Workplace Support for Parents
Returning to work after having a baby can be a very stressful – we know! We’re here to help your transition go as smoothly as possible. Here’s how we help:
Classes
Breast Pump Basics
Free class is offered the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month at 11:30am-12:30pm. Class will go over breast pump information, as well as breast pump demonstrations. Mothers will also receive instruction on pumping strategies. In addition, pump demonstrations will be shown and mothers will also receive instruction on pumping strategies for the early weeks. This class lays the foundation for our Return to Work class (recommended to take a few weeks before returning to work). Think of this as Part II of our must-take prenatal classes. It is also very helpful to take again before returning to work, as a refresher. This class is intended to be taken after our Breastfeeding Basics Class and is taught by one of our experienced IBCLCs.
Pumping Strategies & Returning to Work
Free class is offered the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month at 12:45-2pm. We consider this class to be a great Part II to our Breast Pump Basics class. Mothers will discuss how to continue their breastfeeding relationship while working, as well as ways to maintain breastfeeding after you return to work. Advice will be given for breast milk collection, storage and feeding guidelines. The instructor is one of our experienced IBCLCs.
Prenatal and Postnatal Rights at Work
Free class offered the 1st Tuesday of every month at 1:00-1:30pm. As you are starting to experience, pregnancy, breastfeeding and raising a family will significantly impact your work life. Come and learn about your prenatal and postnatal rights in the workplace, including the right to take leave; the right to paid sick days; the right to accommodation; the right to be free from discrimination; and the right to breastfeed. Lawyers from First Shift Justice Project will provide you with a primer on the web of federal and local laws that protect these rights. They will also discuss how to be proactive by developing a strategy for planning your work and family life and communicating your needs to your employer to protect your rights.
Pumping & Return to Work Consults
Our lactation consultations are great for both new and experienced parents with newborns or older babies. The consultation includes a pre and post feeding weight check of the baby, observation of a breastfeeding session, examination of the mother’s breast, and examination of the baby’s mouth. Our experienced IBCLCs can help with any number of breastfeeding issues, including questions and concerns around returning to work. Return to work consultations could include an overview of pumping, discussion of scheduling pumping sessions, tips on how to use your pump most efficiently, advise on continuing your nursing relationship, how to deal with daycares, giving baby a bottle, and many other things!
Pump Rentals
Some of our clients choose to rent a hospital grade breast pump when they return to work. Reasons could range from really needing the more efficient machine to help boost supply, to reduce time spent pumping, or to simply wanting to ease the stress of having to bring a pump back and forth from work. We always have Medela Symphonies and Ameda Platinums in stock to rent same-day.
Breast Pump Parts
Forgetting pump parts at home happens… a lot! But don’t panic! We have all the spare parts for Medela, Ameda and Spectra brand pumps available in our shop. We sell complete sets of parts and also each part individually. Too busy to come to The Center to pick your parts up? We can courier them to your DC office in under an hour. Just give us a call at 202-293-5182.
Partners Who Can Help!
First Shift Justice Project
By educating and supporting working parents to assert their rights before they lose their jobs or their workplace stress becomes untenable, First Shift helps them safely maintain their employment, their health and their family commitments. Working parents who are empowered to proactively address work/family conflicts become a force for affecting this cultural change and creating work environments where employees and employers expect to have respectful, productive conversations about family caregiving and the overall well-being of families.
Mindful Return
Mindful Return is here to help guide you through your pregnancy, maternity leave, and return-to-work journey. Through the blog and e-course, you’ll find resources that will help you feel more informed, prepared, and calm at every stage.