Pumping Essentials Checklist (+ Free Printables!)

Somehow, our sweet tiebreaker baby (as we affectionately call Hugo), is already 11 weeks old and I am getting ready to go back to work next week. Well, I use the term “going back” loosely, as I will still be working from home the majority of the time. But either way – I will be pumping during my work day! I recently started thinking through what our new routine will look like (we haven’t had one for so long – and now we have a third kiddo in the mix) and what pumping essentials I need to make sure I have on hand as we get ready for this transition.

Pumping at work was new to me when I had my second baby. My first breastfeeding journey came to an end after about six weeks of struggling (#fedisbest), so preparation for going back to work as a pumping mama threw me for a loop! This time around I have a little better idea what I need to plan for and what to make sure I have handy in my pumping bag.

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Pump Parts (bottles, connectors, valves/membranes + Flanges)

Having extra pump parts on hand makes the pumping at work life so much easier! After three babies, I have several sets (if you use reuse old sets, be sure to replace the membranes when you pull them out of storage and sanitize) and it saves my sanity to be able to throw everything in the dishwasher at the end of the day. I always have a fresh set already clean and ready to go for the next day without having to hand wash.

Pump Cleaning Supplies

Full disclosure: I don’t always wash my parts after each pumping session when I’m at work. It sounds gross. But I just rinse them and keep them in the refrigerator with my expressed milk. Whether you go that route or you feel more comfortable doing a full wash after each use, it’s still good to have cleaning supplies on hand. 

I prefer using wipes or sanitizer spray as needed versus washing them in the communal sink, but you could also bring dish soap and wash them by hand if you have a good setup for that. My pump bag is also always stocked with at least one sanitizing bag. It would be very rare for me to need to sanitize my parts while at work, but I like to have one just in case! 

Insulated storage bag and ice pack

If you don’t have refrigerator space available (in my previous workplace it was a hot commodity!)  to store your expressed milk, you’ll definitely want to have a cooler bag and ice pack to keep your milk cold through the day. It’s also nice to have extras on hand in case you forget to put one back in the freezer when you get home. The next morning you’ll have a back up ready to go! 

I have a dedicated fridge for storing my expressed milk at work, but I bring in an ice pack and keep it there in the freezer (for offsite meetings or days when I’m traveling to multiple locations) so that I have it when I need it. Dumping breast milk after letting it sit in my car sans ice pack = lesson learned! 

Pump battery pack and batteries (and/or car adapter)

This is another lesson I had to learn the hard way! Just trust me. Keep batteries and/or a car adapter in your bag.

Hands-free Pumping Bra 

This is a pumping must for me! Of course it’s not absolutely necessary but, for me, a hands-free pumping bra makes the process so much easier. I always pack one in my bag with all of my other pumping essentials!

A quick, easy DIY hack (courtesy of my lactation consultant) — you can make a hands-free pumping bra by cutting two small holes in an old sports bra!

Snacks

The first few weeks back at work are super busy as you try to get up to speed on everything you missed. Sometimes I’m so busy – and distracted by having actual adult conversations – that I would forget to eat. Skipping calories can have a significant impact on milk supply, so snacks are important!

I try to throw things like fresh fruit and yogurt in with my lunch so that I have snacks every day, but I also like to always keep a few nonperishable snacks in my pumping bag (protein bars, almonds, peanut butter crackers). 

Drinks

I bring a refillable water cup everywhere I go (these are my favorite – I have several of them!), but I also pack some extra drinks to bring along with me to work. I love Body Armor Lite (orange clementine and peach mango are my favorites) for something with flavor, and I do feel like it makes a difference in my supply. 

I also always keep Mother’s Milk tea bags in my pump bag and usually drink a cup of tea once or twice a day, especially if I feel like I’m pumping less than usual. 

Entertainment 

If you work in an environment where you can sit at your desk and pump, you might not need to add this to your list. I don’t have access to a computer most of the time I pump and I can’t stand just sitting there waiting for my let down. I like to have a book (or a Kindle book downloaded on my phone) to read (I’m bringing When Less Becomes More by Emily Ley with me next week!) or a podcast or playlist queued up to pass the time while I pump.

Download your free pumping essentials checklist + door sign here!

What am I missing? What other pumping essentials do you pack and bring to work with you? Let me know in the comments below! If you download the pumping checklist + pumping door sign printables, show me how you use them by tagging me (@themayberrymama) in your Instagram photos!