Maternity leave flies by when you’re soaking up snuggles with your new baby. As going back to work quickly approaches you’ll need to start thinking about how you will be pumping at work. A lot of people choose to use wearable pumps so they don’t have to take a break. But did you know it is the law for you to get a pump break? See here for the laws on pumping breaks for breastfeeding mothers. You’ll need more than just your breast pump to pump at work! As a mom of 3 and postpartum nurse here is the BACK TO WORK PUMPING ESSENTIALS CHECKLIST I recommend to everyone!
If you aren’t sure what you need to pack as you go back to work so you can pump at work continue reading. SAVE this blog post on Pinterest so you can come back to it and make sure you have everything you’ll need!
DISCLAIMER: there are affiliate links in this blog post which means if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you I can make a commission. As an Amazon associate, I make commissions off of qualifying purchases.
DISCLAIMER: This is not medical advice. I may be a nurse, but I am not your nurse and am not offering any kind of medical advice. Please consult with your providers, nurses, or lactation consultants for your medical advice.
If you are a breastfeeding mom or planning on breastfeeding when your baby is born check out these blog posts:
- 8 Breastfeeding Positions all New Moms Should Know
- 7 Skin to Skin Benefits You Need to Know
- Breastfeeding Essentials for New Moms That You Can’t Live Without
Back to Work Pumping Essentials
This comprehensive list of pumping essentials are all items I would never go to work without. I keep them in my pump bag to make my pumping life easier.
Pump Bag
You’ll want to invest in a pump-specific bag. It depends on your needs and style what kind of bag you’ll want to get. I have a backpack because it’s a long walk into work from the parking lot and great pumps can get heavy. I used to have a one shoulder pump bag that I loved, it just got very heavy very quickly!
Cooler
You’ll need a cooler to keep your breastmilk stored in. No, this isn’t a cooler like you’d take to the beach. Just a small cooler bag or lunch box big enough for a few bottles of breastmilk.
I have this exact cooler bag and love it! I put my lunch up top and my breastmilk and bottles in the bottom. It fits 6 bottles!
Breast Pump and Charger
This may seem like the most obvious thing to add to your back-to-work pumping essentials checklist. There are so many different types of pumps available to you. I love a double electric pump as my main breast pump to pump with. There are also wearable pumps and portable pumps, but they typically don’t empty you as well as pumps you plug into the wall.
*Before purchasing a breast pump speak with your insurance company to confirm if they will cover a breast pump for you. You can use a website like aeroflow breast pumps.*
Here are a few of my favorites:
- Spectra Synergy Gold– this is my ultimate favorite. You can change the suction strength on each breast individually. The only downside is it has to be plugged into the wall.
- Spectra S1– this is the breast pump I take to work with me every day. It’s rechargeable so I can charge it at night and not stress about being next to an outlet.
Wearable Breast Pump Options
- eufy S1 (& pro)- this has become my most used wearable pump. There is a heating component to help with milk flow, which I find so useful when pumping at work or on the go. I have the S1, but if you get the S1 pro it comes with a charging case!
- *This pump was gifted to me by eufy in exchange for an Instagram reel & Instagram stories. I added this pump to this blog post because after using it I love it. A blog post was not a requirement, but I do want to be upfront with you about this pump*
- Willow– I have a willow and responded well to it! The great thing is the milk bags make it leakproof so you can bend down and do anything while pumping.
*remember the law requires you to get a reasonable pump break. Don’t get pressured into getting a wearable pump so you can keep working while pumping*
Don’t forget to bring your charger! Even if your pump is rechargeable and you may not need it, it’s always better to have it and not need it than to not be able to pump.
Bottles
You will need bottles to pump your milk in. I typically bring six bottles to work, I don’t always use every one but I like to have extras in case anything happens.
When using the spectra you can use the Maymom storage bottles from Amazon. They fit the flanges perfectly and aren’t too expensive! Medela has storage bottles that fit their pumps as well.
Pump Parts
It’s important to remember to bring all of your pump parts to work each day. If you forget one or some then you won’t be able to pump. If you’re working in an office 5 days a week it’s smart to purchase a pump parts kit you can keep stored at work.
Breast Milk Storage Bags and Marker
To save bottles and have fewer dishes to wash I like to pour my milk into storage bags. That way when I get home I can put the storage bags right in the freezer. My favorite storage bags are the medela storage bags. You can buy them on Amazon, I typically do a subscription for the bags so I never run out.
I bring a marker to go ahead and label each bag that way I don’t have to remember to do it after a long day of work.
Microwave Sterilizing Bag
I love the Medela sterilizing bags to have on hand at work! You don’t have to sterilize your pump parts after each session, but accidents happen. Sometimes I drop a pump piece on the floor or in the sink, so I then wash the parts and sterilize them so they’re clean when I pump next.
I feel like having cleaning supplies on hand in case of an accident like that makes me feel much better. The sterilizing bag is very lightweight and doesn’t take up much room in your pump bag!
Medela Quick Clean Wipes
These are something I like to keep on hand anytime I’m pumping outside of the house. A lot of people use the fridge hack where you put your pump parts in the fridge in between pumping sessions, but I don’t. The CDC doesn’t recommend it, if possible due to the potential for bacteria growth. Read the CDC stance on the fridge hack and how to do it safely here. So I wipe down my pump parts with these cleaning wipes after each session.
A lactation consultant I spoke with regarding donating milk recommended also placing my pump parts in the fridge after cleaning with the medela quick clean wipes since it isn’t soap and water. Please consult with an IBCLC to confirm what you should do so you keep your baby safe.
I purchase them on Amazon and do a subscription to make sure I never run out!
Breast Pump Cleaning Spray
I keep the Medela quick clean wipes on hand but I also keep this dapple cleaning spray in case I run out of quick clean wipes at work. This spray is great because you don’t have to rinse the spray and it helps get rid of milk residue. Just spray and wipe clean.
Medela Sanitizing Spray
This is a sanitizing spray not cleaning spray. You still have to clean your bottles and pump parts, but can spray this on after. It kills 99.9% of most bacteria and germs and does not need to be rinsed or wiped. I use this product often as wellwhen I’m at work.
I work in a hospital, so keeping my equipment clean and protecting my baby are my biggest priorities. That’s why I keep a lot of cleaning supplies in my pump bag!
Lavie Lactation Massager
This is great to have on hand for quick pump sessions. Sometimes I don’t have a full 30 minutes to set up, pump for 20 minutes, and clean everything up. So using the breast massager can help you express more of your milk and fully empty your breasts.
If you don’t have a lactation massager I recommend you still massage your breasts with your hands. Hands-on pumping can help you express more of your milk as well.
Bag for Pump Parts
I use a wet-dry bag from motif that I love. My pump parts go in first thing in the morning when dry and after I clean them each pumping session. This one was very affordable. If you don’t want to buy one then you can use a gallon ziploc bag!
Hand Pump
This is by far one of the most important things you can pack in your bag. If your electric pump stops working or you forget your charger, you’ll need this. That way, you can still express milk even if you have to do it manually! I keep one in my pump bag all the time, so I always have a way to pump no matter where I am.
My favorite is the Lansinoh manual pump but the Medela is great too! (The lactation consultants at the hospitals I delivered at gave me a Medela one with each of my deliveries!)
Snacks
As a breastfeeding mom, you’ll probably be hungry quite often. I always keep a stash of snacks in my pump bag so I don’t have to remember to grab one on my way to pump. I try to keep healthy snacks packed. Just remember there is nothing that will increase your milk supply other than removing milk, so you don’t have to pack certain snacks.
A Drink
I love to pack a water bottle or body armor in my bag so I have a drink when I’m pumping. Nothing makes you more thirsty than a pumping or nursing session.
*I choose a body armor because I like the taste and it is like a treat during my pumping session. It is not because it increases milk supply.
Hands Free Pumping Bra
This can either be a bra you wear all day or one you throw on when it’s time to pump, but a hands-free pumping bra is a must. When you have limited time to get to pump being able to snack or call your baby while pumping is so beneficial. I love my kindred bravely sublime hands-free nursing and pumping bra. I’ve had it since I was breastfeeding my first baby! It’s great quality and has lasted years.
Back to Work Pumping Essentials
These are the pumping essentials I keep stocked in my pump bag when I go back to work. Even 7 months in I still bring every single one of these items with me to work.
If you want to see each item check out this Instagram reel where I pack my pump bag for work. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for all kinds of postpartum, newborn care, and breastfeeding information!
I hope this comprehensive back to work pumping essentials checklist has helped you get an idea of what you want and/or need to pack for when you go back to work.
Is there anything else you’d like to add? Let me know in the comments!
