National Breastfeeding Awareness Month

by Ruth Merle-Doyle, Work/Life Program Manager 

“It’s a labor of love.” During National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, this phrase comes to mind for all breast/chest feeding caregivers, especially those who pump during their workday. In addition to professionally supporting those who pump or express milk at work, I also have the lived experience of juggling pumping and my career.

Being a new parent often feels like navigating uncharted waters with unforeseen physical challenges (shallow latches or plugged milk ducts - ouch!), the emotional toll of being away from your little one, and the newness of establishing a pumping routine. It can feel like a second job while at your regular job – thus, a labor of love.

Andrea Ippolito, Senior Lecturer in the College of Engineering and founder of Simplifed, also knows the work it takes to be a pumping parent with a full time job. As a parent of three children (ages 5, 2, and 8 weeks), Ippolito shares, “The first year after your baby is born is full of constant adjustments and learning curves. One of the biggest changes in your life may be returning to work once parental leave is up.”

Taking little steps during your pregnancy and parental leave to care for your future self can increase your longer-term success with pumping.

1.       Get lactation support before your little one arrives. “A key thing is getting prenatal baby feeding support. This might sound counterintuitive, but having a plan and setting expectations for baby feeding is oh-so-important,” shares Ippolito. “For instance, I didn’t realize that milk doesn't come in for 3-5 days after your baby is born, so for my first kiddo, I thought I was failing when I wasn’t. It is your right under federal law to get access to insurance-covered baby feeding support starting during pregnancy.” Learn about Cornell insurance coverage for breast/chest feeding supplies and counseling.

2.       Strategize your pumping plan before you return to work. You likely had a birth plan prior to the arrival of your new addition, and organizing your pumping plan is similar. Know the Cornell Time Away from Work policy for lactation accommodation and your rights as a pumping parent through NYS and the federal government. Also, be familiar with the lactation room nearest your work area. These rooms are overseen by various departments/buildings across campus. If you need direction finding a space or have feedback about an established lactation room, please email worklife@cornell.edu. Work/Life will respond to questions and partner with you and the department/building to address concerns. Consider the breaks from work you may need and even try a dress rehearsal at home. Practice your predicted commute, setting up your equipment, pumping/expressing, cleaning up, and your predicted commute back to work. All that time should be considered as part of the break time you will need for each session.

3.       Start a conversation with your people leader about your predicted needs. Remember that you are starting a new routine that will evolve, so be generous and flexible with yourself and communicate your needs with your people leader. Pumping frequency and duration will likely be higher at first, then begin to change as your baby grows and their milk needs shift.

4.       Schedule your pumping time for the coming weeks. Your pumping sessions should be scheduled on your work calendar, however it is not necessary to broadly share with people (other than your supervisor) what the time is for. Your sessions are important time commitments. If you begin to pump less often than needed during a workday, your brain signals your body to produce less milk, leading to a diminished supply. Protect your schedule and protect your supply to the best of your ability. Work/Life consults with employees and supervisors about scheduling, time away, and potential work impacts, so please reach out if you have any concerns.

5.       Create routines and helpful systems. Set phone reminders to retrieve your milk before you head home, and to get your supplies ready at home for the next day. Have an extra set of bottles or bags, valves, phalanges, and batteries/adapter for when items are forgotten, lost, or break. Prepare your clothes in advance, possibly choosing layers and dark colors that can improve ease and comfort. Carry absorbent pads with you in case an unexpected let down occurs. Since it takes calories to produce milk, pack snacks to keep your milk supply healthy. Be kind to your feet by having supportive and comfortable footwear available for the extra back and forth and quiet moments for a short walk.

The work of the pumping parent can be a heavy load. We can all support pumping Cornellians by offering support, acknowledgement, and compassion. Pumping will not be something a person does for the entirety of their career. However, it is an important moment that is connected to the health of your colleague and their child. Remember that their scheduled pumping breaks may not be very flexible due to their body’s current needs, and that breaks are not a time to multi-task.

Reach out to the Work/Life team for more information, to provide feedback, or share your pumping journey. We value your insights and experiences.

Happy Breastfeeding Awareness Month!