Ultimate Guide to Must-Have Breastfeeding Products for Working Moms

When my son turned 9 weeks old, I returned to work. I had successfully breastfed full time from the time my son was born and had no intentions of stopping when I returned to work. I quickly discovered that maintaining full time breastfeeding while working full time is challenging, but I also discovered that it can certainly be done. I discovered some tools that made breastfeeding while working full time much more manageable. If you plan to breastfeed your baby even after you return to work, check out this ultimate guide to the best breastfeeding supplies for working moms.

Double Electric Breast Pump. Recommendations: Medela Pump In Style and Playtex Embrace. A high-quality double electric breast pump is an absolute must for any working mom who intends to continue breastfeeding. A double electric breast pump allows you to express breast milk efficiently and comfortably. The two double electric breast pumps mentioned, the Medela Pump In Style and the Playtex Embrace, are easy to clean and come in an attractive and inconspicuous carrying bag. These breast pumps also come with cool bags to keep the expressed breast milk. The bags are discreet and small and will be easy to stow in the office refrigerator until you head home for the day. If you want to stick to breastfeeding once you return to the workforce, having a comfortable and effective way to pump while at work is crucial. These two breast pumps are pricey, but are worth every penny thanks to their ease of use, comfort, and efficient breast milk expression.

Single Manual Breast Pump. Recommendations: Medela Harmony and Avent Isis Breast Pump. A single manual breast pump is also a must for any mom returning to work while still breastfeeding. Both the Medela Harmony and Avent Isis Breast Pumps are lightweight, small, and easy to take just about anywhere. Sometimes when you are a working mom you don't have access to electricity for pumping. These manual breast pumps don't require electricity and they are very easy to carry along with you. Additionally, working moms can use single breast pumps to pump on the opposite breast while feeding the baby. This works especially well for middle-of-the-night feedings. This helps you create a store of extra breastmilk to send along to daycare or your caretaker to keep in the freezer in case of "emergencies."

Hands Free Breast Pump Bra. Recommendation: Easy Expressions. While pumping breast milk does not take very long with a double electric pump, 15 minutes seems like an eternity when you're just sitting there holding bottles as they fill with milk. A hands free breast pump bra, such as the Easy Expressions Hands Free Pump Bra, will allow you to work on the computer, make a phone call, text, write, read, clip coupons, etc, all while still pumping your breast milk. Using a hands free breast pump bra is a lifesaver for breastfeeding moms who return to work. This product will allow you to continue to be efficient (check email, return calls, make lists, etc) while pumping wonderful breast milk for your baby.

Steam Cleaning Bags. Recommendation: Medela Quick Clean Micro Steam Bags. Another must have item for any working mom who still plans to breastfeed is quick clean steam bags. When you are finished pumping your breast milk, simply rinse the pump pieces and throw them in this handy-dandy bag. Place the bag in the microwave and it quickly steam cleans the breast pump pieces getting them clean and sanitized and ready for the next use. There is no way that you would be able to fully wash and sanitize your breast pump parts between pumpings without a tool like this. Medela also makes convenient breast pump wipes that serve the same purpose. A quick way to clean your breast pump parts is a must for any mom returning to work who still plans to breastfeed.

Slow Flow Bottle Nipples. Recommendation: Any. When your baby transitions from the breast to the bottle while you are working, you will likely still want to breastfeed when you are with the baby. That is why it is important to choose slow flow nipples for your baby's bottles. The breast naturally gives a slow, steady flow of milk to the infant. Many bottle nipples are designed for a faster flow to allow a baby to eat more quickly. Make sure you purchase only slow flow nipples for your breastfed baby and replace them often as they can loosen or tear with prolonged use. Giving your baby slow flow bottle nipples will help you reach your goal of continuing to breastfeed even after you return to work.

Freezer Breast Milk Storage Containers: Recommendation: Playtex Drop-Ins and Gerber Seal 'N Go Breast Milk Storage Bags. Working moms who plan on continuing to breastfeed their babies after returning to work will need options for storing their breast milk in both the refrigerator and the freezer. These two products are excellent ways for the working mom to store breast milk in the freezer for later use. The Playtex Drop-Ins System is a system of bottles that have plastic liners. You can freezer breast milk directly in the liners then just drop the entire thing in the bottle when you're ready to use it. This system is the most convenient way of storing and serving breast milk I have found. If your freezer is small and you need a more space saving option, try Gerber Seal N' Go Breast Milk Storage Bags. These bags can be frozen flat and take up very little space in the freezer. They can even be stored on the freezer door. Working moms have to freeze and save breast milk and these products make it a breeze.

Many women think that once a mom returns to work she has to quit breastfeeding. This is such a myth! Many women return to full time work yet successfully breastfeed their babies for months. I returned to part-time work when my son was 9 weeks old and full-time work when he was 12 weeks. I continued to breastfeed full time until he was 4 ½ months and part-time until he was 11 months. Working moms can breastfeed their babies and this ultimate guide to must have breastfeeding products for working moms will help you make it happen!