Can You Really Pump While Working, Walking, or Driving?

Honestly? Yes, you can. Mums today don’t have time to sit still - they’ve got plenty to keep their hands busy! And also, why should they?

The best wearable breast pump has evolved to give mums the ultimate pumping experience whilst getting stuff done. We’ll explore what’s really possible with hands-free breast pumps, how to do it safely, and when a more traditional electric breast pump might still be your go-to.

The New Era of Hands-Free Pumping

We’ve gone from being plugged in at the wall to pumping on the go. Wearable breast pumps have changed the way we pump to align with our new modernised lifestyle. It means rather than searching for power outlets and being tethered to the wall, you can pump and carry on with your day without delay.

Pump during a work meeting, yes you can. Pump on the school run, yes you can. Pump and drive, yes you can!

This is why so many mums are turning to wearable breast pumps, like Bloome, to give them much-needed flexibility to pump and be present as a mum.

Pumping While Working: Multitasking Made Possible

Mums are choosing to use wearable breast pumps at their desks, on work calls, or on lunch breaks because they can. A wearable breast pump makes that possible because their modernised features make pumping on the go discreet and effective. It only takes a few scrolls on social media to see nurses, teachers, and corporate women sharing how they’re pumping at work.

So how are they doing it?

• Choosing an electric breast pump with a quiet motor allows mums to pump without it being heard over conversation.
• Opt for a compact and slim wearable breast pump that can fit inside your bra. Use a bra extender if this is more comfortable and allows more room inside your bra cup for the pump.
• Shop around for nursing-friendly clothes for work so that it’s easier to get to your bra to position your electric breast pump.
• Speak to your employer about their pumping and breastfeeding facilities and how this can work within your contracted hours.

Which electric breast pump is better to use at work?

At Lola&Lykke we’ve designed two different style hospital-grade breast pumps that mums can use to pump on the go, including at work.

Bloome Wearable Breast Pump features a library-hush quiet motor with a slim in-bra design, which is great for pumping and multi-tasking throughout your working day. There are also two-sized bottles, 140ml and 180ml, for longer or shorter pumping sessions.

Whereas the Smart Electric Breast Pump may be more suitable for mums who need a powerful pump to boost their milk supply. Power pumping during work breaks into a breast milk storage bag or a baby bottle gives mums flexibility when feeding with expressed breast milk when they return home. It could also suit breastfeeding mums who are home-based, where discretion is less of a priority.

Pumping While Walking: Freedom in Motion

Walking and pumping is a game changer - you can pump and stay active. However, let’s be clear, although pumping using a hands-free breast pump gives you mobility, they are not designed for impact. So yes, you can pump and walk, but it’s worth bearing these pumping tips in mind.

• Wear a supportive bra so that the wearable breast pump sits snugly inside your bra. You can use a bra extender if you need to allow more space for your wearable breast pump.
• Keep your movements gentle. (Basically, don’t start doing inverted yoga poses whilst pumping!)
• Choose a lightweight wearable breast pump, like Bloome, to alleviate the weight on your breasts when walking and pumping on the go.

Exercising while pumping could impact the effectiveness of your session and even break the suction when it detaches from high-impact movements such as jogging, running, and other sports. Not only could it lead to spills and leaks, but maintaining an even suction can be more difficult, and you may be more prone to blocked milk ducts when your breasts are full.

Some light activities you can achieve pumping on the go with a wearable breast pump are light walking, housework, errands, school run, or cooking, for example.

Pumping While Driving: Yes, But Safety First

Especially if you have a long commute to the office or a long drive ahead of you, pumping on the go in the car can make all the difference. It could be the difference between missing a pumping session or not, which is great for maintaining your supply. But safety always comes first.

A cordless and compact wearable breast pump is best used for pumping sessions whilst driving because you won’t have any tubes or distractions in your way whilst driving and pumping. Other safety tips to consider are:

• Set up your pump before you start to drive.
• Do not adjust your pump or bottles in the car whilst driving. (Just like you don’t use your phone whilst driving, this would distract your attention from the road.)
• Use a hands-free breast pump, like Bloome, for pumping sessions whilst driving
• Use an electric breast pump, like Smart Electric, for rest breaks when the car has stopped.

Other hospital-grade breast pumps like the Smart Electric Breast Pump are compact and great for travelling with, but would be difficult to use whilst driving. Think airport lounge, on a train, or if you’re being driven by someone else. This breast pump design would be more suited to use when parked.

But Let’s Be Real - Wearables Aren’t Perfect for Everything

Every breast pump shines in its own way. Wearable breast pumps are great, but there are some things electric pumps still do best. There’s a time and place for each, and the right one depends on your needs that day.

Electric breast pumps are ideal for mums who want to:

• Pump with stronger suction for efficient sessions
• Power pump to build or boost milk supply
• Pump directly into bottles or storage bags for quick, no-spill convenience

Because sometimes it’s great to pump and go, and other times it’s even better to sit, pump, and relax.

Wearable vs. Electric Pump: Which fits your lifestyle?

Deciding which breast pump to choose is made easier when you align its features with your goals and lifestyle. Some mums choose to use both, a wearable breast pump for flexibility in between longer pumping sessions, and an electric breast pump for a powerful boost to maintain their milk supply.

Real-Life Tips for Pumping on the Go

Pumping on the go has given mums the convenience to pump anytime, anywhere. So to take your pumping game to the next level, try out some of these tips shared by pumping mums who have already entered their “pumping era”.

• Plan ahead of time: charge your pump before heading out, pack bottles and storage bags, and keep a pen handy to label your milk once it’s been stored.
• Always carry spare parts, milk storage bags, and wipes.
• If you’re away from your baby and you’re using a single breast pump, wear a milk catcher on the other breast to save wasting any breast milk (and potential milk leaks!).
• Use a hands-free bra or snug top for extra security.
• Keep milk cool with an insulated bag if you’re planning to be out for longer.

Final Thoughts: Pump Where Life Takes You

These days, modern mums don’t have to choose between mobility and maintaining their milk supply because they can choose to do both simultaneously. Choose Bloome Wearable Breast Pump for discreet hands-free pumping even on the busiest of days or Smart Electric Breast Pump for efficient and powerful pumping on the go.

Wherever life takes you, Lola&Lykke breast pumps are designed to move with you, so you can be present in every moment. Explore the Lola&Lykke breast pump range to find your perfect fit.