You’ll also need to come up with a system for storing all of that pumped
milk. After pumping, be sure to date the bottle. If you have access to a
refrigerator and a sink at work, you can rinse your pump parts and store your
milk in bottles with lids. Without those amenities, you’ll want a cold storage,
such as an insulated bag, with “blue ice” or other cooling mechanism. Store
your used pump parts in the cool bag. You may wish to rinse them in a bathroom
sink as well.
Some mothers leave the pumped milk with the daycare provider, for the next
day’s feedings. Others take it home to freeze or store. Breast milk can be
frozen for three months safely, longer if you have a very low temperature
freezer. Thaw it by placing it in the refrigerator overnight, or warming the
container in a bowl of warm water. Remember: NEVER thaw or warm breastmilk in a
microwave. Nursing a child while working can be a challenge, but the benefits
to your child and your own emotional well being are well worth the effort. You
can do it!