How to Balance Life With Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a beautiful and rewarding experience for many new mothers, but it can also be overwhelming. Balancing the demands of your career, household responsibilities, and your infant’s feeding schedule can leave you feeling torn. However, with the right strategies and tools, it's possible to manage breastfeeding while still maintaining your personal and professional life without sacrificing your well-being. Here are some helpful tips to help you balance life and breastfeeding more efficiently.

How Often Should Moms Pump at Work

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how many pumping sessions you need during a workday to maximize milk production. However, the more often you breastfeed or pump, the more milk your body will produce. As a working mom, it’s important to create a pumping schedule that works for both you and your baby.

If you're returning to work after maternity leave, your employer is legally obligated to provide you with a clean, private space where you can pump. You should also have access to a refrigerator or other safe storage options for your breast milk. Having an open conversation with your employer before you return to work can help ensure that all necessary arrangements are made, making your transition back to work smoother.

How to Increase Breast Milk Production

If you're looking to boost your milk supply, an electric breast pump can be an excellent tool. The KISSBOBO GLE10, for example, is a portable, lightweight pump that weighs just 0.485 lbs. It effectively stimulates your breasts and mimics the natural rhythm of your baby’s feeding, helping to increase milk production. By pumping regularly alongside breastfeeding, you can encourage your body to produce more milk.

Tips for Freezing and Storing Breast Milk

Many moms find that pumping and storing breast milk provides extra flexibility. Here are a few tips for freezing and storing breast milk safely:

Tighten Bottle Caps After Freezing: Wait until your milk is fully frozen before tightening the bottle caps to prevent leaks.
Leave Room for Expansion: Breast milk expands as it freezes, so don’t fill storage containers to the brim. Leave about an inch of space at the top.
Store Milk in the Back of the Freezer: For the most stable temperature, store your milk in the back of the freezer, away from the door where the temperature fluctuates.

Tips for Thawing and Warming Milk

Once you’ve frozen your milk, it’s important to thaw and warm it safely. Here are a few tips:

Use the Oldest Milk First: Always use the oldest stored milk first to ensure freshness and avoid waste.
Thaw in the Refrigerator: Thaw frozen milk in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing milk in hot water or using the microwave, as this can cause the milk to heat unevenly or even destroy some of the nutrients.
Warm Milk Gently: To warm your milk, place the container in a bowl of warm water or use a bottle warmer. Always test the temperature before feeding your baby. Milk should be lukewarm, not hot. A few drops on your wrist should feel comfortably warm.
Use Milk Within 24 Hours: Once breast milk has been thawed, it should be used within 24 hours. Never refreeze thawed milk.

Nutrition for Busy Moms

Balancing breastfeeding with your daily responsibilities can often leave you feeling like there’s no time for self-care, especially when it comes to nutrition. However, eating well is essential for maintaining your energy levels and supporting your milk supply.

Tip: Keep healthy snacks readily available. Cut-up fruits, vegetables with hummus, cheese and crackers, or a quick smoothie can help you stay nourished while you breastfeed or pump. Don’t forget to stay hydrated by preparing a cup of tea, water, or a refreshing beverage to enjoy during your sessions.

Rest and Recovery

Rest is vital for new mothers, but it’s often the first thing to be neglected. While breastfeeding, you may find yourself awake throughout the night, which can lead to fatigue and physical stress. But remember: your body is recovering from childbirth, and sleep is essential for both physical and mental health.

Tip: Whenever possible, try to rest when your baby is napping. Short naps (15-20 minutes) can help rejuvenate you, but avoid long naps that might disrupt your nighttime sleep. Prioritizing rest can also help prevent postpartum depression, which can be exacerbated by lack of sleep.

Hands-Free Breast Pumping for Convenience

For busy moms, hands-free breast pumps are a game-changer. These pumps allow you to express milk while still being able to move around, take care of other tasks, and even work while pumping. The portability and high efficiency of a hands-free pump make it ideal for mothers who need to maximize their time.

With a hands-free pump, you can:

Pump discreetly at home, work, or even while out and about.
Save time by multitasking—whether you're responding to emails, working, or enjoying a bit of self-care.
Avoid being tethered to a chair, giving you the flexibility to stay productive and efficient throughout the day.

No More Torn Between Life and Breastfeeding! Tips for Busy Moms