Hey Mommas!
If you’re planning to exclusively breastfeed for a year, first of all, bless you. Second of all, I’m here to tell you: it takes real dedication. I mean the deep, real, “I’m doing this for my baby and for me” kind of commitment.
One of my friends gave birth the day after I did, and our lifestyles look completely different. She returned to her 9–5 just a few weeks postpartum while I worked from home as a creative freelancer. But one thing we had in common? We were both determined to make breastfeeding work. And guess what? We did. Different paths. Same mission. And let me tell you—neither of us had it easy.
The Mental Game: Why Mindset Matters
There were days I wanted to quit. Days when I said, “This is too much.” And let me be honest… it was too much. But the only reason I didn’t give up was because I kept coming back to my why. I wanted to breastfeed. I wanted to nourish my son from my body. I wanted to experience that bond.
Your mindset is everything. It doesn’t mean you won’t feel exhausted or frustrated. But if you lead with intention, it keeps you from making a permanent decision on a temporary feeling. Remind yourself: I want to do this. I will do this. Even on the hard days.
Tips for Breastfeeding While Working From Home
If you’re a stay-at-home mom or a remote-working momma, you’ve got some flexibility—but let’s not pretend it’s easy. It’s still a full-time job on top of your full-time job.
1. Hydrate like it’s your job.
Your milk is about 90% water. So if you’re not sipping throughout the day, your supply can take a hit. I kept a 40 oz. water bottle with me and refilled it at least 3 times a day. Bonus: coconut water or BodyArmor for extra electrolytes!
2. Embrace cluster feeding.
Especially during growth spurts (weeks 3, 6, 12), babies will feed more often to increase your supply. My baby would nurse every 30–45 minutes before bed during the first few months. It’s normal. Don’t panic—it doesn’t mean your milk isn’t enough.
3. Start building a freezer stash early.
Once nursing is well-established (usually around 4 weeks), begin pumping once a day—ideally after your morning feed when your supply is highest. Store it in breastmilk storage bags (lay flat in the freezer to save space!). This gives you options for date nights, work calls, or just catching a break.
4. Take your pump when leaving the house.
If you’ll be away for more than 2–3 hours, bring a wearable or portable pump. Skipping sessions can decrease your supply and cause painful engorgement.
5. Create a “nursing nook.”
A cozy setup with snacks, water, your phone charger, and a comfy pillow can make frequent feeds more manageable. I called mine the Momma throne.
Tips for Breastfeeding With a 9–5 Job
Shout out to my friend who’s been crushing it with pumping while working full-time. If you’re juggling a job and a pumping schedule, these tips are for you (and yes, I confirmed them with a real one in the field 👏🏾).
1. Stick to a schedule.
Pumping every 2–3 hours keeps your supply up. Set reminders on your phone and block out pumping breaks on your calendar—you have legal rights under the PUMP Act to pump at work in a private, non-bathroom space.
2. Nurse before and after work.
Start and end your day with a nursing session. It helps maintain your connection, encourages skin-to-skin bonding, and naturally boosts supply.
3. Create a mobile pumping kit.
Keep a stocked bag with:
- A portable pump
- Breastmilk storage bags
- Mini cooler + ice packs
- Nipple cream
- Extra pump parts (just in case!)
- Cleaning wipes or sterilizer bags
🛒 Amazon Pro Tip: Mini fridges for your desk can be under $50 and make your life so much easier.
4. Use the fridge hack.
Store pump parts in a sealed bag or container in the fridge between sessions to avoid washing every time. Just wash thoroughly once a day. (CDC-approved for up to 24 hours.)
5. Give yourself grace on tough days.
Missed a session? Don’t spiral. One off day won’t destroy your supply. Just get back on track as soon as you can and keep going.
💬 Final Thoughts
Every mom’s breastfeeding journey looks different. Whether you pump, nurse, supplement, or stop earlier than planned, you are still a good mom. Period.
For me, breastfeeding for a full year has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s always been worth it. I’ve learned to be flexible. To let go of perfection. To ask for help. To hydrate. To breathe. And to trust that my body and my baby were figuring it out together.
If you want to breastfeed for a year, you can. With the right mindset, support, and a whole lot of grace, you’ve got this, Momma.
📌 Quick Tips Recap:
For Work-from-Home Mommas:
- Hydrate constantly
- Start a freezer stash early
- Expect cluster feeding
- Take breaks, pump if away
- Build a comfy nursing space
For 9–5 Mommas:
- Stick to a pump schedule
- Nurse before/after work
- Keep a pumping go-bag
- Use the fridge hack
- Be gentle with yourself
You got this, and I’m cheering you on every step of the way!
Want to read more about my personal breastfeeding journey?
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