Discover tips and tools for breastfeeding moms pumping at work. Learn about the best breast pumps, pumping schedules, and workplace accommodations to make breastfeeding smoother.
Returning to work after spending time at home with your baby can feel overwhelming. You’ve just spent the last few months bonding with your newborn, got adjusted to a new routine and finally got things under control. Now the time is up and you have to adjust to this idea where you will be separated from your baby, trust another person to take care of them and feel like you might miss out on important milestones. I feel you, momma, it is not easy and all these feelings are completely normal. You are not alone. This is another step in life where you are now considered a working mom. Transitioning to being a working mom can be intimidating, but with some organization and planning, you can make the process smoother.
Let’s discover some helpful tips and ideas to balance breastfeeding, pumping at work and your job smoothly.
Make it Work For You
1. Open Communication with Your Employer about your intention to Pump at work
Speak to your boss about your intentions of pumping at work before your return. Discuss your plans for breastfeeding upon your return to work, addressing concerns or needs you may have. A supportive work environment starts with clear communication. Expressing at work has become more common in recent years and many workplaces have accommodated new moms.
2. Establish a Pumping at Work Routine: Consistency is Key
If you plan to continue breastfeeding while working, establish a consistent expressing at work routine. Set-up expressing breaks at the same time every day as this will mimic feeds. Coordinate your pumping schedule with your work hours to maintain a steady milk supply and ensure you have enough milk for your baby.
3. Create a Comfortable Pumping Space: Advocate for Your Needs
Speak to your boss about having access to an empty office or lounge area to have a comfortable and private pumping space at your workplace. A dedicated area with a comfortable chair, power outlet, and privacy can significantly enhance your expressing experience and make it more conducive to maintaining a breastfeeding routine.
4. Build a Support System: Connect with Other Moms
Connect with other breastfeeding moms at your workplace or in your community. Share experiences, tips, and support. Building a network of like-minded individuals can be a source of encouragement and understanding as you experience the challenges of balancing breastfeeding and work.
5. Plan Ahead: Organize Your Daily Schedule
Planning is crucial when it comes to balancing breastfeeding and work. Organize your daily schedule to accommodate both your work responsibilities and your commitment to providing breast milk for your baby. Prioritize tasks and allocate time for pumping breaks.
6. Invest in a Reliable Breast Pump: Quality Matters
Investing in a high-quality breast pump can make a significant difference in milk output. You want to ensure you get maximum amount of milk so that your supply doesn’t drop. Choose a pump that is good for your needs and allows for efficient and comfortable expressing sessions.
7. Utilize Breaks Mindfully: Incorporate Self-Care
While expressing at work, take the opportunity to practice self-care. Use this time to relax, listen to soothing music, or catch up on a favorite book. Incorporating moments of self-care can make the pumping experience more enjoyable. If you’re having trouble getting enough milk, look at pictures of your baby as this triggers your hormones to produce milk.
8. Integrate Breastfeeding into Your Routine: Blend Roles
Continue to breastfeed your baby when you’re not at work. Incorporating breastfeeding into your daily routine ensures a strong bond with your baby but also allows you to meet their nutritional needs while fulfilling your professional commitments.
9. Be Flexible and Patient: Adapt to Changes
Flexibility is key when balancing breastfeeding and work. there may be pumps in the road or unforeseeable events that may throw you off. Be patient with yourself and adaptable to changes in your routine. Remember to ask for help, support will ensure you can continue to succeed.
10. Cherish the Moments: Celebrate the Connection
Juggling breastfeeding and expressing at work can be tough, but it’s worth it. With these tips and support, you can manage both your job and breastfeeding smoothly, making it a rewarding journey. You are a strong momma, be proud of yourself.
Which breast pump is most convenient for pumping at work?
Choosing the best breast pump for work depends on several factors such as your personal preferences, budget, and your specific needs. Here are some popular options that many breastfeeding mothers find convenient for use at work:
Medela Pump in Style: This is a highly popular choice among working mothers. It’s a double electric breast pump designed for frequent use. It’s known for its efficiency, portability, and discreetness.
Spectra S1 or S2: Spectra pumps are known for their quiet operation and effectiveness. They offer adjustable settings and a closed system to prevent contamination. The S1 model comes with a built-in rechargeable battery, making it convenient for use at work.
Elvie Pump: Elvie is a wearable, hands-free breast pump that fits inside your bra, allowing you to pump discreetly while working. It’s silent, compact, and easy to use, making it a great option for working mothers who need to pump on the go.
Momcozy Breast Pump: Momcozy offers a range of electric breast pumps known for their efficiency and comfort. With adjustable suction levels and a compact design, Momcozy pumps are suitable for expressing at work.
Ameda Mya: Ameda Mya is a portable, hospital-strength breast pump that is lightweight and compact. It offers customizable settings and a closed system design for hygiene and ease of use.
When choosing a breast pump for work, consider factors such as portability, noise level, battery life (if you need to pump without access to an outlet), ease of cleaning, and compatibility with your breast pump accessories.
What Your Routine Consists Of
Creating a pumping schedule that works for you while at work is important for maintaining your milk supply and ensuring your comfort and efficiency. Here’s a general guideline for a pumping schedule at work:
Frequency: Aim to pump as often as your baby would typically feed when you’re away. Most breastfeeding mothers pump every 2-3 hours during an 8-hour workday. So, you might pump 2-3 times during an 8-hour shift.
Timing: Schedule your pumping sessions around your work breaks or lunchtime. Try to pump at the same times each day to help your body adjust to the schedule.
Duration: Each pumping session typically lasts around 15-20 minutes, but this can vary from person to person. Pump until your breasts feel empty or until the milk flow slows down significantly.
Preparation: Before returning to work, practice pumping at home to get comfortable with your breast pump and to gauge how long each session takes. Make sure you have all your pumping supplies (bottles, pump parts, storage bags) organized and ready to go.
Setting: Find a comfortable and private place to pump at work. Many workplaces provide lactation rooms or designated pumping areas. If such a space is not available, you may need to request accommodations or find a private space, like a conference room or office, where you can pump without interruptions.
Communication: Inform your employer or supervisor about your pumping needs and discuss any accommodations you may require. This could include flexible break times or a private space to pump.
Storage: After each pumping session, label and store your breast milk properly in a cooler bag or refrigerator until you can transfer it to a refrigerator or freezer at home.
Relaxation: Try to relax during pumping sessions by practicing deep breathing or listening to calming music. Stress can affect milk production, so creating a calm environment can help stimulate let-down.
Remember, every mother and baby is different, so feel free to adjust your pumping schedule based on your needs and comfort level. It may take some trial and error to find the right routine that works best for you while at work.
Essential Supplies for Pumping at Work: Your Complete Checklist
Here’s a comprehensive list of supplies you might need for expressing at work:
- Breast pump (electric or manual)
- Pumping bra or hands-free pumping bra
- Breast milk storage bags or containers
- Cooler bag with ice packs for storing expressed milk
- Pump parts (flanges, valves, membranes)
- Extra tubing (if applicable)
- Nursing pads (disposable or reusable)
- Cleaning supplies (bottle brush, dish soap, drying rack)
- Wipes for quick cleanups
- Breastfeeding cover or shawl (optional for privacy)
- Comfortable chair or cushion
- Timer or smartphone app to track sessions
- Snacks and water for refueling during breaks
- Portable charger or extra batteries for electric pump (if applicable)
- Breastfeeding log or notebook to track output and schedule
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
I really love the mom content
I have the spectra 1 I think?! Like how they are 🙂
This is awesome, connecting with other moms is definitely a good thing to do. This will help other moms.