I am employed full time in an office setting. I am fortunate enough to have my own office. I am wondering what other moms did/do to make themselves more comfortable while working during pregnancy and also post pregnancy while pumping. My back is already killing me from sitting at my desk and I am only 6 months along and have only gained 13lbs so far! I try to make it a point to get up and walk every hour or two, but that isn't always possible. I also stay well hydrated. Any suggestions? Pillows, foot stools, etc?
Thanks moms!
I put a used box under my desk to put my feet up on, it was a lot nicer that way for me. Also having a comforatable chair is important. They make these swayback, back supporter that goes in a chair to support the back....or a firm pillow would work too. Lots of water and trying to get up for that walk is the best medicine I found to work. I only worked until my 8th month, but what you are doing now is what carried me through in my office.
I was working a field-based sales job during both of my pregnancies and driving up to 200 miles/day. My back would get so achy from being in the car and carrying lunch into Doctor's offices.
I found that putting a water bottle between my seat and my back helped put me in a better posture, and I was much more comfortable despite the muscle fatigue.
As for pumping......I had to do that in my car, too. You don't even want to know about that.
Good luck. Is it possible for you to use an exercise ball as your chair at work? Sounds crazy, but it naturally puts your pelvis in the proper position to alleviate a lot of the pressure (also great for when you're in labor).
Exercise balls, adjust the chair, and foot stool. Even if you can get up to go to the water fountain or bathroom, that's a good idea. Congrats :)
I am 34 weeks along and the 2 best things I have found are the Belly Band (found a good one at Motherhood) and I keep a foot stool under my desk. I have only gained 5 pounds so far and like you I stay very hydrated. I also try to get up at least every couple of hours to take a short walk around the office. The band I am using is great because it has a larger area in the back to help support, really helping my posture. It was around $30 btw. Well worth the price.
I had a small pillow for my lower back and we have a stability ball that floats around, so I sometimes use that for my feet or to sit on. I walk when I need to. I have a small fan on my desk because I am always too hot.
I pumped in our closet (I work in a shared office) with my manual pump twice a day. I made a door sign with a goofy cow picture that said "Occupied, please knock" for the door because we store a lot in there. There is a lot loosening up in there, so the discomfort will only increase. Try to sleep as comfortably as possible on your left side with a body pillow or an extra pillow--I found sleeping with one between my legs made my hips feel better in the morning. Enjoy!
I was on my feet all the time and bending over and i bought a maternity belt you can get at babys r us for like $20.00 dollars. IT gives your back support and it really help with the back pain i loved it:)
keeping your feet slightly elevated helps alot. I was in charge of shipping for a company when I was pregnant with my son, so I just used a empty box, and it really helped my back.
I didn't have a desk job with my pregnancy, but I was a barista. So I was on my feet 8hrs a day / 40hrs a week.
But for you I'd say foot stools, get up and walk around to keep your blood pumping etc.
Drink lots of water. pillow for back support,
what about one of those big exercise balls. I work in an office to and never did use one, but there are a fair amount of people where i work that do use them and love them. That may help eliminate some of the back pain at least. Plus since you do have your own office you could just shut the door while pumping. Then you can relax more and just open it back up when you are done. Congrats!!!
