13 Essentials for Pumping at Work

After their maternity leave, breastfeeding moms who plan on going back to work will need to pump in order to continue their breastfeeding journey.

But you may be surprised to know that you’ll need more than a pump to bring to work.

So if you’re not sure what to bring for pumping at work then this post is for you!

Below you’ll find a list of supplies that are pumping at work essentials!

Look below see what things you need.

(This page may contain affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can read my full disclaimer policy here.)

Essentials for Pumping at Work

1. Portable Breast Pump

You’re gonna want a breast pump that’s small and is easily portable.

A small electronic one is the most ideal but a manual breast pump will work too.

Some of the electronic breast pumps come with adapters you can use to plug into your car!

This Spectra breast pump is small and easily portable. It also is quiet and allows you to do single or double pumping.

One thing that is great about this breast pump is that it’s chargeable so no need to sit near an outlet every time you want to pump!

You can check out this Spectra Breast Pump here!

2. Breast Pump Wipes

Sometimes you won’t have somewhere to clean up your breast pump parts.

And you don’t want breast milk just sitting on them.

So breast pump wipes are the perfect solution for when you’re pumping at work!

And they’re super convenient!

They’re quick, easy, and kill all those germs and bacteria!

You can even use them to clean other things such as baby toys and high chairs.

You can check out these Medela Quick Clean Wipes here!

3. Extra Pump Parts

Keep extra pump parts in your bag.

You don’t want to be at work and realize that you’re missing an essential piece!

Just be sure that if you use one of them to replace it when you get home later!

4. Cooler

If available, store your breast milk in the fridge or freezer.

But if one isn’t available then be sure you have a cooler ready with some cold ice packs to help keep your breast milk from going bad.

Even if you can use a fridge to store your breast milk, you’ll probably want a cooler ready anyway for the drive back home.

I have this cooler at home and I really like it!

This one even comes with an ice pack and 4 five-ounce storage bottles!

Click here to get this cooler plus storage bottles!

5. Travel Cleaning Kit

If you’re able to clean your parts in a sink, having a travel cleaning kit would be perfect!

A cleaning kit I’ve heard a lot of good reviews about is this one here.

It comes with a bottle brush and a detail brush!

What’s even better is that this cleaning kit comes with a drying rack!

That way all your parts will have a place to air dry.

And it all can fit comfortably in your diaper bag or purse.

Now I’ve never used this travel cleaning kit (or anyone for that matter), but I’ve heard a lot of Mommas like it.

You can check out this travel cleaning kit here!

6. Pumping Bra

Pumping bras will allow you to have hand-free pumping sessions!

They’ll make things much easier and more convenient for you.

Like if you need to finish up some e-mails for work and need to pump, a pumping bra will help you so you can gett’er done.

This pumping bra is Amazon’s #1 best seller AND ranks #1 in Maternity Nursing & Maternity Bras!

You can get this pumping bra for yourself here.

7. Breast Pads

Even if you’re pumping on time you’ll still leak.

You can use nursing pads in case you get any leakage in between pumping sessions.

You can get a pack of these nursing pads here.

8. Pump Bag

Of course, you don’t just want your pump parts floating around everywhere.

So having a breast pump bag will help keep everything in one place!

This stylish bag can hold most breast pumps, is water-resistant and easy to wipe, and even has insulated pockets!

You can buy this pump bag here!

9. Storage Bag/Bottles

Make sure you have storage bags or a container to store your breast milk in!

This is a total MUST HAVE when you’re pumping at work!

You can either pump directly into a breast milk storage bag (if it’s made for that) or just into the container.

I would recommend not transferring your breast milk from the container to the storage bag (or vice versa) while you’re still out and about.

You don’t want to accidentally make a mess!

It’ll be fine where it’s at now! Just store your breast milk away and transferrer it when you get back home.

You can get this 6 pack of storage bottles here.

Or you can buy these storage bags for breast milk here.

10. Nursing Cover

In case you’re gonna be pumping in a place that’s more open you may want to bring a nursing cover for when you’re pumping.

A blanket would even work if you don’t have a breastfeeding cover.

This nursing cover works great for both pumping at work AND breastfeeding!

You can get this breastfeeding cover here.

11. Water Bottle

Being and staying hydrated is super important when it comes to keeping your milk supply up.

Bring a water bottle with you and put it in your bag so that you can have quick and easy access to it.

These insulated water bottles are available in LOTS of different colors and come 14oz all the way up to 84oz.

Click here to get one for you now!

12. Something of Baby’s

Sometimes bringing something that belongs to the baby or looking at a picture of the baby can help with the let-down process.

So in case, you’re having some trouble with getting milk to come out, store something that reminds you of the baby in your pumping bag.

It might help!

13. Snacks

Every time you sit down to pump, snack on something.

Just like drinking water, eating small snacks throughout the day can help maintain your milk supply.

Want a complete guide to pumping at work? Then you’ll want to check out The Ultimate Back to Work Pumping Class!

This online class will teach you how to pump and make a freezer stash so you can go about your day so you can easily make the transition to back to work.

Click here to read more about this online course.

How much should I pump while at work?

Keep track of how often the baby eats when you’re at home.

When you’re at work you’ll want to replace those times baby would typically eat with pumping.

A good rule of thumb is every 2-3 hours (though this will depend on the age and if the baby is eating solids).

How long should my pumping sessions be at work?

At every pumping session, you should completely empty each breast.

This typically takes between 10-15 minutes per breast.

You’ll also want to take into account how long it will take you to clean your pump accessories.

What do you wear to pump at work?

Wearing 2 piece outfits, button-down shirts, and nursing clothes, are all good options to wear when pumping while at work.

Pretty much anything that won’t make it too terribly difficult (and awkward) to pump!

Lactogenic Foods to Boost Milk Supply

Things That Can Lower Your Milk Supply

Top Nipple Shields for Breastfeeding Moms

What are your essentials for pumping at work? Do you have any tips for other moms? Let me know below in the comments! And if you liked this post, give it a share! Thanks!