Working & Breastfeeding: Pump up your Schedule

Planning to pump for an 8-hour workday will depend on various factors such as your work environment and breaks. However, here's a general sample pumping schedule for an 8-hour 9-5 workday and some tips to make it work for you.  Make sure to make a plan for your pumping space ahead of time so you have what you need for cleaning your parts and storing your breast milk.

7:00 AM - Nurse before you leave for work.

9:00 AM - Start of Workday:

10:00 AM - First Pumping Session: Allow at least 15 minutes for at least 10 minutes of pumping with a quality double electric breast pump and 5 minutes to set up and put up your supplies.

12:30 PM - Lunch Break: Eat before your next pumping session so that there are no more than 3 hours between emptying your breasts.  This will help ensure a healthy milk supply and offset clogged milk ducts.

1:00 PM - Second Pumping Session: 15 min (Of if you baby's child care is on your work campus, you can opt to nurse during your lunch break instead of pumping.)

4:00 PM - Third Pumping Session: 15 minutes.  If you have stored your milk in a refrigerator during the day, make sure to pack it a cooler carrier now so that it is ready to go when your work day ends.

5:00 PM - End of Workday

Remember to communicate your pumping schedule and needs with your employer and colleagues to ensure a supportive and understanding work environment. Adjust the schedule based on your individual requirements and any changes in your work day such as staff meetings. If a meeting or other work emergency prevents you from executing your plan exactly, put your next two pumping or nursing sessions closer together to protect your milk supply.  For example, if there was an emergency meeting called at 10:00 am, pump at 11 and again at 1:00.  Even if you have to put pumping sessions as close together as one hour, it is better not pump less than three times per day at work.  This should not be an every day occurrence as  you will extract less milk when pumping sessions are closer than three hours apart, but it helps to protect your breast health and your future milk supply if you keep the same number of pumping sessions even if the schedule varies.  

We don't need to remind you to prioritize your baby's well being as you have chosen to give your baby this precious part of yourself, but remember to prioritize your well-being as well.  This means you may need to purchase supplies that make it easier for you to pump at work.  The easier it is, the longer you will be able to provide this liquid gold for your baby.  For example, microwave steam sterilizer bags are a must have if you accidentally drop your pump part on the floor.  A breast pump tote bag that houses all your supplies help you consolidate for a quicker pumping session.  Buying two breast milk cooler carriers so that you can drop one at day care and have one with you is so helpful.  An breathable air-dry pump parts bag to keep your pumps clean and allows them to dry on their own after rinsing.  (Do not use a Ziplock bag which causes a greenhouse effect and can grow yeast.) And a hands-free pumping bra can allow you to work while you pump if your job is demanding.  

Best wishes for pumping up your schedule!

Tanya