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I came across a really good article about returning to work – read more here: http://www.thebabycorner.com/page/2674/ and started reflecting about when I returned to work. It was a very nerve racking experience. Being away from the baby, pumping (aka lugging huge amounts of supplies), needing a lot more coordination both at work and at home to make sure I have everything each day. It was hard but it is doable with the right products and services.
Breastfeeding Mom’s Work Kit (If you are not breastfeeding, skip down to Working Mom’s Sanity Services)
- Hand Pump – they are not expensive, keep one at the office just in case you forget a piece or the whole electric pump at home
- Medela Double Pump (be sure to check with your insurance to see if its covered) – if buying used, always buy new parts (tubes too) Pumping Bra – I didn’t use one but I can totally see how comfy this would be!
- Milk Bottles ( I’ve taken the pump and forgotten the bottles on several occasions: hack – keep some Ziplocks at work and tape - in case you forget bottles to pump into)
- Small Cooler
- We have this one: http://amzn.to/2a26ibK
- Nipple Cream
- Photo of your baby! It helps milk production
- Breast pads – keep a stash at your desk as well
- Snacks! If your office doesn’t provide, bring snacks for pumping. Almonds, oatmeal, cereal bars, and coconut water really help. You can get them shipped to your office too to drag less
- Sanitizing Paci Wipes – I did not feel comfortable washing my pumping parts at work so I brought wipes – you can buy several types. I used the Medela wipes and Pacifier Wipes (whatever I had) - if you have space at work to wash, I used Dapple
- Buy two sets of Shields so you always have a clean set (if you are really pressed for time, get a gallon zip lock, put your used pump parts and put it in the fridge/freezer so that they are not collecting as much bacteria until you can wash them) - Make sure you get fitted correctly for the valve!
Working Mom’s Sanity Tools and Services:
- Nest Cam – our baby stayed home with a caretaker and before returning to work, we purchased several of these and watched (still do!) cameras all day. Nest cams are one of the best on the market. I love that you can zoom the in, hear audio well and set timers for them to turn on and off. You can also record for an extra fee.
- This is a great deal! http://amzn.to/2asd9kg
- Amazon Family/Prime – this was my true lifesaver. Everything that was time sensitive I subscribed to and was able to check to ensure we have enough (Diapers, Wipes, Diaper Cream, Medicine, Formula (when we needed supplementation), Pouches and Puffs (when we hit the solids stage). They also give you deeper discounts than others - for example, diapers are 20% off! fiIt really kept me sane. We never had time to go to the store between working full time and laundry, cleaning and other errands. Same day delivery means if we don’t have enough bottles, blankets, whatever else, it’s there faster than most other delivery services. I’ve found that Diapers.com and Walmart still can’t beat out most Amazon prices, and continue to use it.
- Food Delivery Service – if you can afford it. Do it, at least for the first 3 months until you get into a good groove. Yes, it is more expensive than a local store, but on par with Whole Foods/Trader Joe. Not to mention, everything is delivered to your door. We like Fresh direct but Amazon Fresh is starting to look promising. We ordered a lot of Heat and Eat types of dishes to avoid unhealthy pizza deliveries.
Whatever your reason for returning to work, stay strong, it does get easier with time. Let us know – what’s in your Mommy Workbag? What keeps you sane?
Sound-off: What do you think? Let us know below
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