Returning to work can feel like a big transition, but with some planning and preparation, you can successfully continue providing breast milk for your baby. This guide will help you prepare for pumping and returning to work, including tips for choosing the right pump, communicating with your employer, preparing your caregiver, and making the transition easier for both you and your baby.

Finding the Right Pump

There are many pumps available, each with different features and settings. Take time to practice using your pump before returning to work so you’re comfortable with how it works and how to clean and assemble it. Testing it ahead of time will help you feel more confident when it’s time to pump at work.

What to Consider When Choosing a Pump?

  • How often will you need to express milk?
  • Where will you be pumping?
  • Will you multitask and pump while working, or will you take breaks to pump?
  • Do you have access to an electrical outlet?
  • How portable and discreet do you need the pump to be?
  • If you’re unsure, you can compare breast pumps available through Aeroflow using our Comparison Chart to find the best option for your breastfeeding goals.

Pumping Essentials for Working Moms

Along with your pump, you’ll need a few essential supplies to make pumping at work easier and more efficient.

  • Pump bag (to carry everything in one place)
  • Pumping bra (for hands-free pumping)
  • Bottles (for collecting milk during pump sessions)
  • Breast milk storage bags or containers (for transferring or storing milk)
  • Milk storage cooler with ice packs (to keep your milk fresh while working or commuting)
  • Extra pump parts (so you don't have to wash in between pump sessions)
  • Spare pump parts (just in case something breaks or gets lost)
  • Cleaning supplies (wipes, brushes, or sterilizer bags)

Talking with Your Employer

Open and honest communication with your employer about pumping and returning to work is key to supporting your breastfeeding experience. Make sure to discuss your pumping needs and how your employer can support you.

Some Things You Might Want to Discuss with Your Employer:

  • How often you expect to need to pump
  • How long you will need to pump each day
  • Where you will pump
  • How you will store your milk
  • Flexibility in your pumping schedule

It's important to note that both state and federal laws protect breastfeeding employees who will be pumping and returning to work. These laws require most employers to provide reasonable time for pump breaks and a private place (other than a restroom) to pump. Open communication will help ensure that both you and your employer have clear expectations. If your job requires travel, consider reviewing guidelines for traveling while breastfeeding or pumping.

Preparing for Childcare, Pumping, and Returning to Work

It’s important to prepare your child care provider so they know how to handle and feed your baby breast milk. Help them meet your baby’s needs by providing detailed instructions on how much milk to offer, how to store milk safely, and how to handle bottles. Generally, you’ll want to plan for about 1 to 1.5 ounces of breast milk per hour that you are away from your baby. It’s also a good idea to provide extra stored milk in case of emergencies.

Be Sure Your Caregiver Understands These Important Things About Breastfed Babies:

  • It’s best to feed babies on cue, not by a rigid schedule.
  • Breastfed babies rarely take more than 4-5 ounces of milk per feeding.
  • Paced feeding is best practice for your breastfed baby's feedings, which helps mimic the breastfeeding experience and prevents overfeeding.

Introducing the Bottle

While there is no need to spend a lot of time pumping and bottle feeding during your maternity leave, especially if you will be off for several months or more, once breastfeeding is well established it may be a good time to introduce a bottle, as needed or desired.

Whenever your baby takes a bottle, make sure to pump at the same time so your milk supply stays in sync with their needs. While most babies transition to bottle feedings easily, others may need more practice, so remain patient and give yourself and baby plenty of time. 

After you’ve introduced a bottle, continuing to offer it a few times per week will help your baby stay familiar with taking it. If you decide to wait until closer to returning to work to start pumping and bottle feeding, try to give yourself and baby a few weeks to adjust to your new feeding routine.

Tips to Make Pumping and the Return to Work Easier for You and Baby:

  • Practice your morning routine: Try practicing your morning routine before your official return to work. This will help you feel more organized and confident when the time comes.
  • Trial run with your childcare provider: If possible, have a “trial day” with your caregiver or daycare center before your return. This will give you and your baby a chance to adjust to the new routine and get comfortable with their care.
  • Breastfeed during drop-off and pick-up: If your schedule allows, consider breastfeeding your baby when you drop them off and pick them up from daycare. This reduces the need for pumping and the number of bottles your baby needs.
  • Frequent breastfeeding when you're together: This helps maintain your bond and keeps your milk supply up.
  • Get support from your partner, family, and friends: Make sure to lean on your support network during this transition. Having help around the house, or emotional support from family and friends, can make all the difference as you balance work and breastfeeding.

Disclaimer: Our classes and accompanying materials are intended for general education purposes and should not replace medical evaluation or consultation. Please seek advice from your own healthcare providers for individualized recommendations.