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For African moms in the diaspora, balancing breastfeeding and remote work can feel like trying to eat fufu with chopsticks – awkward, and messy, but somehow, you make it work.
You’re in the middle of a Zoom call when suddenly, your little one starts wailing for a feeding. Do you mute yourself and hope your colleagues don’t notice the baby latched onto your breast, or do you risk a milk leak while trying to finish your presentation?
Creating Your Breastfeeding and Remote Work Oasis
First up, carve out a space that screams “milk production meets productivity.” Find a quiet corner – maybe that spot between the plantain stand and the bookshelf? Set up a comfy chair; think less plastic okrika and a more padded throne. You’ll be spending hours here, so comfort is key.
Invest in a nursing pillow – the “My Brest Friend” is popular, but any firm pillow will do. Position your laptop on an adjustable stand (a stack of Chinua Achebe novels works in a pinch) to avoid neck strain during those marathon Zoom calls.
Don’t forget the essentials: a large water bottle (at least 1 liter), healthy snacks like roasted groundnuts or dried mango, and a small cooler for expressed milk. 
The Medela Freestyle breast pump is a game-changer for its portability, but any double electric pump will do. And for the love of fufu, get a hands-free pumping bra – the Simple Wishes brand is a lifesaver.
Timing is Everything: Syncing Breasts and Deadlines
Balancing breastfeeding and remote work is all about strategic scheduling. Use apps like Baby Connect to track your baby’s feeding patterns.
Then, align your work schedule accordingly. For instance, if your little one typically naps from 10 AM to noon, that’s your power hour for focused work or important calls.
For video meetings, try to time them right after a feed when your baby is content. If you’re presenting, consider recording your part in advance – tools like Loom are great for this.
And always, always have a backup plan. Maybe your partner or a family member can be on standby to take the baby if a crucial call coincides with feeding time.
Tech Tools: Your Digital Village
When it comes to breastfeeding and remote work, the right tech can be your digital village. Noise-canceling headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM4 are a godsend for drowning out background noises during calls.
A smartwatch, such as the Apple Watch or Fitbit Versa, can give you discreet notifications without constantly checking your phone.
For work organization, tools like Trello or Asana help you manage tasks efficiently. And don’t underestimate the power of a good old-fashioned to-do list app like Todoist. When you’re sleep-deprived and milk-brained, having your tasks laid out is a lifesaver.
Wardrobe Hacks for the Breastfeeding Professional
Dressing for breastfeeding and remote work success requires strategy. Invest in nursing-friendly tops with easy access.
Brands like Latched Mama or Seraphine offer stylish options that don’t scream “I have a baby attached to me 24/7.” Dark colors are your friend – they hide milk stains better than jollof rice hides vegetables.
For video calls, keep a nice blazer or colorful head wrap nearby for quick professionalism. And always have a muslin cloth handy for unexpected spit-ups or leaks. Trust me, you don’t want to explain to your boss why there’s a wet patch on your shirt mid-presentation.
Communication: Honesty is the Best Policy
When it comes to breastfeeding and remote work, clear communication is crucial. Have an honest chat with your supervisor about your situation. Many companies now have policies supporting breastfeeding mothers, so don’t be shy about asking for what you need.
Be specific about your needs. Maybe you require more frequent, shorter breaks for pumping, or perhaps you need to block out certain times for feeding.
Use phrases like, “I’m committed to delivering high-quality work while also meeting my baby’s needs. Can we discuss how to make this work for everyone?”
Self-Care: Fueling the Milk Factory
Balancing breastfeeding and remote work can drain you faster than a hungry newborn empties a breast. Prioritize self-care to keep your milk supply and productivity flowing.
Hydrate like your life depends on it – aim for at least 3 liters of water daily. Snack on galactagogues (milk-boosting foods) like oatmeal, fenugreek tea, or domoda (Gambian peanut stew).
Take micro-breaks throughout the day. Try the 5-5-5 rule: 5 minutes of deep breathing, 5 minutes of stretching, and 5 minutes of mindfulness. Apps like Headspace or Calm can guide you through quick meditation sessions.
Conclusion: How Mothers Can Balance Breastfeeding and Remote Work
Remember, juggling breastfeeding and remote work is no small feat. You’re sustaining a human life while contributing to your family’s livelihood. That’s superhero territory!
So the next time you’re on a call with milk stains on your shirt and a baby on your lap, give yourself a pat on the back.
You’re not just working from home; you’re running a small human being and a career simultaneously. Now that’s what we call a milk-lion dollar business!
READ: Cultivating Healthy Breastfeeding Habits: What Works
Imagine this: It’s 3 AM, you’re running on two hours of sleep, your hair hasn’t seen a comb in days, and you’re trying to maneuver a squirming, hungry baby onto your breast.
Welcome to the glamorous life of a breastfeeding mama! Click here.
