A Mom’s Guide to Pumping At Work

Like most new moms, I had six weeks of maternity leave to bond with my baby. I loved every moment spent with my precious little girl. I was exclusively breastfeeding and only pumped when I felt engorged. Four weeks into maternity leave, I started freaking out because I knew that I would soon have to go back to work. How could I be away from my baby when she just got here?? On top of separation anxiety, I also wondered how I was going to continue to breastfeed and pump at work. So, like you, I turned to google. Through research and now experience, I have created a guide to pumping at work. This post is all about pumping at work! Sample pumping schedule, where to pump and how to communicate to your job.

Create a pumping schedule

A week or two before going back to work, start writing down when you normally breastfeed throughout the day. This will help you determine your pumping times to create a pumping schedule. Once you have your schedule, let your employer know the times you will be away from your post. This provides clear expectations for both you and your employer to plan around. As a teacher, this was helpful for my employer so they could provide classroom coverage for when I had to step away. The length of the pumping breaks depends on your needs. (I suggest 15-30 minutes long). Keep in mind you will need time to pump, store milk, and wash pumps parts. My advice is to schedule more breaks than you might need to provide flexibility. Here is an example of my work pumping schedule: 8:00 – 8:20; 10:00 – 10:20; 12:00 – 12:20; 2:00 – 2:20

Determine a pumping location

Providing a lactation space (not a bathroom) is a legal requirement for your employer. Before heading back to work, discuss options for space with your employer. Some workplaces may already have a designated nursing room while others may offer a storage closet. The pumping location space must have a place to sit, an outlet to plug in the pump, and a surface for the pump. I was lucky that my job had a room dedicated for nursing moms. It included a sink in the room! Not all employers have this. It would be beneficial to have the pumping location near a sink and refrigerator (unless you plan to bring your own). Here is a sample email to your employer:

Hello (employer),

As I prepare to return to work on (date), I have made the decision to continue breastfeeding. I am writing you to communicate my needs to accommodate my current pumping schedule and determine a pumping location. Is there currently a private location in the office where I can pump? I will need to use the location at the following times: 8:00 – 8:20, 10:00 – 10:20, 12:00 – 12:20, 2:00 – 2:20.

Thank you

Gather Materials

As you are preparing to return to work, you will need to start gathering and/or purchasing materials. Here is everything you will need:

1. A Pump – I recommend having a second pump you leave at work if you’re able.
2. Storage Bags
3. Wipes
4. Nipple cream
5. Nipple pads
6. Body deodorant (postpartum can bring on some new smells!)
7. A bottle cleaning brush (for pump parts)
8. Dish washing soap
9. A towel to set the pump parts on to dry
10. A fridge to store milk – (optional) I chose to have a mini-fridge in my classroom so my milk is separate from staff lunches but that is up to you!

Pump-Friendly Clothing

You’ll want to start by having a pumping bra. There are many options for pumping bras in stores and online. My personal favorite is the Kindred Braverly Bamboo Hands-Free Pumping. Kindred Braverly is a great brand for nursing moms! You will also want to have shirts that offer easy access such as zip-downs and button downs.

Final Remarks

– Pumping at work will be difficult to manage at first but I promise it will get easier as times passes. Give yourself a lot of grace as you navigate this difficult transition back to work.

– Stand firm in your boundaries. If someone tries to schedule something during your pumping breaks don’t be scared to say you are unavailable at that time. As a teacher, I found it hard to balance this at first. I was often faced with “just helping my student for a few more minutes” during my pumping breaks. Sometimes I would unintentionally skip pumping breaks. I had to remind myself that the amount of times I pumped determined my milk supply. Your baby’s needs always comes first!

– Be flexible. You might need to adjust your pumping times based on your baby’s feeding schedule. Or you someone else at your job might need the nursing room and you both have to decide a new schedule.

This post is a guide to pumping at work!

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