Yes, you can use a breast pump at work or while traveling. Many mothers find it essential to continue providing breast milk for their babies even when they're not at home. A breast pump is a mechanical device that breastfeeding parents use to express breast milk from their breasts. It mimics the action of a nursing baby, allowing working mom pumping to maintain their milk supply and provide nourishment for their child. Pumping at work or pumping while traveling requires planning and preparation, but it's entirely achievable with the right equipment and knowledge of your rights as a breastfeeding mom.

Pumping at work or while traveling offers the benefit of continuing to provide your baby with breast milk, known for its nutritional and immunological advantages. It also helps maintain your milk supply and prevent discomfort from engorgement. The main applications include expressing milk during work hours, during commutes, or while on business trips. The key components of a breast pump typically include a flange or breast shield, a collection bottle, a motor, and tubing.

How to prepare to pump at work

Returning to work doesn't have to mean the end of your breastfeeding journey. With preparation, pumping at work can be manageable. Here's how to prepare:

Buy a pump

Invest in a quality breast pump. Consider a double electric breast pump for efficiency. Check if your insurance covers a breast pump, as many plans are required to provide one. There are various options for pumps, including Portable Breast Pumps, Hospital Grade Breast Pumps, and Wearable Breast Pumps.

Practice at home

Get used to your pump before your first day back at work. Start pumping a few weeks beforehand to get comfortable and understand how it works. This will also help you build a freezer stash.

Introduce a bottle, if you haven't already

If your baby isn't already taking a bottle, introduce one a few weeks before returning to work. This will help them adjust to being fed by someone other than you and from a bottle instead of the breast.

Make a plan

Discuss your pumping needs with your employer. Understand your rights regarding pumping breaks and a private space to pump. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), including the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act ("PUMP Act"), requires employers to provide reasonable break time and a private place (other than a bathroom) for breastfeeding mothers to pump.

Build a freezer stash

Start building a freezer stash of breast milk weeks or months before returning to work. Pump after nursing sessions or at other times when you have extra milk.

Ease into what's new

Allow yourself time to adjust to the new routine of pumping at work. Don't expect to be perfect right away. It takes time to find what works best for you and your baby.

Prepare your child care provider

Communicate your baby's feeding routine and preferences to your daycare provider. Provide them with enough breast milk and clear instructions on how to feed your baby.

How to pump breast milk at work

Once you've prepared, here's how to successfully pump breast milk at work:

Make a schedule

Create a work pumping schedule that aligns with your baby's feeding schedule. Aim to pump every 3-4 hours to maintain your milk supply and prevent engorgement.

Have a good pumping spot

Ensure you have a private, comfortable, and clean space to pump. A dedicated work pumping room is ideal, but a private office or conference room can also work. Make sure the space has an electrical outlet, a comfortable chair, and a table.

Go for empty

Pump until your breasts feel empty. This will help stimulate milk production and ensure you're removing enough milk to maintain your supply and demand. Pumping sessions typically last 15-20 minutes, but this can vary from person to person.

Get things flowing

If you're having trouble with letdown, try relaxation techniques. Look at pictures or videos of your baby, listen to calming music, or use a warm compress.

Stay hydrated and well-nourished

Drink plenty of water and eat healthy snacks throughout the day. Staying hydrated and well-nourished is essential for maintaining your milk supply.

Create a schedule if you work at home

Even if you work from home, creating a breast pumping schedule is crucial. Coordinate with your caregiver to ensure you have uninterrupted time to pump.

How to store pumped milk at work

Proper storage of breast milk is crucial to ensure its safety for your baby. Store your milk in a refrigerator or an insulated cooler bag with ice packs. Label each container with the date and time the milk was expressed. Breast milk can be stored at room temperature (up to 77°F) for up to 4 hours, in a cooler with ice packs for up to 24 hours, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and in the freezer for 6-12 months.

Cleaning your breast pump at work

Cleaning your breast pump parts after each use is essential to prevent bacterial growth. Ideally, wash all pump parts that come into contact with breast milk with soap and hot water. If you don't have access to a sink, use Pump Cleaning Wipes or steam clean the parts in a microwave steam bag.

Taking care of yourself while pumping at work

Remember to prioritize self-care. Pumping at work can be demanding, so make sure you're getting enough rest, eating well, and managing stress. Don't hesitate to ask for help from your partner, family, or friends.

Pumping when you travel for work / Pumping On-the-Go While Travelling

Traveling for work while breastfeeding requires extra planning, but it's definitely possible.

Pack your pump and equipment / Essentials You'll Need to Pack

Breast Pump

Don't forget your breast pump, power adapter, and any necessary accessories like extra flanges, valves, and tubing. Consider bringing a manual pump as a backup.

Charging the Pump

Ensure you have the correct adapter for charging the breast pump, especially if traveling internationally. A car adapter can be useful for pumping during commutes.

Storing and Freezing the Milk

Pack Breast Milk Storage Bags, a cooler bag, and ice packs for storing your expressed milk.

For Yourself

Bring nursing-friendly tops, a nursing cover, and a Hands-Free Pumping Bra.

Cleaning Accessories

Pack Pump Cleaning Wipes or Breast Pump Sanitizers for cleaning your pump parts on the go.

Miscellaneous

Bring a permanent marker for labeling milk bags, packing tape to seal cooler bags, and a letter from your doctor stating your need to pump.

Bring enough supplies

Pack extra storage bags, ice packs, and cleaning supplies. It's always better to be overprepared.

Plan for less-than-ideal pumping locations

Be prepared to pump in less-than-ideal locations like airplane bathrooms or airport lactation pods. A nursing cover can provide extra privacy.

Be in the know about storage

Know the guidelines for storing breast milk at room temperature, in a cooler, and in the refrigerator.

Bringing Your Breast Pump Onboard

Inform the check-in counter that you're bringing a breast pump. Have a letter from your OB-GYN stating the reason for carrying a pump.

Cleaning Your Breast Pump Parts

Use Quick Clean Wipes to clean bottles, adapters, and shields on-the-go. In the hotel, you can sterilize the pump accessories with Microwave Disinfecting Bags.

Tips for pumping at work from moms

Here are some tips from other mothers who have successfully pumped at work:

Think of baby

My letdown came more quickly and fruitfully when I hooked myself up to the pump first, then put one of my baby's recently used swaddle blankets up to my nose to sniff while pumping.

Stock up on nursing bras

When I travel or have outside meetings, I wear a pumping or nursing bra all day and have a large scarf or nursing cover in case I need to pump in a car.

Go for a cloth diaper bag

I use a fabric cloth diaper bag to keep my pump parts in the fridge between pumps. It's subtle and not as wasteful as a plastic baggy.

Buy a mini fridge

If you exclusively pump, [buy a mini fridge for] a compact, inexpensive way to store milk. It holds four Muminity bags and two flanges.

Double up

Have spares of everything at the office, including a bra, power cord and extra pump if you can swing it even if it's just a manual one.

Don't forget the car charger

I always recommend that friends get the car charger attachment for their pump. It came in handy on many a road trip and lunch breaks for me.

What Our Community Is Talking About

Many online communities and forums discuss the challenges and successes of pumping at work. Share your experiences and connect with other breastfeeding parents for support and advice.

Breast Pumping While Driving

For mothers who drive frequently, breast pumping while driving can be a convenient option. However, safety is paramount.

The Safe Way to Breast Pump While Driving

Here are some tips for safely breast pumping while driving:

Only Use an Electric Breast Pump

A manual pump requires both hands, making it unsafe for driving.

Put Your Hands-Free Pumping Bra On Before You Start Driving

It’s easier to put on a Hands-Free Pumping Bra before you start driving.

Place the Pump on the Passenger’s Seat

You’ll need the pump to be close enough that the tubes will reach you, but it’s best not to have the pump sitting on your lap.

Put Your Seat Belt On Before You Hook Up Your Pump

Make sure your seat belt is on BEFORE you hook yourself up to the bottles.

Don’t Adjust Your Pump While Driving

Try not to fiddle with the pump at all while you’re driving so you can remain focused on the road.

Keep Your Cup Holders Empty

When you’re finished pumping, you’ll need a place to put the bottles down without spilling them, so make sure your cup holders aren’t filled.

Get a Car Adapter

You’ll get stronger suction and better results if you have your pump plugged directly into your car’s electric outlet.

Bring a Cooler

Bringing a cooler with ice packs along is a must if you’re going to pumping on the go.

Pumping While Parked

When you’re pumping in a parking lot, a lot of the same advice goes as what we’ve suggested for pumping while driving.

Use a Breast Pump With Battery Power

It’s best to use a breast pump that can run on battery power, rather than one that you plug into your car’s electrical outlet.

Wear a Nursing Cover

If you’re planning on sitting in a parking lot while you pump, then wearing a nursing cover is probably best.

Bring Your Lunch

Try to hit two birds with one stone by eating your lunch in your car while you pump.

Conclusion

Pumping at work or pumping while traveling is achievable with the right preparation, equipment, and knowledge of your rights. By planning ahead, creating a work pumping schedule, and prioritizing self-care, you can successfully continue providing breast milk for your baby while balancing your work or travel commitments. Remember to pack your essentials, including a breast pump, storage bags, and cleaning supplies. With a little planning, discreet pumping work becomes a reality.

FAQs

Is it legal to pump at work?

Yes, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), including the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act ("PUMP Act"), requires employers to provide reasonable break time and a private space (other than a bathroom) for breastfeeding mothers to pump.

How often should I pump at work?

Aim to pump every 3-4 hours to maintain your milk supply and prevent engorgement.

How long can breast milk be stored at room temperature?

Breast milk can be stored at room temperature (up to 77°F) for up to 4 hours.

Can I bring breast milk on a plane?

Yes, in the U.S., pumping moms are allowed to travel with breast pumps and breast milk.

What should I do if my employer doesn't provide a private space to pump?

Discuss your rights with your employer and, if necessary, contact your HR representative or a lactation consultant.