using the storage bottles and standing milk storage bags from Autumnz.
3. Cooler Bag & Ice Packs
Freshly pumped breast milk can be kept at room temperature (26°C or lower) for 3-4 hours, but with Singapore’s hot weather, it’s best to refrigerate them. One way is to place your filled milk bottles within a cooler bag inside the office fridge to store them discreetly. This same insulated cooler bag, together with ice packs, can be used to transport your milk home.
One of Marian’s favourite cooler bags to carry around is the Fridge-To-Go. It is an ice bag with unique cooling technology that can chill your milk for approximately 12 hours (depending on size and items within the ice bag) — no batteries or extra ice packs required!
4. Hands-Free Pumping Bra
If you are using a non wearable pump, and cannot find the extra time or place to pump freely, a hands-free pumping bra makes pumping a breeze, leaving your hands free for multi-tasking. Eat your lunch, continue working, or read documents, all while pumping! Not sure which bra to get? Marian recommends the Hands-Free Pumping Bra from Envyher. You can also consider getting a nursing cover for added privacy if there are no private spaces at work to pump in peace.
5. Cleaning Wipes
Be sure to pack two types of wipes — nipple wipes to clean your nipple after pumping, and hygienic sanitising wipes for your pump parts. That way, you can easily clean up without a sink or steriliser.
6. Nursing Pads & A Spare Top
The last thing you’d want during a stressful workday? Seeing your milk leak through your shirt. Be prepared for breast milk leaks by including a few nursing pads and a spare top in your work bag.
7. Lactation-Boosting Snacks
To keep up with your body’s breastmilk production, breastfeeding mums need more calories each day to nourish their body — up to 500 kilocalories more, in fact. Snacks are a must-have for your work bag, so you can munch away whenever you feel hungry. You can keep things simple with some apple slices or nuts, but an even better snack is none other than our range of bakes at Marian’s Lactation Boost!
Check out our Back to work bundle, a specially curated grab-and-go food set for working mums to maintain and increase breast milk supply. For $190.95 (U.P. $200.90), you can get 4 packets of premium range cookies, 2 packets of granola, and 1 packet of lactation tea! Or, you can opt for our 3 day quick boost bundle, which includes 3-days worth of delicious lactation-boosting oats, cold pressed juice and cookies. Browse our value-for-money bundle deals in our online store to learn more.
8. Water Bottle
Breast milk comprises almost 90% water. While pumping to hydrate your baby, it is equally important to hydrate yourself too. According to experts, breastfeeding mums should drink about 3.7 litres of water a day.
Note: This is not a sponsored post.
With your work bag packed with these essentials, you’re all set to return to work as a breastfeeding mum! If you are ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for guidance and recommendations.
