Tips on Pumping at Work with an Irregular Schedule

This is what they had to say:

Whether you’re a hairstylist, police officer, paramedic, teacher, restaurant or retail staff, doctor, nurse, or anyone working an unpredictable schedule, the number one tip from moms who’ve done it before is to be flexible. While ideally you should pump about every three hours that you’re away from baby, to help maintain your breast milk supply on days when that’s not possible, pump whenever and wherever you can, even if it’s just for 10 minutes.

Communicate with your coworkers and managers about pumping during the workday. Sometimes managers will accommodate your schedule, and having coworkers who can cover you for a quick break is incredibly helpful. However, if you’re not lucky enough to have a good support system at work, it’s still important to keep the communication lines open in order to meet your breastfeeding goals.

Invest in a car adaptor and pump in your car immediately before and after work (just not while driving). If you're self-conscious about people potentially seeing you, just bring a cover for extra privacy.

Tips for Teachers

Pump before school, during lunch and/or recess, and after school. And, if you have a prep time, pump then, too.

Bring a mini refrigerator for your classroom so you can store your breast milk away from the congested refrigerator in the teachers’ lounge.

Talk to your administrators to see how they can help accommodate you. You might even find your administrators are willing to help cover your classroom or give you their office for 15 minutes.

Rely on your coworkers if you can. Most schools are full of moms who understand what you’re going through and are often more than happy to cover your classroom when they have a free moment.

Make your classroom your pumping space by getting creative with your “pumping in progress” sign. Some teacher moms mentioned hanging a picture of a cow on their locked door to signal to coworkers that they were pumping and to stay out, while also keeping curious students in the dark.

Tips for Nurses, Doctors, and Healthcare Pros

Arrive a bit early to work and pump in the parking lot right before heading in. This is especially helpful if your shift tends to be unpredictable – like the no-lunch-break, unexpected-patient-emergencies kind of day.

Take advantage of empty hospital rooms by using them for pump breaks.

Use the time you would be sitting and charting to pump. It helps to use a hands-free pumping bra.

Talk to coworkers who have successfully pumped at work to see if they would mind covering your patients for 30 minutes. Oftentimes moms who have been there before are happy to help out a fellow mama.

Tips on Pumping at Work with an Irregular Schedule

This is what they had to say:

Tips for Teachers

Tips for Nurses, Doctors, and Healthcare Pros

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