Going back to work is HARD. There is so much to navigate, and so much advice out there you can feel like you don't know which way is up, and which way is down! Thankfully, we've got you covered with info you need for Successful Pumping, and the Back to Work advice that will not only set you up for success, but give you a REAL plan to get through and do so successfully. 

The good news is, with these tips and hacks from REAL breastfeeding moms, pumping at work is about to get a whole lot easier! Here are the top tips from our Successful Breastfeeding Veterans taken from our poll in the Successful Breastfeeding Community. 

Are you new here? Welcome!
Check out my other popular Back to Work Blogs: 
 Top 7 Tips for Successful Breastfeeding Back at Work
Hands on Pumping to Increase Your Output!
How to Pace Feed Your Breastfed Baby

Make sure you also grab our Milk Storage FREEBIE: ​

Have you ever heard that breastfeeding shouldn't hurt? 
Well, it shouldn't! It should be comfortable, but it isn't always at first for everyone.  Almost every breastfeeding mom reports nipple pain in the beginning of breastfeeding. That being said, just because it is common DOES NOT mean it is normal!!! Breastfeeding is not meant to hurt. Pain is a sign that something isn't right, and almost always, that something is baby's positioning is off.

Getting your baby to latch without pain can be tricky! Their mouths are so little, there's not much room for error.
​The good news is, getting a comfortable latch is about 90% positioning! 

​Watch this video to see exactly how your baby should be aligned on your body, and how you should bring them onto the breast to get a latch that is comfortable!!!

Are you still having a hard time?
That's ok! It's hard to get the hang of breastfeeding in the early days for most moms. Luckily you can get support, at home, from an expert!!! Get in touch with me now, to get in home breastfeeding support no matter where you live! (SERIOUSLY!)

Welcome to my latest obsession. These Bars are sooooooo yummy, really fast and easy to make, and made with one of my favorite flavor combos- peanut butter and banana!!! There's also some healthy, "milk boosting" ingredients disguised in this treat, and it's still so good you can have it as dessert! (Especially if you drizzle a little chocolate over the top!) Even my kids loved this.

You've been dreaming about the day your baby is born, and holding him in your arms. You've probably also been dreaming about breastfeeding. At the very least you thought breastfeeding would come naturally. Breastfeeding is supposed to be natural, after all, right?

Well, unfortunately, what is natural doesn't always come natural to us. There are many hurdles that can interfere with breastfeeding. Birth interventions, separation after birth, premature delivery, or traumatic birth are just a few circumstances that would cause a baby not to latch at the breast. Sometimes, without any obvious reasons, baby will struggle to come onto the breast too. The BEST thing you can do is seek expert lactation support (which you can find here) and follow the advice in the video below!

One question I am often asked is how long are you supposed to breastfeed??? Well, the answer is simple. There is no right or wrong length of time to nurse your baby. There are expert recommendations. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends nursing to the age of 1 year and beyond. The World Health Organization recommends nursing until the age of 2 years and beyond! So, even our experts can't agree!

​I happen to have my own opinion on the subject. I even made a video about it which you can check out below. The simple answer is- IT'S COMPLETELY UP TO YOU! Breastfeeding is a relationship, and it takes two for this relationship to work. So no matter who decides it's time to stop, mom or baby, then that is the right time for that specific dyad. There are many reasons a mother may want to wean, and for some, weaning when baby is still very young is the healthiest option for both involved. No matter when, or why, when you're ready to wean you'll need to know how! So, I have put this guide together for YOU momma. So when it's time for your breastfeeding journey to come to an end, you'll know how to get through it. 

OMG. Chocolate. Do I really need to say more? I looooove chocolate. It is a weakness. Especially dark chocolate. What I love even more is the excuse to have my chocolate fix disguised as a healthy treat!! These chocolate oatmeal lactation cups are so good, good for you, and have ingredients some people believe to promote milk supply as well. Let's not forget about the chocolate, which I swear by as a magic, milk flowing, miracle treat. Here's why:

One of my favorite tips for pumping moms is to associate pumping time with something pleasurable, like eating chocolate, and there is a good reason for it! When you are feeling anxious, your body tenses (including your nipples!) and when your nipples are tense, it can hold back your milk. If you can relax, and enjoy something while pumping, your body will relax, your nipples will relax, and your milk will flow!!! (This is actually the reason why eating Oreos is associated with higher milk output. The Oreos don't do anything at all to increase your milk supply, but they give you something yummy to focus on while you're pumping, and it let's the stress melt away and your milk flow! I actually plan to write more on this topic later.)

by Kelly Maher, CLC, CLE
​Successful Breastfeeding Expert

Virtually anyone can breastfeed! All you really need is the right knowledge, and support!
Here is some of that knowledge, and some of my best tips I share with my clients! 

One of the most common complaints among new nursing moms is that their baby is ALWAYS NURSING! They feel like a 24/7 milk factory, and find that their baby isn't happy unless on the breast. While it's true that there is never a wrong time to offer the breast, and I do FULLY ENCOURAGE you to nurse your baby often (at least 8 times every 24 hours!) there are likely times when your baby is trying to tell you that they ACTUALLY NEED SOMETHING ELSE.

Who doesn't love a fast and easy, delicious, make ahead breakfast you can eat from all week long??? I wouldn't eat if I didn't make most of meals in advance, and I love, LOVE! these baked oatmeal cups. They are hearty, filling, TASTY, and have just enough sweetness to curb my sugar craving. I eat these for breakfast on the go, or for a quick snack in the afternoon. With whole grains, protein, nuts (and even some "milk boosting" ingredients) these Baked Oatmeal Cups help me keep my energy during busy mornings, and days packed with Breastfeeding Support Sessions!

I am so excited to share one of my most favorite, and healthy, breastfeeding friendly foods! After you make them, comment below with your thoughts!! I'd love to hear from you. 

When you are pumping, especially at work, time is everything! Nobody wants to be attached to a pump any longer than they need to be. With this hands on pumping technique, you'll be able to cut down on the amount of time you spend attached to your breast pump!