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Workplace Pumping Schedules and Tips: A Guide for Breastfeeding Mothers

Work routines for breastfeeding mothers should resemble their infant's normal feeding patterns. It's important to remember that you're entitled to a secluded area and breaks at your place of employment to express milk.

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4 min read
Work routine for breastfeeding mothers should follow infant's regular feeding pattern. Be aware of...
Work routine for breastfeeding mothers should follow infant's regular feeding pattern. Be aware of legal right to a secluded area and time off to express milk at the workplace.

Workplace Pumping Schedules and Tips: A Guide for Breastfeeding Mothers

Getting Through Pumping at Work: Your Ultimate Guide

Got your baby nursin' on breast milk and want to keep it that way even after returning to the grind? Let's dive into the questions that might be keeping you up at night:

  • How'll I pump at work?
  • How often should I pump?
  • How long should I pump?
  • And will this ever work out?

First things first, pumping at work ain't a piece of cake, but you got this. It all starts with planning according to lactation specialist Marie Lattarulo, RN, IBCLC.

"Going back to work after havin' a baby can bring a whole lot of anxiety and nerves," Lattarulo acknowledges. "Plannin' how you'll continue to provide breast milk for your baby is key to setting yourself up for success."

Lattarulo tackles the most common questions people have about pumping as they return to work.

The Perfect Pumping Schedule

How often you should pump during the workday depends on how often your baby feeds at home. So if your little one typically nurses or has a bottle of breast milk every three hours, plan your pumping times accordingly.

In case you were wondering, the actual time you feed and pump ain't all that important. What matters is stickin' to a pumpin' schedule that's in tune with baby's feedin' times.

Skipping pumpin' sessions can trigger your body to cut back on milk production, which ain't no good. Plus, pumpin' on baby's schedule helps your body to maintain the right amount of milk production.

The Ideal Pumpin' Spot

Pumpin' at work can make you feel mighty uneasy. That's normal, as it's new and can seem downright strange to empty your breasts at your place of business. But it's important to find a cozy spot when you pump.

"Make your space at work feel as relaxin' as possible," Lattarulo urges. "That's when your milk production will be best."

The Federal Fair Labor Standards Act requires employers to provide a private space for lactatin' moms to express milk for the first year of their child's life. And ya got the right to dictate your own pumpin' schedule. Keep in mind that a bathroom (even a private one) ain't a permitted location for your pumpin' space.

Ya Dream Pumpin' Spot would include:

  • A door that locks to keep out any unwanted visitors
  • A comfortable chair near electrical outlets to plug in your pump
  • A flat surface where the breast pump and other supplies can be placed

The Time it Takes to Pump

Pumpin' takes some time, and it can vary from person to person (just like each baby is different when it comes to fillin' up). And the pump you use makes a big difference.

As a general guide, plan each pumpin' session to take about 20 to 25 minutes. That should be plenty of time to get comfortable, pump your milk, and clean up. This assumes you're usin' a double electric breast pump.

What to Pack in Your Pumpin' Bag

Here's a list of what you'll want in your pumpin' bag:

  1. Breast pump and parts: This includes the right-sized flanges, valves, tubing, a power cord or battery, and membranes. Extra membranes can help 'cause they're easy to lose.
  2. Milk storage products: Your pump collects milk into bottles or bags. Bring two bottles or bags for each pumpin' session, lids for each bottle, dish soap, a cleanin' brush, a dish towel or drying rack, and a cooler with frozen ice packs.

Makin' the Most Out of Your Pumpin' Sessions

You might make more milk when you're feedin' baby at your breast than when you're pumpin', but a bit of mental trickery can help boost pumpin' performance when baby is away.

"Use your senses to trick your brain into thinkin' your baby is there," Lattarulo suggests. "Do this by watchin' a saved video of your child on your smartphone, gazin' at pictures of your adorable little one, or bringin' in a piece of your child's clothing or a blanket to smell."

"These serve as stimulations to help with milk flow," she continues. "They're signals to your mind and body about what needs to be done."

Breastfeedin' is a commitment, and preparin' to keep up with pumpin' when you return to work takes some time to get used to.

Remember, plan, communicate, and stick to your plan to make pumpin' at work a breeze. Keep pumpin', mama. Your baby needs you, and you got this.

  1. To maintain breast milk supply while returning to work, plan your pumping schedule according to your baby's feeding times, as suggested by lactation specialist Marie Lattarulo.
  2. When determining the ideal pumping spot, consider finding a cozy, relaxing space at work that is private, comfortable, and suitable for plugging in your breast pump.
  3. The time it takes to pump can vary from person to person, with a general guide of 20 to 25 minutes per session using a double electric breast pump.
  4. For effective pumping sessions, pack a breast pump and parts, milk storage products, and sensory items like a video or picture of your baby to help stimulate milk flow.
  5. Embrace parenting and workplace-wellness by focusing on fitness and exercise, nutrition, and science-backed practices to enhance the milk-producing process and make the most out of your pumping sessions.

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