Coffee, computer, breast pump: lart of surviving lat work

We thought that after giving birth lthe hardest part would be behind us. But then we went back to work.
Between the overflowing mailbox and the overflowing breasts, we quickly realized that "reconciling motherhood and career" is a high-level sport.

Spoiler: it can be done. Not always zen, not always fluid, but doable. With a little organization, you can even pump your milk between two calls Teams -or even during them- thanks to the new generation of nomad breast pumps like Lansinoh, Elvie or Perifit. Who'd have thought that the real revolution in telecommuting could be found in a connected bra? (I promise, we'll be doing an article on the best models in the near future).

1. First, we breathe: it's not a privilege, it's a right

Good news: breastfeeding at work isn't just an eco-friendly #instamom whim. It's a legal right. In Belgium, you're entitled to one hour a day (often in two 30-minute shifts) to breastfeed or express milk. Paid, please. Yes, paid, like a real job (because it is one).
So no, we're not "stealing time from lcompany", we're investing in the future taxpayer's health. A word of advice: print out the law, stick it on the office fridge or in the break room. Just for the pleasure of answering "it's legal" when someone makes a passive-aggressive remark.

2. Dairy commando logistics

First mission: find lplace to express milk. No, not the toilet. No, not the car in the parking lot (except for nuclear emergencies). L: an empty meeting room, your office with the door closed, or a converted room (in civilized companies). And sthere isn't one, improvise. After all, we've already given birth: nothing impresses us any more.

Second mission: timing. Two sessions a day is often enough. We fit it in between the morning meeting and the budget item. If someone asks why we disappear for thirty minutes, we can always answer "production system maintenance" or organize an imminent wet shirt contest.

Third mission: preservation. Milk keeps for 4 hours at room temperature, 3 days in the fridge and up to 6 months in the freezer. Yes, it sounds like a Tupperware tutorial, but the logistical rigor is real: set aside a small space in the lfridge, sinspiration from the ultra-equipped Indonesian couriers, or bet on a cooler bag if you're often on the road (Medela makes a perfect one, stacked to fit their bottles).

3. L: without it, we cry (and not just because of hormones)

We can't say it often enough: the right equipment is the key to successful breastfeeding. A breast pump should be chosen with as much care as a designer handbag. Quiet, efficient, portable. Because you don't want to look like a cow plugged into a vacuum cleaner while you're writing a report.

And for clothes, forget blouses that can't be opened with one hand. Switch to Milk Away. Their secret: pretty dresses, sweaters or hoodies, pants and, of course, their iconic tops and t-shirts that are comfortable and practical, with invisible openings so you can breastfeed without doing a full-fledged striptease. Their collection ticks all the boxes: sustainable, local, flattering (yes, even post-baby), and above all, designed by moms who know that "practical" doesn't mean "sloppy".
Basically: you can breastfeed at 10am, sign a contract at 11am, and go to lunch without looking lyou've just finished a marathon.

4. We talk about it (without blushing, without s)

Breastfeeding at work La bit like telecommuting: everyone thinks it's great in theory, but in practice it's a bit of a hindrance. So we talk about it. Simply. You explain to your boss or colleagues that you'll need regular breaks. You reassure them that you're not going to turn the meeting room into a maternity ward. And you add, with a smile: "I promise, I won't compete with the coffee machine." Because no, expressing milk at work isn't weird. What is weird is having to hide to feed a baby while shamelessly posting photos of lbrunches.

5. Before the start: ninja-style preparation

A few strategic moves (and a little survival checklist for returning to work while breastfeeding):

- Pump a little milk before starting work again, to build up a reserve (and test the beast).
- Introduce baby to his bottle in l, to avoid the "what the hell is that plastic thing for?" moment.
- Prepare snacks. Lmakes you hungry. And no one wants to see a hungry mother stuck in an HR meeting.
- Choose your clothes wisely. Spoiler: Milk Away = guaranteed serenity.
Especially if you add to lequation bra pads or, even better, a Kallisto Mama anti-leak bra.

And on the organizational side, a few essentials to check off before D-Day:

• Well-charged breast pump (because a forgotten cable means panic).
• Stock of ready-to-use milk at the nursery or at the baby-sitter's home.
• Bottle-feeding already accepted by the interested party.
• Cooler bag and storage or freezer bags for transport.
• An appropriate and practical outfit for pumping milk without acrobatics.
• A clear schedule, with drawing breaks planned as real meetings.
• Appropriate pads or supports, and even a spare outfit, just in case.

And above all: accept that not everything is perfect. There will be days with, days without, and probably a day when the breast pump stays at home (we call it an involuntary milk day).

6. The mind: our invisible superpower

Let's be honest: breastfeeding while working is the hardcore version of multitasking. You juggle deadlines and milk production, customer briefs and morning feeds. And sometimes, you just want to cry in the bathroom with a cookie. And that's okay, slumps are normal.

Every day we get there is a victory. Even if you forget a feed, even if you switch to mixed feeding, even if you stop earlier than planned. You don't "miss" breastfeeding. You do the best you can. And that "best" is worth (liquid) l.

And if, at any point, it's just too much, we ease off or stop everything gently, for everyone's well-being. Because a serene mom is always the best option.

7. Survival tips for lmilky elite

• Always carry nursing pads in your bag. Always.
• Slip on an emergency top at the office, because leaks never go unnoticed.
• Looking at a photo of baby during the print run: guaranteed boost (and rapid drop in cortisol).
• Schedule important meetings right after the draw, so as not to be distracted by the internal "psh-psh-psh" symphony.
• And above all: keep your sense of humor. It's the best remedy against milk stains and unsolicited comments.

8. In short: yes, you can do (almost) anything!

You can breastfeed, work, lstylish and not lose your sanity. Well, not every day. But often enough to make it worthwhile.
The secret? A good breast pump, an outfit Milk Awayoutfit, a fridge and a lot of self-mockery.

Because when it comes down to it, breastfeeding at work is like managing a project: it requires planning, resilience and sometimes... a miracle.

Moral of the day: we pump our milk, not write off our careers And when it all becomes too much, we remember this universal truth: milk passes, so do deadlines.

#milkawayapparel #inmumwetrust #wearewomum #teamwomum #postpartum #postpartumjourney #postpartumhero

Paz Dutari - Dupe