Pumping at Work: Tips for keeping Your Supply Up (Without Stress)

 

Returning to work doesn't mean you have to stop breastfeeding. But it does mean you need a strategy. Pumping in a storage closet or bathroom is not okay (and often illegal).

Here is how to make it work.

1. Know Your Rights

In the US (and many other countries), employers are legally required to provide:

  • A private place that is not a bathroom.

  • Reasonable break time to pump for up to 1 year.

  • Action: Talk to HR before you return to ensure the room is ready.

2. The Gear You Need

  • Hands-Free Bra: This is non-negotiable. It allows you to type, eat, or scroll on your phone while pumping.

  • Extra Parts: Keep a spare set of valves and membranes in your desk. If a part breaks, you can't pump, and that is a disaster.

  • The "Fridge Hack": (Check with your doctor first). Instead of washing pump parts after every session, put them in a Ziploc bag and store them in the fridge. Wash them thoroughly once at home. This saves 20 minutes a day.

3. Block Your Calendar

Treat pumping sessions like client meetings. Mark them as "Busy" on your digital calendar so colleagues don't schedule over them. Consistency is key to maintaining supply.

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