Pumping at work: a practical checklist

Walk through the space

Confirm these arrangements before returning to work:

• Access: private pumping space, booking or unlocking it, and a contact if it is unavailable.
• Setup: seating, a surface and power for your exact pump.
• Care: washing facilities and a protected drying area.
• Milk: storage for labeled containers and access before you leave.
• Time: breaks that account for walking, setup and cleanup.

CDC workplace guidance. Arrangements depend on where you work; this checklist does not establish legal entitlements or a pumping schedule.

Choose a clean-kit plan for every session

You can wash and dry parts at work

Bring a dedicated basin and permitted washing supplies. Use the cleaning routine within your parts’ care limits, then air-dry in a protected area. Allow enough time for the kit to dry fully before reuse.

Washing access or time is insufficient

Bring complete clean, dry kits for your planned sessions and take used parts home to wash. A spare bottle may not replace every milk-contact piece. Keep clean and used equipment separate.

CDC cleaning options at work. Wipes or refrigerated used parts do not replace this plan. If neither option works, resolve the facilities and equipment problem before relying on it. Follow your care team’s advice for special infant needs.

Pack for a complete session

• Pump, correct adapter and required charged components.
• Compatible collection equipment, shields and inserts.
• Enough complete clean kits for your plan.
• Milk containers and labels.
• Separate storage for clean supplies and used parts.
• Milk-transport supplies for the trip home.

Keep a packing list with your bag and adjust it to actual use. Use the printable session worksheet for power, kits, milk storage and the next session.

Leave time for everything around pumping

Practice setup and packing with your own equipment. Allow for those tasks as well as pumping; somebody else’s session length is not a target.

1. Milk: close and label containers with your name and expression date, then store them. A refrigerator suitable for food storage can hold breast milk alongside other food.
2. Kit: follow your cleaning plan, separate used equipment and have a complete clean kit ready for the next session.
3. Before leaving: collect milk and labels, including containers stored outside your bag. Check your transport supplies.
4. At home: store the milk and wash used kits. Allow drying time before repacking.

Freshly expressed milk can travel in an insulated cooler with frozen ice packs for up to 24 hours. At your destination, use, refrigerate or freeze it. Keep the separate fresh and thawed milk limits; the trip does not reset a storage clock. CDC workplace storage guidance.

Make one backup plan

Plan for a likely disruption: a missing part, uncharged battery, unavailable room or delayed trip home. Decide whom to contact and what would help. Buy a spare kit or manual pump only if it solves that problem.

If changing setups, compare electric, in-bra and manual options against the problem. Ask your care team to help tailor feeding and pumping plans.