When I first began pumping away from home, I envisioned it as no big deal: I would tote the pump and head for the quiet corner. Spoiler alert: not so much. Between managing meetings, travel schedules, and the occasional “Where did I leave the storage bag?” flurry, I realized pumping beyond the safety of home requires thinking ahead, patience, and a sense of humor.
Over time, I figured out a system that worked for me. I want to share what I’ve learned so you can avoid some of my mistakes and make your own breast pump experience, whether at work or on the go, a whole lot easier.
Preparing to Pump
I’ve learned that if I leave even one important thing at home, it can throw off my whole day. So now I keep a pumping bag packed with:
- My breast pump (I personally prefer a double electric for speed)
- Bottles or storage bags
- Extra pump parts
- Breast pads
- A small cooler bag with ice packs
Creating My Pumping Plan
Before going back to work, I figured out how often I’d need to pump to match my baby’s feeding schedule. For me, that was about every 3–4 hours. I blocked these times on my work calendar, labeling them as “private meeting” so no one would try to schedule over them.
When I travel, I’m more flexible. I might pump earlier or later depending on flights or events, but I always aim for the same number of sessions each day to keep my supply steady.
Sticking to a Schedule
Consistency is everything. If I miss a session, my supply starts to dip, and my comfort level drops too. I usually pump mid-morning, at lunch, and mid-afternoon. If a meeting runs long, I’ll sneak in a shorter session just to relieve pressure until I can do a full pump.
Finding a Comfortable and Private Space
At work, I’m lucky to have a designated lactation room with a door that locks, a comfy chair, and an outlet right next to it. But when that’s not an option, I’ve gotten creative. I’ve pumped in my car with a cover, in quiet corners of conference halls, and even in dressing rooms at stores when traveling.
Wearable pumps have been a game-changer for me. They’re quiet and discreet enough that I can sometimes pump during virtual meetings without anyone knowing.
Pumping at Work
In the early days, I felt awkward excusing myself to pump. But once I got comfortable talking about it with my team, it became much easier. I also learned to block time in my calendar and set reminders so I don’t lose track of time and end up scrambling.
Cleaning parts at work used to stress me out until I started using the “rinse and store” method. I rinse pump parts with cool water, seal them in a clean zip-top bag, and keep them in the fridge between sessions. At the end of the day, I wash and sanitize everything at home.
Pumping On the Go
Traveling while pumping requires next-level planning. I always pack more supplies than I think I’ll need, because finding pump parts in an unfamiliar city isn’t fun. For power, I keep a car adapter and a fully charged battery pack in my bag.
I’ve pumped in airport nursing rooms, on airplanes, and even in parked cars on road trips. The key is scouting out possible pumping spots before you need them.
For moms like me who need flexibility and mobility, the Momcozy Mobile Flow™ Hands-Free M9 Breast Pump is a great choice. On a single charge, I can get 4 to 5 pumping sessions, which is perfect for busy days at work or while traveling. It’s comfortable, portable, and discreet, exactly what I need when I’m on the move.
Storing and Transporting Milk
Once I have my milk, freshness is concern number one. I store a small amount in one of those little insulated coolers with frozen packs of ice, and it keeps milk fresh for hours. I mark each bag with the date and the time I pumped so I can use the oldest milk first.
If I’m going to be gone for a few days, I’ll attempt to freeze the milk prior to leaving for home, which gives me even more time before the milk must be consumed.
Keeping My Supply Strong
When I work, I tend to forget to drink lots of water, but staying hydrated has such a large effect on production. I also make sure to eat balanced meals and snack frequently during the day.
If I sense my supply is low, I will include a power pumping in the evening (frequent short bursts for one hour to replicate cluster feeding) or fit in a morning pump when supply tends to be stronger.
Staying Clean and Safe
I always wash my hands prior to touching pump parts, clean surfaces prior to installation, and ensure my storage bags or bottles are clean and sealed tightly. When on the road, I occasionally use pump wipes when a sink isn’t in close proximity.
Handling Challenges
Pumping outside the home isn’t always smooth sailing. I’ve missed sessions because of back-to-back meetings, spilled milk (yes, I cried), and once even lost an entire cooler bag at an airport. My motto now is: double-check everything and give myself grace when things don’t go as planned.
Conclusion
Pumping breast milk at work or on the go can seem like a juggling exercise, but with preparation, a helpful routine, and proper equipment, it is totally possible. It has been worth the hassle for me to continue to offer milk for the baby and still show up to work and life.
The point is, every pumping experience is a little different. What works for me might not work for you, but maybe with these suggestions, you can create your own routine and find things easier and much more doable for this stage of motherhood.
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