I’ll let you in on a secret… no one enjoys pumping at work. It can be awkward, uncomfortable, and disruptive. But for lactating parents, being able to pump is not only the key to feeding their baby, it is also a major contributor to their own well-being.
Whether you are a conscientious parent, the leader of a parent group, or an employer looking to support employees, kudos to you for wanting to create an empowering and comfortable pumping experience!
If you’ve already got the essentials covered for your lactation room setup, it’s time to take it up a notch. Elevate your pumping sanctuary with these must-haves that’ll transform pumping sessions from drudgery to a welcome respite during the work day. (Keep reading for a handy checklist for your lactation room glow up)
infuse positivity
Transform your lactation room into a haven of motivation and positivity. Adorn the walls with inspiring affirmations or quotes. These visual cues can uplift spirits, creating a serene and encouraging atmosphere during pumping sessions. More milk, less stress, happier parents!
Keep a colorful stack of post-it notes and markers to jot down affirmations and motivational messages for yourself and other pumping co-workers. They serve as gentle reminders of your strength and resilience, fostering positivity and solidarity with those who share the room.
Pumping and breastfeeding is not an easy endeavor. Have tips for pumping at work and contact information for local lactation consultants (IBCLCs) available. Check with your EAP or health insurance to see if there are IBCLCs available to employees.
Power Up For Connectivity
In today’s digital age, staying connected is vital, especially during your pumping sessions. Chargers become your lifeline, ensuring your devices remain powered and ready to use. Kit out the room with an assortment of chargers —Apple, USB, USB-C— to accommodate various devices.
This variety guarantees uninterrupted connectivity, enabling you to stay productive, attend to urgent emails, or listen to a short meditation while expressing milk. With these chargers at hand, bid adieu to the anxiety of the low battery indicator.
Nourishment starts with the Parent
Busy working parents are notorious for not taking care of themselves – including forgetting to snack and hydrate. Stock your lactation room with an assortment of healthy (and maybe some not so healthy!) snacks, water bottles, seltzers, and other drinks.
Bonus points for allergen-friendly snacks—gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free—so there is something for everyone.
By prioritizing nourishment and hydration during pumping sessions, you are taking steps to keep you refreshed and fueled throughout your workday. These provisions not only sustain energy levels but also support lactation. Feed the parent, feed the baby.
Cooling Pumped Milk
A dedicated and well-maintained fridge within the lactation room is non-negotiable. This space serves as a sanctuary for storing expressed breast milk safely. Ensure the fridge is cleaned regularly and is ONLY used for breastmilk and pump parts.
By having a designated storage area in the lactation room, you eliminate concerns about milk storage elsewhere, fostering convenience and peace of mind. Remember this fridge is ONLY for for breastmilk and pump parts.
Cleanliness for Safety
After all the work of making and expressing breast milk, the next big step is making sure it is safe for your baby. Keeping the lactation room clean and the milk safe is top priority:
If possible, include a sink in the lactation room for washing hands and pump parts. If a sink is not feasible – plumbing can be a big ask for a glow up – make sure there is ample hand sanitizer available.
Minor spills and emotional moments are part of the journey. Having paper towels, tissues, or cleaning wipes within reach is indispensable. These essentials cater to various needs—from cleaning up spills to drying tears. Splurge for the soft tissues and truly absorbent paper towels!
The inclusion of a microwave in the lactation room is not just for reheating coffee or making popcorn (although that is a bonus!). Many parents use microwavable sanitizing bags to clean pump parts between sessions. Cleaner pump parts lead to less risk of tainted or spoiled milk.
Lactation Room Management
Lactation Rooms should have one purpose – a place for lactating parents to express milk during the work day. Keep your lactation room running smoothly by:
Signage: Place a sign on the door letting people know what the space is for and – more importantly – who it is not for. Make it welcoming and safe for those who are pumping but make it also clear that this is not a lounge, a place to take naps, or a secret place to store your lunch. The sign can be funny, formal, cheeky, or swanky. Follow the vibe of your company.
Implementing a Sign-up System: Having an easy sign-up system can help coordinate and schedule pumping needs to facilitate fair and accessible usage of the lactation room. You can also consider implementing shared calendars or booking platforms. This streamlined approach eliminates scheduling conflicts, ensuring each working parent can access the room comfortably, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.
Access to Maintenance: Place a prominently visible sign with contact information for the individual responsible for room maintenance. This designated contact person could be an HR representative or a dedicated staff member. Knowing who to contact streamlines issue resolution and ensures continuous access and comfort of the lactation room.
Above & Beyond: Extra Pump Parts
Breast pumps are one of those appliances where if one piece is missing or broken the whole system comes to a halt. If you supply a community pump or if you know what types of pumps are being used in the office, stock up on some spare pump parts—tubes, valves, membranes—readily available in the lactation room. Unexpected malfunctions and pieces forgotten at home disrupt pumping routines, but with these spare parts serve as a backup, you can guarantee uninterrupted pumping sessions.
Getting Started
With these enhancements, your lactation room will evolve into a haven—a supportive space that caters to your needs, fostering a positive and successful pumping journey as a working parent. Remember, investing in a comfortable and well-equipped environment pays off in the form of enhanced comfort and productivity during these precious moments. Happy pumping!
