Pumping at work essentials - our top tips for expressing milk in the office

Recently, a study published in 2025 by the University of Reading highlighted how women returning to the workplace after maternity leave often don't feel supported by their workplace to continue breastfeeding. And I can 100% believe it. 

My return to work was a disaster. A lot of organisational changes saw me move departments, but also gain a "new to the org" manager and a rewritten job description. While I had to navigate a lot of newness, I was determined to continue breastfeeding. When I brought this up with HR I found out they had to google breastfeeding in the workplace policies before I returned.

And, in fact, I later learnt that only a quarter of employers have a breastfeeding policy in place (Jewell et al., 2025). This is so disappointing.

While I was lucky to have a supportive HR team who made sure I had a key to my office, working blinds and a mini fridge installed, I have read about awful experiences on Reddit. So this study confirms those experiences aren't just hearsay.

 

Returning to work - our top tips for pumping at work

Returning to work after maternity leave is hard. Harder than I ever imagined it would be. For me, it was akin to being the new girl without an induction, expected to start running at full pelt hours into my first day. Expectations from my new line manager and a lack of trust meant that I struggled to take my paid 20 minute pumping break without feeling like I had to work through it. This shouldn't be the case.

I want to help new mothers returning to work who plan on pumping in the workplace by sharing my learnings. So I've put together my top tips for pumping at work as well as a list of pumping at work essentials. 

 

1. Ask your manager or HR for the breastfeeding policy. Know your rights and what to expect before your first day back.

The research linked above shows how clearer policies supporting breastfeeding in the workplace need to be addressed. At the moment there is no legal right to private and hygienic pumping spaces at work and neither is there a legal right to a paid pumping break. That being said, many workplaces are willing to make accommodations if you ask.

Prior to returning to work, ask your line manager and HR team about the breastfeeding policy. This will give your workplace time to make allocations and any changes that need to happen. For me this meant having a personal fridge installed in my office and checking that they had a spare key to my office just in case I got locked in.

Had I not asked HR about the breastfeeding in the workplace policy, I would have arrived on my first day with nowhere to store my milk and no idea about my 20 minute paid break to express breast milk. Instead, I knew exactly where I could privately pump and wasn't worrying about the logistics on a day which was already fraught with emotion.

It pays to ask. Many employers want to be supportive but not know where to start (Jewell et al, 2025). If you have asked and aren't happy with the answer, it's worth checking in with your union to help provide guidance to your employer.

 

2. Wear suitable clothing for using your breast pump

This probably goes without saying. No one wants to bare all in the office, but you might find your pre-pregnancy office wardrobe isn't suited for your new normal of pumping at work as a breastfeeding mum. 

In the month before you return to work, do a little wardrobe audit and find out what fits, and perhaps most importantly, what's suitable for expressing milk. Shirt dresses are in, shift dresses are out. For some fashion inspiration, we've put together our top picks for office clothes to wear as a breastfeeding mum.

 

3. Take a cool bag to work with ice packs

In our NCT classes we learnt the 6/6/6 rule. Breastmilk can be left at room temperature for six hours, in the fridge for six days and frozen for six months. At least that's the general rule I live by.

Transporting milk to a from work without spilling a drop can be the least of your worries when you're dealing with a heatwave. That's where the ice packs come in. Go to work prepared and you'll have one fewer thing to worry about.

The cool bag also comes in handy if you're washing your pumping parts up in a communal kitchen. You can be a little more discreet if you wish to be. No need to be flashing your milk around if you don't want to.

 

 

 

Pumping at work essentials list

On my first day in the office, I completely forgot to bring my little plastic sachets to pour my expressed breastmilk into.

Luckily I had my cool bag and was able to find a piece of card to prop up the breast pump to keep the milk from rolling around and spilling everywhere. So, top of the list is breastmilk storage bags. 

There are plenty on the market, Boots have their own brand but also sell Medela milk storage bags in store, if you prefer to shop offline. John Lewis sell a few different types online including Lansinoh and elvie. They're all at slightly different price points and it's worth checking the reviews before committing, I've read that some may leak.

I've used the Medela breast milk storage bags and would recommend them over and over again.

 

Find a good breast pump that suits your needs

Next on my list is a good breast milk pump, this should probably come first, without the pump you're not going to get far expressing milk in the workplace.

When it comes to breast pumps, personal choice prevails. They can be expensive and aren't exactly something that you can return easily if it doesn't work for you. 

My advice to anyone is to read the reviews. If you're looking for something specific, like a wireless pump, double up on research, not all pumps are equal.

 

Last on my pumping at work essentials list is milk collection shells.

Although my supply has regulated overtime, I still experience a small amount of leaking from the other side while feeding or pumping. The last place I'd want this to happen is at work. That's why I pop a collection cup in my bra while pumping. 

I use the Medela milk collection cups, they served me well over the first twelve months of pumping and I am forever grateful for them as they can catch a surprising amount of milk depending on the time of day.

 

Remember your "why" 

One last "essential" is a positive, confident attitude and try to remember your "why". So twee, I know, but the right attitude can make or break your first days back. It's such a difficult experience and going into this transition with positivity can help. 

 

If you're about to return to work, good luck, stay strong and, above all else, enjoy it!

 

 

 

References

Jewell, S., Aftab, F., Della Giusta, M., James, G., Jaworska, S.,  and Rawlings, S., (2025) Maternal Wellbeing, Infant Feeding and Return to Paid Work [online] University of Reading, Available at https://centaur.reading.ac.uk/123480/1/Main%20public%20report.pdf [Accessed 23/08/2025]