Some links to products on this site are affiliate links. Affiliate links are links that provide me with a small commission if you choose to purchase from the link. I only recommend products I personally use and love! You can read my full affiliate disclaimer here.
I want to share my tips for pumping at work and the pumps I have used.
When I had my daughter back in 2011, I actually used a manual pump at work! I was pretty poor and didn’t want to risk messing up my double electric pump that I had at home so I just brought the manual I received from the hospital to use. I usually only worked 5-7 hours so I usually only needed to pump one time. Plus, I didn’t really have a designated room to pump at so I never knew if I would have a plug-in or not. Sometimes I even pumped in my car or in the bathroom (gross, I know).
Fast forward to 2021 and I’m returning to work after Elliott. I know my pumping rights (no more bathroom for me) and I know I’m supposed to have a private room to pump in if my workplace has more than 50 employees. However, a “private room” doesn’t mean a “designated pumping only room” so sometimes that might mean using someone else’s office temporarily or using a closet or some other room you can get a little privacy for the duration. With that, and just being at work in general, you want to pump and clean your pumps in the quickest and most effective way possible. Here are my best tips for pumping at work.
Know How to Use Your Pump
Every pump I have used is a little different so I highly recommend using the pump at home a few times before even going back to work. Even better, pump on one side while nursing your baby on the other side to help your body get used to the pump and it will help with letdowns. I prefer using this bra when nursing and pumping with a traditional pump at the same time. It’s thinner so it’s easier to have half of it down and the other half holding up the pump.
Have the Right Supplies
You’ll need some soap and washcloths to clean your pump. I wash my pump in a separate basin specifically for the pump parts only. If you’re able to leave things at work, I recommend having an extra drying stand to leave; it just makes things so much easier.
Extra Pump Parts
Ideally, your pump parts should be completely dry before reassembling. If you’re going to pump more than once at work, having an extra set to allow the pump to air dry is great. Also, having an extra set (or two) would allow you to just rinse them off after use and then wash them all at once at home, saving you time at work.
Proper Clothes
I love Kindred Bravely pumping bras and tanks for just pumping. They are thick and can support the weight of the pump and nearly full bottles (on the occasions I would produce that much at a time). I have used the Sublime Pumping and Nursing Bra and the Sublime Pumping and Nursing Tank to wear with a traditional pump. I use the Kindred Bravely Sublime Seamless & Wireless Nursing Bra with a wearable pump (and just in general). The band is supportive enough to hold the weight of the pumps with the milk. They are pretty pricey but definitely worth every penny. I also recommend bringing a jacket or cardigan to wear as well so you’re not cold.
Pumping Time
The longer you pump, doesn’t always mean you will get significantly more milk. I usually get the most milk within the first 10 minutes of pumping so I usually limit my actual pumping to about 15 minutes. It’s also better to break away for a quick 5-10 minute session versus skipping and pumping longer next time. The more often you remove milk, the more your body will produce it. I try to pump three times during a 12 hour shift and twice during an 8 hour shift. My first pump is about 3-4 hours after my baby last nursed (or when I got our of bed if I wasn’t sure what time exactly they nursed last) then every 3-4 hours after that first pump session.
My Pumps
With Elliott, I used the Medela Sonata at home for the most part. It has a rechargeable battery so you don’t have to stay connected to the wall while pumping. I love the settings to increase and decrease suction the most. I feel like it has a gentler initial than other pumps.
I had the Medela Pump In Style that I brought to work when I pumped for Elliott. I got this pump free with insurance through AeroFlow and you may qualify too! This pump is much smaller and lighter than my other. It has the option to use a portable battery pack with it as well but I always just used an outlet with it. The settings aren’t as custom as the Sonata but it still gets the job done.
When I started working in the ER again, I bought the Willow® Pump. Very pricey but worth every penny. It is an adjustment to get your body used to this pump versus others due to the way its suction is designed. It took me several attempts to get the positioning just right and to get my body used to it. I recommend trying it out several times before relying on it to get enough milk out. Once you get the hang of it though, you’ll never want to use another pump! Make sure you have the correct size for your nipples as well. I had to get inserts to ensure the correct fit. The disposable bags can get expensive so I bought the reusable containers as well. The containers are a little more difficult to clean so when we were busy, I would just use the bags so I could quickly pump, clean, and get back to work.
Now with Elise, I have been using the Medela Freestyle Hands-Free Wearable Pump at work. It’s lighter to wear in my bra because the pump motor is separate from the flanges and collection cups. I do think it is a little bit louder than the Willow though. I normally just put the pump motor in my scrub pants pocket and it doesn’t tend to weigh them down much. My milk output has been about the same between the two pumps.
I hope these tips for pumping at work have helped. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments or send me a message!
