We had the pleasure of meeting Gina Ciagne, Global Vice President, Healthcare Relations at Lansinoh & Certified Lactation Counselor at the ABC Kids Expo and we love her dedication to supporting breastfeeding moms. Obviously, aside from being a lactation specialist, by working at one of the leading manufacturers of breastfeeding products, Gina knows a lot about pumping. And, as a business woman, she has great advice about making it all work when going back to work. Here, her six tips on how to successfully return to work when pumping:
Congratulations! You’re a mom who packs up her pump when you head to work, so your baby can continue to have the very best nourishment. You’re also ensuring breastfeeding security when the two of you are together by maintaining your supply while you are apart.
Whether you’re just returning to work or simply need a refresher, here are some tips to make it a win-win-win: for you, your baby and your employer.
Tip 1: Make a connection.
Every breastfeeding mother has a story about what worked for her when she returned to work. If you know other women who have pumped at work, talk to them about their experiences and solutions to any challenges they may have had.
You can also connect with other mothers on breastfeeding message boards.
Tip 2: Find time to pump.
Plan your pumping schedule to replicate your baby’s nursing times, so that your body gets the necessary signals to continue producing milk.
Avoid skipping sessions as this signals your body to produce less milk. Make sure you have regularly scheduled pumping sessions.
Tip 3: Be flexible, but don’t neglect your breasts.
Consider your employer’s needs, as well as your own.
Even if you only have a few minutes, still pump and don’t skip a session, if at all possible.
It will be uncomfortable as your breasts fill with milk, and regular stimulation is more important for your body’s response than pumping time.
However, a drained breast will replenish more milk, so ideally pump until your breasts are noticeably less full.
Set aside time if your schedule is unpredictable, or be creative about when you pump.
For instance, it’s possible to read or eat lunch while pumping especially when using a hands-free pumping bra.
Tip 4: Find a private place to pump.
It’s important to pump without disruption, so that the necessary hormones are released for let-down.
Having a lactation room at work is ideal, but other options are a private office or storage room that can lock.
Avoid using the bathroom, as it’s not a sanitary place to pump.
Tip 5: Discuss the situation with your employer.
It’s important to explain your need to have regularly scheduled pumping sessions to your employer.
And remember, The Affordable Care Act is on your side!
This healthcare law stipulates that an employer must provide the time and space for pumping moms. And, by the way, it specifically points out that the “space” should not be a bathroom.
For more details, you can visit The Department of Labor’s website.
Tip 6: Know your facts.
Hopefully you won’t run into any obstacles with your employer. But if you do, the following facts can help you make a convincing argument to gain support.
A study published by the United States Breastfeeding Committee states:
• Lactation programs are cost-effective, showing a $3:1 return on investment.
• One-day absences to care for sick children occur more than twice as often for mothers of formula-fed infants.
• Breastfeeding lowers insurance claims for businesses. One study showed that for every 1,000 babies not breastfed, there were over 2,000 extra physician visits, 212 extra hospitalization days, and 609 extra prescriptions to treat just three common childhood illnesses.
Overall, by supporting lactation at work, employers can:
o Reduce turnover
o Lower recruitment and training costs
o Cut rates of absenteeism
o Boost morale and productivity
o Decrease health care costs
We know that pumping takes extra effort, especially at work. But it’s worth it for your baby, for you and even for your employer. For more information or breastfeeding support, please go to www.lansinoh.com.
Gina Ciagne
Gina Ciagne, Lansinoh’s Global Vice President, Healthcare Relations is a nationally recognized expert on breastfeeding.
As a Certified Lactation Counselor and La Leche League International-trained breastfeeding peer counselor, she has worked with and provided advice and support to thousands of breastfeeding mothers around the world.
A sought-after speaker and media resource, Ms. Ciagne is a frequent contributor to The Huffington Post, and has appeared on The Bump, CNN, Fox News and many other TV and radio news programs.
In her role as Global Vice President, Healthcare Relations for Lansinoh, Ms. Ciagne oversees the company’s outreach to and engagement with healthcare communities.
She also is the mother of two breastfed children, whom she pumped for when she returned to work, so she knows the juggle!
