Before returning to work I put a lot of thought into what I needed to continue on this breastfeeding journey. I had to learn how to pump at work including packing the perfect breast pumping bag for work! Here are the breastfeeding must-have items for working moms!
Post originally written in 2015; updated in 2022.
Pumping isn’t as pleasant as nursing, obviously, since you’re hooked up to what I like to call a Medieval torture device rather than your baby. But, it is a necessary activity to continue to provide milk for your baby, maintain supply (and avoid painful engorgement).
So how do you pump at work? Do you know how to store breast pump parts at work?
Here’s the breastfeeding mom’s pumping bag checklist for when you go back to work. Enjoy these “pump at work” tips!
Breast Milk Pumping Bag Checklist when Returning to Work
These are the pumping at work essentials!
- Breast pump and accessories. My workplace provides a hospital-grade pump, the Medela Symphony, so all I need are the attachments, breast shield flanges, and bottles. If this was not the case, I would have my Medela Pump In Style breast pump I got via insurance in the bag as well.
- Hands-free pumping bra. I used the Medela Easy Expression Hands-Free Bustier. It zips down the front and has holes so you can put the shields through it and attach to the rest of the pumping gear. Later I switched to the Beli Bea pumping bra so I didn’t have to change.
- Breast milk storage bottles. I take some home and bring some new breast milk storage bottles the next day, but I also have a few extra storage bottles in the bag.
- Cooler and ice packs. Someplace to store the pumped milk bottles and for safe transport home.
- Nipple butter. Because pumping isn’t gentle.
- Drink and snacks. Because you gotta stay hydrated and fed, right?
- Bottle brush and dish soap. You’ll need to clean your supplies. At least at the end of the day. You can store everything in the refrigerator if there’s room between pumping sessions.
- Entertainment. I have my phone and my kindle. It helps not to focus on what I’m doing. Sometimes I have to bring the laptop and keep working but I try not to.
- Connection to Baby. I can check in on Baby H on the nanny cam app on my phone and that helps with pumping. some people suggest bringing a photo, or you can even record the sound of your baby (crying/giggling/making noises) if that helps.
Pumping Bag Checklist for Work
How to store breast pump parts at work?
Tips on how to store pump parts at work
First and foremost, it really helps to have access to a refrigerator where you can store your breast milk and breast pump parts. I was super fortunate that my company had a nurse’s office with a fridge just for this purpose. They also had a cabinet where we could store our pumping bags and pumping at work supplies.
All the pump parts and accessories can be kept together in a pumping bag or basically a tote bag. I had a smaller bag that kept the specific pump parts that actually touched me or touched milk and between pumping sessions all that would go in the refrigerator with the pumped milk. At the end of the day, I would wash out the pump parts and store them, and take home my little cooler of pumped milk.
If you do not have a refrigerator, keeping a larger cooler on hand will be so helpful. That way you can store anything that has touched milk throughout the day without having to wash everything after each pumping session.
The rest of your pumping bag for work can remain in your desk at work, or you can carry everything home/store it in your car if you need to use it there as well.
What pump at work schedule should you follow?
What’s the best breastfeeding and pumping schedule for working mom?
How often should I pump at work? This is a delicate balance between what your work schedule allows, and how much milk you need to pump. It is usually recommended to pump every 3 hours. However, that is not usually realistic with a busy schedule full of meetings.
One way around this issue is to pump while you’re driving to/from work (multitasking FTW). Yes, it does sound awkward but a good cover should help.
Find time between busy schedules at work for your working mom pumping schedule. Maybe pump as soon as you arrive (especially if your morning commute is long) and before you get settled at your computer. It might mean pumping closer to the lunch hour, when there are no meetings scheduled, and pumping closer to the end of the day.
Three times during your workday would be ideal if you can fit it in. When do you pump at work?
You might also like learning about portable breast pumps you can use in the office.
More tips about pumping at work?
And if you want some additional support and a chance to get ready for pumping before you go back to work, check out this fantastic pumping class!
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Nancy says
This is really insightful post for working mom.. And that’s an extensive list up there . thanks for sharing
Julie says
Thanks Nancy!
Kim says
This is a great list! Makes me feel old. I don’t think there were kindles when I was nursing and definitely not cam apps. I did have picture in my little guy and that got me through it. I have gotten rid of most baby things (my youngest is 3), but my breast pump I keep. I am not in sure why…I guess I have some special connection with it.
Julie says
A photo is a great thing to have too, electronics aren’t that important 🙂 The pump is such an important seeming device. I don’t think I’d be able to get rid of it either. Maybe to share with a family member.
Fiona @ Free Range Chick says
It’s been a while since I was involved in the business of breastfeeding, but this looks to be a pretty comprehensive list. That’s impressive that your workplace provides a hospital-grade pump. Is this pretty standard these days, or do you just work at an amazing place?
#BrilliantBlogPosts
Julie says
I think I just have an amazing client because I don’t think it is standard. At least my own consulting firm doesn’t do this (or even have a nurse or anything like that in the building). So I’m thankful that I work out of the client’s office right now.
Jules Ruud says
Entertainment is so important. When I was working the pump room was a small, cold, and way too bright space. It was essential that I had something to read or watch. No way I would have made it through sessions without it. Great list.
Julie says
Ooh a cold room isn’t fun. Yes, something to read or watch to distract yourself from the discomforts is key – glad you had something to help with that as well 🙂
April says
I have pumped at work three times with three sweet babies. It is never easy. I think this post is great! Yay for working mom awareness!
Julie says
Thank you 🙂 Nope, not easy at all, but worth it anyway. Good for you keeping it up for each of your kids. That’s a lot of pumping lady 🙂
Tanya @ Mom's Small Victories says
Great tips for the nursing working mom! I always needed a few wet and a few dry paper towels to keep everything clean during pumping. Snacks and drinks were essential to me too! Thanks for sharing with Small Victories Sunday Linkup and hope you join us again this weekend! Pinning to our linkup board.
Julie says
Good point on the paper towels. I do use those as well, grab some from the break room stash.
Kelly @ Mum-bo-Jumbo says
I can’t believe I never knew about nipple butter! I tried pumping for a short time but couldn’t handle it. This probably would have helped! I also have to say I am very impressed with your workplace providing you with not only a designated pumping area but also a machine. That’s fantastic! Thanks for linking up at Mum-bo Monday
Julie says
It is amazing that this place provides pumps. I’ve not heard a company doing that before so I’m very thankful.
You Baby Me Mummy says
Very useful post. Thanks for linking up to #TheList (if you could add our badge/link back that would be great) x
Julie says
I have the badge on my linky party participation page 🙂
jennifer Abel says
Good to be organised for pumping. Thanks for sharing on #mum-bomonday
Brandyn says
It’s so nice that your company provides a pump! I’ve never heard of that happening! I never had much luck with pumping, but thankfully I was (and am) a stay at home mom so it wasn’t really all that necessary. I remember feeling sorry for the dairy cows during that time of my life! I definitely agree with the snacks and entertainment being absolute necessities!
Thank you for sharing with us at #MommyMeetupMondays!
Julie says
Ha! Yea, definitely have a new respect for the dairy cow.
Brandnewmom says
Oh don’t forget a magazine or tablet lol!
Julie says
Definitely! I use my phone and my kindle 🙂