Breastfeeding & Pumping at Work: Real Tips from an OT Mom + Must-Have Gear

Breastfeeding & Pumping at Work: Real Tips from an OT Mom + Must-Have Gear

The girls! Let’s talk about the girls. I’m so proud of mine. They’ve survived a lot, a total of two years of breastfeeding, cracked and bleeding nipples, and pumping 3–4 times a day during hectic work shifts.

As a new mom, I remember thinking, “Are my girls even big enough to produce milk?” To my surprise, size has nothing to do with production.

My goal was to breastfeed each child for one full year. That meant investing in the right tools to help me succeed,  especially functional nursing bras.

As a busy mom working outside of the home and pumping multiple times a day, I needed something durable and comfortable for long shifts. After trying several options, I found two favorites:

1. Kindred Bravely Sublime Hands-Free Nursing and Pumping Bras

2. Momcozy Nursing Bras

They were soft, stretchy, available in a range of sizes and colors, and came with extenders when needed. I’d often worry about leaking while treating patients, but with these bras, I didn’t have to.

Nursing Bras + Pump-Friendly Scrubs = Game Changer

Although Mommy Scrubs didn’t exist back then, I know they would’ve paired perfectly with my nursing bras. Seriously, a scrub top that opens easily, without needing to undress, and actually works with your bra? That’s functionality at its finest.

As an Occupational Therapist, I’m always thinking of practical ways to improve comfort, efficiency, and outcomes and that mindset led me to create Mommy Scrubs.

They're scrub tops I desperately needed but didn’t have. So, I designed them.

Why Mommy Scrubs Work:

  • Compatible with all breast pumps, wearable or electric

  • Moisture-wicking to help mask leaks 

  • Lightweight, breathable, and durable

  • Sizes from XS–2XL to support your postpartum body

  • Available in black and royal blue (with more colors coming soon!)

The Problem with Traditional Scrubs

When I returned to work after maternity leave, I quickly realized that traditional scrub tops were a pumping nightmare.

I’d show up with my pump bag and think, “What now?”

Getting partially undressed between patient visits (alongside other pumping coworkers) was uncomfortable, inconvenient, and frankly....exhausting. That’s when my OT brain and mom brain collided, and the vision for Mommy Scrubs was born.

I thought: There has to be an easier way. And when I couldn’t find one… I made it.

While we are here I wanted to also celebrate you and give you some insight on making your job easier:

10 Tips for Pumping at Work (from a Working Mom Who’s Been There)

1. Talk to your supervisor ahead of time.
Let them know you plan to continue breastfeeding and will need time to pump during your shift.

2. Know your rights and your workplace’s policies.
Understanding your company’s lactation support policies will help you plan and advocate for yourself confidently.

3. Locate the mother’s room in advance.
Save time and reduce stress by knowing exactly where to go once you’re back.

4. Create a pumping schedule.
Try to mimic your baby’s feeding schedule at home. For example, nurse or pump before leaving the house, then pump every 2–3 hours at work.

5. Double-check your pump bag.
Pack your charger or batteries, milk storage bags, cleaning wipes, nursing pads, and a cooler bag with ice packs.

6. Stay hydrated and nourished.
Bring a big water bottle and easy-to-grab snacks — you’ll need the calories you’re pumping away.

7. Dress for success.
Invest in clothing that makes pumping easier, like a Kindred Bravely bra and a Mommy Scrubs top if you wear scrubs at work.

8. Don’t wait too long to pump.
Engorgement can lead to mastitis — a painful condition that’s avoidable by sticking to your schedule.

9. Multitask (if you can).
Depending on your job and location, try documenting, eating, hydrating, or even taking a call while you pump.
My favorite? Scrolling through baby pictures and videos — I swear it helps with milk letdown!

10. Be kind to yourself.
You’re doing a hard thing, mama. But we can do hard things. I’m so, so proud of you.

If you are interested in trying a breastfeeding friendly scrub top look no further! I designed this for you! Let me know what you think. 

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