Returning to work while pumping is a big transition — emotionally, physically, and logistically. One of the biggest challenges? Figuring out how to safely store breastmilk during the workday and get it home without spills, leaks, or wasted ounces.

The Ultimate Guide to Storing Breastmilk at Work (and Getting It Home Safely)

Whether you have access to a fridge, a private pumping room, or you’re pumping in a storage closet (solidarity, mama), this guide walks you through exactly how to store your milk at work and transport it home safely — without stress.

Know Your Safe Breastmilk Storage Times

Before building your work routine, it helps to know how long breastmilk stays safe at different temperatures:

These timelines make it possible to safely store milk through a full workday — even if you don't have immediate access to a fridge.

What You Need in Your Work Pumping Kit

Stocking the right tools keeps your workday smooth and reduces stress. Consider packing:

• A dedicated pump bag

• Milk collection bottles or storage bags

• Waterproof zip bags for separating clean/used pump parts

• Hand wipes or pump wipes

• A small cooler with ice packs

• Extra pump parts (because something will go missing)

• A portable charger, power bank, or spare pump battery

Pro tip: Keep one full set of spare parts at work at all times.

How to Store Breastmilk Safely at Work

Option 1: Using an Office Refrigerator (Best Case Scenario)

If your workplace offers a fridge, you’re golden. Simply:

• Label bottles or bags with your name + date

• Store milk in the back of the fridge where it's coldest

• Keep milk upright to avoid leaks

• Place everything in a lunch bag or box for privacy

Option 2: No Fridge? No Problem. Use a Cooler Bag.

With a quality insulated cooler and frozen ice packs, you can safely store pumped milk for your entire work shift.

Tips for consistent temperature:

• Freeze your ice packs solid the night before

• Keep the cooler closed between pumping sessions

• Store milk in the center of the cooler — not touching the lid

• Add fresh ice packs if your work shift runs more than 8–10 hours

Option 3: Shared Fridge With Coworkers

If privacy is a concern:

• Keep milk in a small opaque bag

• Add a label: “Medical — Please Do Not Open”

• Double-bag to prevent odors transferring

How to Handle Pump Parts Between Sessions

Every workplace is different, but here are the three simplest options:

Option A: Wash Parts Between Every Pump

If you have a sink + soap, this is ideal but not always realistic.

Option B: Use the “Fridge Hack”

Store used parts in a sealed zip-top bag in the fridge between sessions.
This slows bacterial growth and saves time.

Option C: Bring Multiple Sets of Pump Parts

Pump → store parts → swap → pump again.
Clean everything at night at home.

How to Get Breastmilk Home Safely After Work

This part makes many new pumping moms nervous — but it’s easier than you think.

Use a High-Quality Cooler

Milk can stay cold for up to 24 hours in a cooler with ice packs.

Look for:

• Thick insulation

• Room for upright bottles or flat bags

• A zipper that closes securely

Avoid Repeated Temperature Changes

Try to keep milk consistently cold (≤40°F).
Don’t move it in and out of the fridge repeatedly.

Secure Bottles & Bags for the Commute

Commutes = bumps.

To prevent leaks:

• Double-check that bags are sealed

• Use bottles with tight lids

• Transport milk upright if possible

Pro tip: Once you’re home, always check bags for leaks before freezing.

How to Freeze Breastmilk the Most Efficient Way

Once you're home, freezing milk the right way helps keep your freezer organized — and keeps milk fresher for longer.

Freeze Milk Flat for Maximum Space & Faster Thawing

This is where the Freeze It Flat comes in.

It helps you:

• Freeze milk bags perfectly flat

• Prevent lumpy, misshapen bags

• Stack milk neatly in bins

• Fit 3x more milk in your freezer

Thaw milk evenly when needed

Shop Freeze It Flat: https://www.milkworx.com/products/freezeitflat

Label Each Bag Correctly:

Include:

1. Date
2. Ounces
3. Baby’s name (if attending daycare)

A Few Encouraging Words for Working Pumping Moms

If pumping at work feels overwhelming, you’re not alone.
It takes planning, patience, and flexibility — and you're doing an amazing job balancing it all.

Every ounce you bring home is a gift you worked hard for.

You’ve got this, mama.
And we’re here to make the journey easier every step of the way.

Quick Recap

• Use a fridge or cooler with ice packs

• Keep milk cold and consistent throughout the day

• Label and store in airtight containers

• Transport milk home in a well-insulated cooler

• Freeze it flat for maximum organization and freshness