The federal law, that protects breastfeeding (hourly) employees, stipulates that it cannot be in a bathroom. It ended up making my time pumping the best part of my day because it felt so good to sit with a fan on those super hot days. Get a FREE planning guide for breastfeeding and pumping as a teacher here! This eliminates transfers and helps prepare for the next day. A fabulous mom friend suggested having extra pump parts to eliminate the need to clean a set at school. If your state doesnt have laws about pumping at work, consult your school districts handbook or your teacher union.

To find out what protections your own state provides, visit the United States Breastfeeding Committees website here. Some unions have negotiated contracts that include provisions for moms who need to pump at school. To find out more about your states breastfeeding laws check out the mamava website. These colleagues can be a fountain of knowledge. My husband bought me this bag for Christmas. I would have never have spent that kind of money on myself. Taking these steps will give you the best possible chance for success. Check with other teachers or staff members that have recently had a baby and pumped at work. I am a small chested woman and I was happy with this bra. When it comes to bottles youll have to find what works for your baby, because each baby is different. pumping The only time I had to get coverage was during the last session and my administration was great about setting up a schedule of teachers that were willing to cover for me. Not every teacher will have such good support, but Stephanies experience shows itispossible. Breastfeeding and pumping as a teacher is possible. Overall, I had a great experience with the company. teacher nursing moms signs door Share your tips and stories in our WeAreTeachers Chat group on Facebook. That way if someone doesnt read the sign and barges in youre covered. endstream endobj startxref enter signs working cute moms sign pumping teacherspayteachers use nap stuff ratings Click this, Check your contract and employee handbook. By the time I returned from my maternity leave I would miss two feedings with our daughter Anne. Id love to hear from other pumping, teacher moms! I was able to gain permission from my administrator to cover the camera to ensure my privacy. What I like about the PackIt is, you put it in the freezer the night before. When freezing breastmilk I foundLansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bagsare the best option because the bags are easy to label and take up less space. If your pump isnt battery-powered make sure that your location has an accessibleelectrical outlet. There are a lot of unknowns as a new mom and pumping at work is yet another adjustment. Also think about where youll store your milk; consider putting a small refrigerator in your classroom or lactation space. You enter the amounts after you finish pumping and then the app adds it to the storage location you choose. I was worried that it would be difficult, but everyone I worked with was very supportive. My coworker who gave birth a year before me pumped all school year in the womans staff bathroom because she did not know her rights to be supplied with a room that is not a bathroom, says Gina F. Employers are unlikely to make accommodations unless you ask, so do some research and know what youre entitled to. 25 Reasons You Might Be Freaking out Right Now if Youre a Teacher at the End of Summer Break, 12 Activities to Celebrate Winnie the Pooh, Join the WeAreTeachers Influencer Network, Reasonable break times for an employee to express breast milk for her nursing child for 1 year after the childs birth each time such employee has need to express the milk; AND. protesters newshour What better place than a school to help educate others? The Medela Bra is a great choice and even fit my curvy figure. This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. This is why its important to know your legal rights up front. Maymom Pump Part comes with extras for each part needed. Make a list of the gear youll need and add some to your registry. I found I could set up and break things down in five minutes each. 350 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<2EFCE770094E6142AB6B20CAEAF7DC01>]/Index[331 31]/Info 330 0 R/Length 101/Prev 233556/Root 332 0 R/Size 362/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream

Altered schedules always throw a wrench in my plan, says Gina, but I realize if a day here or there I have to miss one of my sessions its not going to be the end of my supply. A place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from coworkers and the public, which may be used by an employee to express breast milk. (Dont forget caps to transport pumped milk. The app I use is called Milk Stash. protesters newshour . Even the small office I pump in has a camera. Then add figuring out the how, when, and where for pumping at school should be towards the top of your to-do list. Find out what policies your school district has by checking with your union or human resources representatives. (Keep reading to learn some great tips from experienced teacher moms.). ), A fellow grade level teacher had to pump at school this past year, one teacher observed. If most of the breast milk is going to be used the next day it is more efficient to pump directly into a bottle versus a bag. For some teachers, finding space is as simple as closing and locking a classroom door and putting up a Do Not Disturb sign, which is what Stephanie did when her classroom was free. Try to imagine where youll do your pumping at school. Getting ready to go on maternity leave? I am no longer sharing so I used my classroom last school year, but I did get walked in on four times by students and staff regardless of signage.. in front of you to give yourself more privacy. hbbd```b``"d9d&`e"`qMI@Q> ND>6oDfLg` :? Are you going to be pumping during the warmer months? 101 JFK Parkway | Short Hills, NJ | 07078 | (973) 921-5500. There is a never-endinglist of tasks to do when you are expecting a baby. Copyright 2021. Most experts agree that breastfeeding is good for babies and moms, and more than 82% of new moms at least give it a try. Heres what teacher moms need to know about pumping at school. Teacher Mom. Give some serious thought to what you need to feel comfortable pumping at school, and whats reasonable to ask for. When looking for a good location you will also need to think about security cameras. Building Blocks for Success in Pre-Writing, 3 Things to do when Getting a New OT Student, it does get a bit dicey if your company has less than 50 employees. I like that the bag looks professional. There are a variety of ways to store breast milk, these are the ones that I had the best success with. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. I used Medela bottles in the beginning and the bottles were great for pumping into.

It keeps the milk cold without having to keep it in the crowded teachers lounge refrigerator. So, when you begin to create your baby registry do not forget about all thestuff you will need. You can also make the transition smoother and start laying the groundwork before you leave on maternity leave. Small Diet Changes Can Make a Difference . She has a degree in Secondary English Education and has taught in middle and high school classrooms. I also needed to take more care when my daughter started getting teeth. breastfeeding pumping nursing teacher door baby mom sign disturb signs breast lactation feeding lounge tips classroom printable class moms If you will need to rely on others it is best to start working with them before you leave to have your baby. If you do not want to pump in a school bathroom I strongly encourage you to stand up against any suggestion that you do. hb``d``c`f`xb PC]GG@9X1HQaF21O^A9d#9ii@A:JiU Then lay the groundwork at school and have a plan for when you return to work. Having a hands-free pumping bra allows you to pump during your planning and lunch break. Jill Staake is a Contributing Editor with WeAreTeachers. I used Aeroflow to order my Spectra 2 breast pump. 6 ways teachers can make returning from maternity leave easier. I had less planning time and missed out on spending time with others during my lunch break. If you do not have fellow new or recent moms on staff with you then you have the honor of being a trailblazer. All rights reserved. Ideas, Inspiration, and Giveaways for Teachers. A school schedule is not always conducive to making that work. vital Staff and admin cooperation is key. After doing some research, I decided on theMedela Pump in Style Advanced with On the Go Tote,because it includes everything needed to get started. I think those are the gifts that make the best gifts. The On the Go Tote is also subtle and doesnt scream pump bag. I used this wet bag to store my parts in between pumping sessions. Students were in my room during my third [pumping] session, so I used a large storage room connected to our library, notes Stephanie. Other options might be closets, offices, or even a partitioned space in a staff room.

(Thats what teacher besties are for, right? The goal is to pump each time your baby would normally eat. I found I could set up and break things down in five minutes each. It will likely involve taking advantage of planning periods and lunch breaks. Most teachers are considered exempt, since they are salaried and ineligible for overtime. Create a bright, visible but non-specific sign for the room you will use. Giving administration options and showing youve given it some thought will help make it harder to refuse your requests. Reach out to your Teachers Union! These items belowhave greatly helped make each new transition during breastfeeding and pumping less cringe-worthy. He stated that he knew going back to work was going to be a difficult transition for me. The inlets a little far apart. Make sure that the adults that work with and around you know what you are doing and when. I was lucky to have a few other teachers in my building that had made pumping work at school. It also helps if there is a table or other object to set your pump on versus on the floor. pumping I took my students on a week long, all day field trip to a nature center. Looking at my class schedule I found that I could pump during my planning and lunchtime. Its important that you dont hesitate to address this issue. I hope and pray you will be as a lucky. Having a plan for when you will pump is a major component of your ability to be successful with the process. This is a list of items that I found valuable as I navigated pumping at work as a teacher. Is your school not air-conditioned? You have another task on your listfiguring out breastfeeding and pumping as a working teacher mamma. It would be better if all teachers were treated equally as new moms, but unfortunately,that is not the case. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. I hate when I dont know how things are going to work. Plus, check out 6 ways teachers can make returning from maternity leave easier. All of this can be challenging enough at home, but what about for working moms? Within the app, you can also transfer milk from one storage place to another. It quickly allows you to see how much milk you have stored in each storage location and if any of it is close to expiring. This bag can go in the washer, is easy to wipe down with a wipe, and limits the number of plastic bags used. hkk0>nDubiuABw$;\t rE: b"@4!eFH There are pros and cons for whenever you are going to pump. As a teacher, your schedule is often dictated by others and it often leads to little to no private time. This is great in case of leaks or milk spills.

Wondering more about my process or need help thinking through your plan please reach out. Milk Stash does the calculations for you when you transfer breast milk from the freezer to the refrigerator. Prepare and present a reasonable plan, and hope for the cooperation of your fellow teachers and administration. With a teacher workforce thats overwhelmingly female, its no surprise that many of them are working moms. Certain states have more extensive laws protecting all breastfeeding employees. This plan limited the amount of time I was out of the classroom. During these times other teachers or staff members were free if I needed them to cover my class for a few minutes. Milk Stash also allows you to track how much milk you are producing during each pumping session. In fact, the more we talk about, the more comfortable people will become with the topic. Email or call ahead in the case of field trips or professional developments. Log in, How To Make a Speech Schedule: Tips For New SLPs, 4 Tips to Make the Most of Speech Therapy Time, 5 Tips to Make Cooking Remotely in Special Education Easy. To lay the groundwork you will need to figure a few key things out such as where and when you will pump. 4 Reasons Why Amazon Baby Registry Rocks! Youll want to find a place that you are not likely to be interrupted in.

The three of us at our grade level just worked it out so she could pump during recess and the other teacher and I would stay out with the kids during recess every day instead of taking turns.

361 0 obj <>stream You will find a system that works best for you, your baby, and your schedule. I teach middle school, Stephanie G. shares, so I was able to pump during my first planning, lunch, and during our last 30 minute study time. If breasting your baby is important to you and you want to pump at school Im proof it can work. Once you know what your rights (if any) are, start planning. The United States has made a concerted effort in recent years to make it easier for working moms to pump. having four total sets, so you can have two sets per day and not have to wash them each night. This saves time and ensures a clean set for each pumping session. What I pumped at work is what my daughter would use the next day. She's also done training and curriculum design for a financial institution and been a science museum educator. It worked perfectly.. But my daughter refused to drink from them (whomp, whomp). Fellow parents came to the rescue and suggested Dr. Brown Bottles and Anne finally started taking a bottle. That way you can see at a glance how long the milk will be safe to use. Ideal spaces would also have electrical outlets, a locking door, and a nearby sink for prep and cleanup. ), At the hospital, a nurse gave me cooling gel nursing pads and I naively thought I wouldnt need them. Make sure it is private. If you like having two pieces you can also buy extra sets of Medela breast shield connectors and pump shields. I would add an additional ice pack to the cooler. Remind yourself to go with the flow and that you have tomorrow as a day made fresh! Its possible that your school wont be willing (or able) to accommodate your requests. Pumping at school can feel like a crazy new world. New moms face special challenges when they return to work, especially if theyre breastfeeding. They had also already laid much of the groundwork with our building principal. I suggest having four total sets, so you can have two sets per day and not have to wash them each night. My sign said, Room in Use, Knock Before Entering., Pack an extra shirt or even a change of clothes. She currently lives in Tampa, Florida where she often works on her back porch while taking frequent breaks for bird-watching and gardening. A major bonus to using the Dr. Brown Bottles is that they work with the Medala pump parts. Win-Win! I found this to be true everywhere I went and needed to find a safe place to pump. When it comes to pumping at work there are definitely some must-have products. pumping besties The same is true as you get into the groove of pumping.

Or if youre like me and pump during lunch you may spill half a cup of yogurt on your shirt. The ability to adjust the size of the bra helps ensure a comfortable fit, especially at the beginning. First find out what your school is legally obligated to do for you. If you pump during class time youll need someone to cover your class and something for students to do independently. It has two pockets on the side for your pump and a big compartment on the inside. They showed me where I could pump, shared helpful tips and products, and encouraged me to stand up for my time to pump. in our WeAreTeachers Chat group on Facebook. This isnt always the best solution, though. For employees who qualify, their workplace must provide: Though your school may not legally be obligated to comply, these requests are a logical and reasonable place to begin. The app keeps track of the milks expiration date and changes it based on where you store the milk. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The international symbol for breastfeeding, often displayed on signs outside lactation rooms. %%EOF He was used to the routine and was willing to help make pumping at school work. Think about how often youll need to pump, and how those times might fit into your daily schedule. The first time [I pumped] my administrator just told me to use my classroom, but I shared it at times I needed to pump and it has 3 entrances which do not all lock, Gina explains. In the first few weeks of nursing, they were vital to my comfort. I used the Medela bottles to store my milk. I started out using Ziploc bags, but thesequicklygot smelly and were a pain to clean. Must-Have Breastfeeding and Pumping Products, A fabulous mom friend suggested having extra pump parts to. endstream endobj 332 0 obj <>/Metadata 32 0 R/Outlines 53 0 R/Pages 329 0 R/StructTreeRoot 58 0 R/Type/Catalog>> endobj 333 0 obj <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/Shading<>/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/StructParents 0/Tabs/S/Type/Page>> endobj 334 0 obj <>stream They can help protect your time and keep others from looking for you. Bear in mind that what youre doing is natural and healthy, and dont be afraid to talk about it openly. There is a cooler with an ice pack that fits in the bag along with pump parts. Log in, Back-to-School Breastfeeding: Pumping in Your Classroom, What to Eat & What to Avoid While Breastfeeding, Best Pumping Accessories for the Working Mama, http://www.ncsl.org/issues-research/health/breastfeeding-state-laws.aspx. It may be nursing and pumping and it may not be and that is ok. Once you know what youll need and have some general suggestions in mind, its time to talk to your administration and co-workers. Some women worry that expressing milk is too private or embarrassing to talk about with others, especially men. The app saves you time because you only have to enter the amount of milk produced once. Most women feed their babies or express milk every 2-3 hours. Unfortunately, for teachers these protections often dont apply. Ive found most people are willing to help make pumping at work possible. Even in the most supportive situations, it can be hard to provide classroom coverage, and since your school probably isnt legally required to accommodate you, youll need to rely on goodwill from time to time. By six months, over half of moms are still breast-feeding, and more than a third at one year. 331 0 obj <> endobj Related: 4 Reasons Why Amazon Baby Registry Rocks! Consider how your classroom obligations might be covered by others, and how you can make it easier for them. We have security cameras all over our school building and there are very few rooms without a camera. The Medela breast shields do come in different sizes which is great to find the best fit! A lock would also be super beneficial for your comfort and ability to relax. On top of the set that often comes with the breast pump find some great extra parts on Amazon.com. Photo credit: University of Maryland, Baltimore. This can make pumping at school feel overwhelming and impossible. If youre not sure about your rights, then ask. Clickhereto read my fulldisclosure policy. Keep your pump bag clean and transport dirty bottles back and forth with a wet-dry bag likeSkip Hops Waterproof Wet Dry Bag, Grab & Go. Do you have experience with pumping at school? 0 If you just experienced a sigh of dread, thena fan like this one will be a lifesaver.