Make a Plan to Pump Even if you plan to breastfeed directly most of the time, and your baby latches and feeds well at the breast, it’s still a good idea to have a pumping plan. Pumping lets you collect milk so your baby can eat when you are away or when you want extra milk stored.
Get Ready to Pump 
Start practicing at least 2 weeks before you will be away from your baby.
Pumping takes practice. At first, you may only get a small amount. That’s normal. Most moms make about ½ to 1 ounce of milk per hour.
When you are away, pump as often as your baby would eat – about every 3–4 hours – to keep up your milk supply.
Talk to your boss or school about a private space for pumping. By law, your employer must give you break time and a private space that is not a bathroom.
Try listening to music, looking at a picture of your baby, or watching something relaxing to help you feel calm as you pump.
Keeping Pump Parts Clean The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend washing your breast pump parts after every use. To clean your breast pump:
Take the pieces apart.
Rinse off any milk and wash with hot, soapy water (or use the dishwasher if the parts allow).
Let everything air-dry before using again.
Some parents talk about a “fridge hack,” where pump parts are stored in the refrigerator between pumping sessions instead of washing them right away. The CDC says if you cannot clean right after pumping, you may rinse the parts, seal them in a clean container or bag, and place them in the fridge for a few hours. But this is only a short-term option. Germs can still grow in cold temperatures so pump parts should be fully washed and sanitized at the end of each day to prevent bacterial growth. If you choose to use the fridge hack, do not store pump parts for more than 8 to 12 hours between full washes.
For the safest milk for your baby, wash pump parts after every use. This is especially important if your baby is under 2 months old, was born early, or has health problems. If possible, keep extra sets of parts on hand so you always have a clean set ready.
Having a pumping plan gives you peace of mind. Whether you use a hand pump, electric pump, or suction tool, the right pump and good cleaning habits will help you keep your baby fed and healthy. And remember – WIC is here to support you every step of the way!
American Academy of Pediatrics. How to clean your breast pump: tips to keep it germ-free. (March 16. 2023).
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/breastfeeding/Pages/How-to-Clean-Your-Breast-Pump.aspx
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How to clean and sanitize breast pumps. (September 12, 2024).
https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/about-breast-pump-hygiene.html
Colorado WIC. Pumping. (2025).
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1acevOrXmQVYC-h5t8jCIscCXUN4DCccQ/view
Author: Dr. Maya Bunik, MD, MPH
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