Preparing for Daycare as a Breastfeeding or Pumping Parent
Returning to work or starting daycare is a big transition—for both you and your baby. And for breastfeeding or pumping parents, it can come with a special mix of logistics, emotions, and planning. You may feel excited about getting back into a routine, or you might feel a deep sadness at the thought of being away from your baby—or both. Whatever you're feeling is valid. Give yourself some extra grace.
Take a deep breath. This is another hurdle you can handle.
At The Breastfeeding Center, we’ve supported thousands of families navigating the return to work. Whether you’re just starting to think ahead or you’re already packing your pump bag, here are some tips to help you prepare—plus support options if you’d like one-on-one help.
1. Make a flexible plan
There’s no one-size-fits-all way to balance work and breastfeeding. Some parents continue to nurse when together and pump at work. Others combo feed or exclusively pump. Your feeding goals are personal and may evolve—and that’s okay.
Start by mapping out what a typical feeding or pumping day might look like. Many parents aim to pump at work around the same times baby would take a bottle—about every 2.5–3 hours. A sample schedule might look like this:
7am: Nurse at home
9am: Pump at work
12–12:30pm: Pump at work
3pm: Pump at work
5pm: Nurse at home
2. Build a small freezer stash—emphasis on small
How much milk do you really need before the first day? Less than you think.
Most babies need about 12–14 oz of milk during an 8-hour workday, which breaks down to 3-4 bottles of 3–5 oz each. Your body will replace that milk day by day, so focus on creating a small buffer stash—not a deep freezer full (Mohrbacher, 2020).
Pumping just 2–4 extra ounces per day in the weeks leading up to your return is enough to slowly build that cushion. A great way to do this is to add a morning pump session after the first feed of the day.
3. Ease into bottle feeding (and know where to get help)
Some babies take bottles easily. Others don’t—and that’s totally normal. If your baby is having trouble, you're not alone. Our lactation consultants and infant feeding specialists are here to help you make that transition smoother.
We can offer strategies like paced bottle feeding, testing bottle nipple flow, and helping caregivers learn your baby’s cues. Book an appointment if you’re feeling stuck—we’re here to support both you and your baby through this adjustment.
4. Master your pump routine and milk removal strategy
Aim to pump at work about as often as your baby would normally feed. Consistent milk removal is key for supply (Kent et al., 2006).
Tips to get the most from your pump sessions:
Use the fridge hack: store your pump parts in a sealed bag in the fridge between sessions, and wash them all at the end of the day (CDC, 2023).
Massage and compress your breasts while pumping.
Do a "milkshake" before pumping: lean over and jiggle your breasts to loosen milk and redistribute fat.
Apply warm compresses before and during your session (Prime et al., 2006).
Switch back to stimulation mode or try hand expression midway through to stimulate a second letdown.
Make sure your flange size is correct (Neifert et al., 2002).
Use a hands-free pumping bra to do gentle compressions while pumping.
We also encourage reclaiming your pump time as personal time: listen to music, watch a video of your baby, or practice breathing techniques to help letdown (Zhao et al., 2020).
5. Pack your pump bag like a pro
Here’s what many parents like to include:
Breast pump + tubing
Flanges, valves, bottles, or milk bags
Hands-free pumping bra
Sharpie or pen for labeling milk
Extra shirt, nursing pads, and burp cloth or towel
Medela Quick Clean wipes or steam bags
Large ziplock for used pump parts (or small cooler with freezer pack)
Water bottle + snacks
Spare parts, caps, and storage containers
Want to pair done on items? Consider the Ceres Chiller Milk Storage Bottle
A soft item or photo of your baby (yes, it helps!)
6. Balance pumping and nursing
Many parents continue to nurse before and after work—and on-demand during days off. This can help with milk supply, bonding, and staying connected during this time of separation (Mohrbacher, 2020).
If you’re not pumping enough during the workday, consider adding a pump session after the morning feed or at night. Supply dips are common during periods of stress, hormonal changes, or lack of sleep—but often bounce back.
If you notice a change in supply, we’re here to help troubleshoot with you.
7. Give yourself grace—and support
Returning to work can bring all the feelings: pride, anxiety, guilt, excitement, grief. There’s no right way to do this.
You’ve already done so much. You’ve thought ahead. You’ve built a stash. You’ve practiced your pump. You’ve asked questions. You’re ready—and we’re here for anything that comes next.
You don’t have to figure it all out alone. We offer:
Support groups for parents of babies 4–12 months (with working + breastfeeding topics, they’re free)
Pumping and bottle-feeding guidance from our IBCLCs, or for more complex cases our infant feeding specialist & SLP, April
Ongoing lactation care when supply shifts, questions arise, or you just need encouragement
Whether you’re planning, packing, or already back at work, The Breastfeeding Center is here to walk with you through every step of your journey. You've got this—and we've got you.
Book a consultation or join a support group to stay connected, confident, and supported. Have Questions about which appointment you need? Contact the admin team at 202.293.5182.
by Angel Yarbor-Escate, Program Director | Blog Manager | CBS | MBA CANDIDATE
Angel has been with The Center since 2019. At the Breastfeeding Center, you can find her creating content for our blog, ensuring the care of our clients, and maintaining programing for longevity of The Center. She’s a Full Spectrum Doula with a focus on Postpartum, a Breastfeeding Specialist and a graduate student. Outside of the office her favorite pastimes include a bit of nature, a good book, or spending time with her beloved family!