Successful Pumping at Work

Before Coming Back to Work

• Preferably, try to have a fully automatic electric pump with a double collection kit so that you can save time by pumping both breasts at the same time.

• If you are particularly self conscious about pumping at work, check out the latest pumps as there are some which come disguised as briefcases or large purses.

• Get used to pumping at home before returning to work so to be more confident since you will know what to expect and how it feels.

During Work Hours

• Ideally, you will have access to a private room at work where you can pump, such as an unused office or conference room, or even a large, clean closet with a chair, countertop and electrical outlet. If your pump comes with a battery option, an electrical outlet will not be necessary.

• Try to find a room with a door that locks so that you won’t have to worry about your privacy being intruded.

• If all these options are not available, ask the building manager or human resources staff for suggestions, and enlist the support of a co-worker or supervisor if necessary.

• To maximize your milk flow, try to pump at the same time and place each day.

• Do not worry if your milk supply fluctuates. It is natural if your milk supply varies daily since there are many factors that affect your milk supply.

• Stress and fatigue are your biggest enemies. So, try to relax, eat well and drink plenty of water while at work.

Storing Milk

• Always bring along glass or plastic bottles or plastic milk collection bags to store the milk.

• Leave room at the top of each bottle or bag for expansion if you will be freezing the milk.

• Label the bottles and/or bags with your name and the date so you can use the oldest ones first.

• If you do not have access to a refrigerator to keep the milk cold until you get home, remember to bring along a small cooler with an ice pack if your commute is longer than 30 minutes.

• If you like more reassurance, do keep a stash of breast milk in the freezer at home.

Prevention of Leakage

• During the first week or two that you are back at work, your breasts will probably feel very full at feeding times and may leak milk.

• One way to prevent that is to pump regularly: morning break, lunch break, afternoon break, etc.

• Breast pads are wonderful clothes protectors from leakage stains.

• Alternatively, look for the new self-adhesive silicone pads (called LilyPadz) that prevent your breasts from leaking in the first place!