A Guide On How To Handle Breast Pumping At Work For Moms

Jan 11, 2025

New moms have to face multiple challenges when balancing work responsibilities and the baby’s needs. While motherhood is a beautiful journey, returning to work can often make it complex for new moms, especially in the early stages. That's why at Bump2Cradle, we know how important it is for new moms to balance their work commitments with caring for their newborns. For moms who want to continue providing breast milk for their babies, pumping at work is the perfect solution.

In this guide, we’re covering all you need to know about breast pumping tips while at work, from preparation to storage, self-care, and advice from seasoned moms.

How To Prepare For Pumping At Work

  • Prepare To Pump At Work: Preparation is essential to making breast pumping at work go as smoothly as possible with as little stress as possible. Below are some essential tips you need to follow when planning to return to the office.


  • Talk To Your Employer: Let your employer know that you need to ensure breast pumping at work. Most workplaces are legally obligated to offer a private area (not a bathroom) and reasonable break time for breastfeeding moms.


  • Get to Know Your Pump: Make sure you’re familiar with your breast milk pump before your first day back at work. Practice putting it together and taking a part of it as well as using and cleaning it, to help you streamline the process once you're on the job.


  • Plan Your Pumping Schedule: Try to pump every 2-3 hours to mimic your baby’s feeding routine and establish your milk supply. For the average working mom, that means pumping twice or three times throughout a regular workday.


  • Pack the Essentials: Draw up a checklist of everything you’ve got to take. Potentially your breast pump and accessories like. 


  • Milk storage bags or bottles

  • A cooler bag with ice packs

  • A bottle of sanitizing wipes or a cleaning kit

  • A hands-free pumping bra

  • A shawl or covering for more privacy

  • Dress comfortably

If you pump at work, wear easy-to-button or lift clothes for more convenient breast pumping at work sessions. Nursing-friendly tops or dresses are perfect for many moms.

How To Pump Breast Milk While At Work

When you return to work with the plan to pump breast milk while at work, the only two things on your mind at that point would be consistency and comfort. Here’s how you can breastfeed in a working environment by pumping smart:

  • Find Your Space: Find your pump location at work. If you don’t already have one, consult with HR to make sure you have access to a private, sanitary and comfortable space.


  • Stick To Your Schedule: Add reminders to pump on a regular schedule. Absence from nursing sessions can lead to engorgement, pain, and decreased milk supply.


  • Relax And Focus On Your Baby: If you are able, looking at photos or videos of your baby may also help stimulate let-downs. Many moms also bring a piece of their baby’s clothes for that familiar smell.

Seeking Comfort While Pumping 

At first, pumping can feel weird, but choosing comfort with these breast pumping tips can make the experience smoother:

  • Wear A Hands-Free Bra: Wearing a hands-free bra will enable you to multitask and make pumping more efficient.

  • Use A Low Suction Setting: Begin the pumping process on a low suction setting and work up to a comfortable level.

  • Stay Hydrated: Ensure you are drinking a lot of water, as milk production requires fluid intake, so keep a bottle of water close.

  • Play Gentle Music: Playing mellow music or white noise helps add to a relaxing ambience.

How To Store Pumped Milk At Work — The Right Way

Learning how to properly store milk is important to keep it fresh and safe for your baby. Follow the tips given below to make sure you’re right on track with the process:

  • Use Clean Storage Containers: Store milk in bottles or milk storage bags made from BPA-free material. Write the date and time of pumping on each container.

  • Refrigerate or Use a Cooler: If there is a refrigerator, store your milk as soon as possible. Otherwise, use a cooler bag with ice packs to keep the milk at a safe temperature (below 39°F or 4°C).

  • Follow Storage Guidelines: Know that milk can remain fresh for around 24 hours inside a cooler. When you store milk in the fridge will last for 4 days. Make sure to freeze milk, if you don’t plan to use it within 4 days.

How To Wash Your Breast Pump At Work

Keep your pump clean between uses (expressing can be a messy affair, so cleaning is key) Here’s an efficient way to do it:

  • Rinse Immediately: After pumping, run warm tap water and rinse all milk-contact parts.


  • Use Sanitizing Wipes: After cleaning all the parts with warm water, sanitize parts thoroughly with wipes made for mom milk pumps.


  • Store Clean Parts Safely: Store cleaned pump parts in a clean, sealable bag or container so they’ll stay clean.


  • Sanitize Daily: At day’s end, sanitize all components with boiling water, a microwave steam bag or a sanitizing device.

Ways To Make Work Pumping More Comfortable

Pumping isn’t only a way to supply your baby with milk — breastfeeding in working mothers is also a time to take care of yourself. Here’s how you can make this process much easier for yourself.

  • Stay Nourished: Make sure to eat balanced meals and snacks regularly throughout the day to maintain energy levels and promote milk production.


  • Hydrate Well: You should be drinking a lot of water to stay appropriately hydrated; dehydration can cause your milk supply to decrease.


  • Take Short Breaks: Take mom milk pump sessions as an opportunity to relax. Listen to music, meditate or just take a few deep breaths to reset yourself.


Prioritize Comfort: If pumping is not comfortable, ensure that you have the right-size flange and/or check the suction settings on your pump.

Travelling For Work: How To Pump

Travelling for work makes breastfeeding in working mothers even more complicated, but it’s manageable with the right planning:

  • Plan Ahead: Look into pumping-friendly spots at your destination, like lactation rooms or private areas in airports.


  • Pack A Portable Pump: Opt for a small, battery-powered pump that will be easy to transport and use on the go.


  • Store Milk Safely: If you are travelling and need to figure out how to pack milk, bring a cooler bag with ice packs. If freezing isn’t viable, think locally: Donate expressed milk.


  • Stick to Your Routine: Even if it’s difficult, do your best to stick to your pumping schedule so you don’t become uncomfortable and can keep up your supply.

The Best Work Pumping Tips From Other Moms

This is where advice from experienced moms in the know can change everything. Here are some tested breast-pumping tips:

  • Be Kind To Yourself: Pumping at work is a steep learning curve. Be gracious with yourself and adapt your routine as necessary.


  • Plan For Supplies: Keep some extra pump parts and extra storage bags at work in case you forget something.


  • Advocate For Your Needs: If you’re continuing to struggle, don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and communicate with your employer about what you need.


  • Make The Most of Downtime: Bring a book, or podcast or work with you to your pumping sessions.


  • Reach Out To Other Moms: Consider joining a support group or connecting with an online community of breastfeeding and working mothers to share experiences and encourage.


Final Thoughts

Making breastfeeding work for working mothers takes commitment, planning and some trial and error. While it is certainly possible to combine pumping into the reality of a busy work schedule, a bit of insight and planning is what comes into the picture.

And at Bump2Cradle we’re here to support you through it all. From helping moms select the right online breast pump to provide practical tips for storage and self-care, we are on a mission to empower moms to succeed at breastfeeding.

Just a reminder that every drop of milk you pump is an expression of your love and dedication to your child. We hope you now feel confident and prepared to tackle pumping at work with this information!

With these tips and tricks, you can set up a positive and productive pumping routine that will make things better for you and your baby. Cheering you every step of the way, Proud to be part of your journey with Bump to Cradle.

FAQs on Handling Breast Pump at Work

How do working moms pump at work?

Working moms need to discuss with their employer and find a special room where they can pump at work. Besides that, you need to wear a hands-free pumping bra, bring a portable pump and schedule reminders to keep to your schedule.

How to maintain supply pumping at work?

Pump frequently almost after every 2-3 hours. Make sure to hydrate, consume adequate nutrients, and pump with proper suction to keep your milk supply up.

How often should a mom pump at work?

Most moms pump two to three times on an 8-hour workday to match their baby’s feeding schedule.

How to make pumping at work easy?

Make sure to carry your baby’s clothes with you. Sometimes the smell of your baby also makes it easier to pump at work. Additionally, keep the suction level extremely low at the beginning then work your way up to a comfortable level.

Where to store breast milk at work?

Store in labelled storage bags or bottles in a refrigerator or cooler bag with ice packs.

 

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