Pumping at Work Logistical Concerns

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is OP -- thanks for the helpful advice ladies! I had pretty much assumed the supply closet would be the only viable option. It does not have a lock and there is no outlet inside...but a lock could easily be added and the lack of outlet could be solved by threading an extension cord in from the conference room next door. Not ideal but I also realize this isn't the end of the world. I didn't even know the door had to lock, so thanks for pointing that out. It seems common sense but HR is pretty clueless, sadly. Does anyone know if there has to be separate storage options available or is the communal fridge fair game? My office is small and my coworkers are not the kind of people who would take issue with breast milk in the fridge but I have no idea if there are any sanitation issues since it is a bodily fluid. Thanks again everyone!

Get a small soft cooler - Nene supply on Amazon makes one that is sized perfectly for 4 Medela pumping bottles and an ice pack. You may also want a punchbag sozed in for your parts between pumping sessions so you don’t have to wash them. It’s not unsanitary but I am sure your coworkers would appreciate not looking at clear bags full of milk and parts. It’s a nice, discreet way to carry your things to and from the pumping closet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is OP -- thanks for the helpful advice ladies! I had pretty much assumed the supply closet would be the only viable option. It does not have a lock and there is no outlet inside...but a lock could easily be added and the lack of outlet could be solved by threading an extension cord in from the conference room next door. Not ideal but I also realize this isn't the end of the world. I didn't even know the door had to lock, so thanks for pointing that out. It seems common sense but HR is pretty clueless, sadly. Does anyone know if there has to be separate storage options available or is the communal fridge fair game? My office is small and my coworkers are not the kind of people who would take issue with breast milk in the fridge but I have no idea if there are any sanitation issues since it is a bodily fluid. Thanks again everyone!

I refused to use the lactation room fridge. There were women pumping in there all day and when it came time for me to leave work, I was unable to grab my milk. I just used a cooler in the work fridge.

You don't need an outlet. Spectra is rechargeable.

[Anonymous]

The lock on the door is for your privacy, and you won't want someone accidentally barging in looking for paper clips or something while you're pumping. The communal fridge is fine, just have a small bag or soft-sided lunch box or something for parts and milk. Nothing unhygenic about that. I highly recommend keeping the pump and parts at work, rather than schlepping one back and forth every day. You can keep parts in the fridge and just wash them at the end of the day, or use one of those microwave sanitizing bags. Keep spare bottles at work, too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The lock on the door is for your privacy, and you won't want someone accidentally barging in looking for paper clips or something while you're pumping. The communal fridge is fine, just have a small bag or soft-sided lunch box or something for parts and milk. Nothing unhygenic about that. I highly recommend keeping the pump and parts at work, rather than schlepping one back and forth every day. You can keep parts in the fridge and just wash them at the end of the day, or use one of those microwave sanitizing bags. Keep spare bottles at work, too.

i did this too! i kept a set of parts at work and at the end of the day would wash everything out and used one of the microwave sanitizing bags. that way ALL the pumping parts were already at work. All i needed to do was remember clean bottles to pump into (i opted to not use the plastic milk bags, but one could do that too)

[Anonymous]

I work at a big company, had to use the communal fridge. Medela makes a black cooler case that you can’t see through that is good for storing milk. Honestly all you need is a a door with a lock, a chair, and an outlet. If it’s small office you may also want a quieter pump—the sounds can be loud and it can be embarrassing (excuse me as I go milk myself...). My spectra was much quieter than the pump in style.

[Anonymous]

I don’t think you need to store your milk in an actual fridge- I EPd and just stored it in the Medela cooler with an ice pack. It kept the milk cool through a long day.

I would highly recommend getting a nursing cover, even if you have a supposedly private place. Accidents happen and people can walk in if you forget to lock the door, etc.