Evening:
- In a index card, write down list of items that needs to be packed on daily basis. Use this for quick reference to avoid forgetting or missing out on items. Keep index card in a zippered pocket or better yet, put it in a id-card slot and attach with a key fob to the bag for easy access.
- Unpack bag(s)
- Ensure pumped milk is put in fridge or used properly
- Pack for next day and place the bags by the door
- Packing involves:
- Rotate pumping kits
- any towels or clothes
- water bottle
- ear plugs if planning to listen to music
- quick wash kit, if you plan to wash your kits at work.
- Clean up used supplies
- wash used pumping kits and dry them.
- Have a post-it in the kitchen, which lists all the necessities & actions to help remember to pack items and what is must to do on daily basis.
Morning:
- Check if all the bags are packed and ensure to take them
- Put a post-it by the door, that has list of items you need to take
- e.g. lunch bag, work bag, pump bag etc.
Preparing for pumping:
- Block meeting rooms ahead.
- Use restroom before settling down to pump.
- Ensure water is nearby.
- Lock the door.
During pumping:
- massaging before and during helps with quick letdown and continued supply
- If issue with supply, relaxing by listening to music and try not to look at pumping output.
After pumping:
- Remember to remove plugs and other items like ear plugs, phone, laptop etc.
- pack bottle and close the lid tightly.
- place bottle in ice bag
- check room to ensure nothing is missed.
- check your clothes once to ensure buttons are in right place etc.
- wipe down any spills.
Workplace support:
- check with HR or other internal resources for workplace support.
- Ensure that you keep the pumped milk in a fridge that allows you take it when you leave without interrupting moms who are in pumping session. This is important especially if you have to rush to catch a ride to get home.
- Label your items as it is possible for other moms to use similar pumping supplies/bags
Pumping Setup
- Have a creative room setup, that is easy to setup and pack up.
- Try different options and stick to what works for you.
- Different shirts to see which works for you faster.
- e.g. some moms use button down shirts since it is easy to button up and down. this also provides additional privacy and has your back covered.
- Some moms use over the head shirts if that is easier for them
- Initially days takes time to get into routine, so plan for additional time for initial days.
- Have back up power cables, pumping kits if possible to prepare for emergencies like lost kits or if kits fall down etc.
Finally remember to breathe. You got this!!!!
PS:
Cleaning up my old notes and posting this and hence this is a quick list, may not be complete, will come back and add to it when I remember something.