Where’s the weirdest place you’ve pumped? Some new moms resort to pumping in the toilet, the car, the boss’ office, the changing rooms at the Gap when they return to work after maternity leave or FMLA.

In the third and last post of this series on  preparing for maternity leave, guest blogger Liz O’Donnell talks about the importance of identifying a good place to pump before you go out on maternity leave:

Talking, working and nursing a baby

After my son was born, I pumped in an electrical closet full of spiders. I pumped milk for my daughter in a co-ed bathroom that my office shared with the accountants down the hall. I was convinced pre-baby that I would not breastfeed, but ended up breast-feeding exclusively.

When I returned to work, I was too tired and too nervous about keeping my job to demand better accommodations.

I know several women who pumped in their cars in the parking lot at work because their companies did not help them find a private place. Even if you think you won’t use it, tell your HR director you will need a place to pump before you leave. Again, if you don’t need it, no big deal.

Once you finally deliver your baby and are on leave, should you keep in touch with the office?

Yes – eventually. Maternity leave is a time for you to recover, to nurture a new life, and to spend time with your child. Take the time to do that. However, understand that work continues with or without you.

Do make yourself available to answer questions from the team, if you are uniquely qualified to answer them. If your coworkers are respectful of your time, then it shouldn’t be a big deal to respond to the occasional question. If they start to infringe on your private life, speak to HR or to your manager.

In the final weeks before you return, it is prudent to check in. Get caught up on key projects and clients. Read any important memos and industry journals. You want to return ready to work. Equally important, rehearse your pre-work routine and commute.

Pre-baby I spent my mornings reading business news over a leisurely cup of coffee and then walking down the street to catch a train. Post-baby I pumped milk, packed two meals, diapered, fed and dressed my child, drove four miles to daycare, checked in with my children’s caretakers and drove to the commuter train station, all before 8:00 a.m. It took practice and several run-throughs to work out the kinks.

Life will never return to normal post-baby, but work will. Working mothers function as effectively as they did pre-baby. Just remember to give yourself some transition time to get accustomed to your new life and your competing priorities.

Read Liz’s other great post on how moms to be can prepare for their working lives after the baby is born.

Liz O’Donnell is a freelance writer who writes about women, work, family and fashion. Read more from Liz at www.HelloLadies.com.

Read Part one of her series on preparing for maternity leave. She discusses finding out what you are entitled to as family leave, FMLA, etc. In part two on banking good will.