Pumping at Work

Oh the joys of being a working mama❤. Top off that peanut butter & chocolate swirl sundae, or whichever flavor you prefer, with being a nursing/pumping mama and you are in for a TREAT!

I am fortunate enough to have an extremely accommodating boss- who dressed up my office window with a nice curtain rod and black out curtain. I am able to pump in my office or in any other empty office, if need be. 

Some women do not have an office they can hide away and pump in, while still feeling safe and comfortable enough to do so. While we all know that it is essentially NECESSARY to be relaxed to get your best pump flow going- it is not always that easy.

Mama's please know that regardless of what type of company you work for, what state you work or reside in, it is required by the US Dept.of Labor that an employers provide a reasonable break time for an employee to pump/express for her nursing child for 1 year after birth, in an appropriate space (see "Break Time for Nursing Mothers" for more detail). This requirement became effective when the Affordable Care Act was signed into law in 2010. 

*Note the employer is not required to pay the employee for this break.


It is extremely important to be mindful of what your employer allows. Talk to your Human Resource department head to gain clarity on what is expected. Tell this individual how long it generally takes for you to finish a pumping session and do your best to stick to that.

If you are in a position where your employer does not pay you for your "pump break", than try to get in a good pumping session before getting to work.  Or if you are able to- bring that pump with you to work 15 minutes early and get your pump on before your shift starts. 

Also- take advantage of your lunch break. If you are given a 30 minute break--- utilize that time to make sure you get your pumping taken care of. I am a pro when it comes to eating a good snack/ usually my lunch and pumping at the same time. 20-30 minutes and I am ready to go!

These are the sacrifices that we make to give our babies the best of what we can give them. Hang in there and know your rights as a working and nursing mama! 









Disclaimer: All opinions recorded on this blog are strictly my own. I am not a medical professional & my advice should not replace that of your own or your child's medical professional. Always consult a doctor before trying anything new with your child!