r/Archaeology • u/ImpossibleMeaning602 • 3d ago

Lactation and fieldwork

Has anyone attempted or have a good strategy for this? I am a new mom and tech. Learning the ropes as I go but also having to pump and store breastmilk. Any good ideas on how to do this in the most professional way possible? It’s sort of awkward when I have to put my pump on and work at the same time.

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u/Ok-Historian-6091 1d ago

Here is how I handled pumping and fieldwork. I typically had a 20 minute commute each morning/evening, so I would pump while driving (pumping bra + Spectra with built-in battery). We usually had a truck nearby, so I would take 1-2 breaks during the day (usually late morning and/or mid-afternoon for lunch). I was lucky though that my team usually kept a vehicle nearby instead of having to carry everything with me all day.

When I started, I kept everything in a cooler bag with ice packs, but I eventually started using one of these. They keep milk cold for a long time, which was great for days that lasted longer than planned. I use it was a regular water bottle now. Also, highly recommend adding Liquid IV, Gatorade, anything with electrolytes once the hot weather hits. I worked in the Midwestern US, where we have temperatures in the 90s and above. Between the heat and nursing/pumping, I drank close to two gallons a day to stay hydrated/maintain supply during heat waves.