Returning to School

Evelyn Borchard

Updated May 11, 2026 20:04

Article reviewed and updated 5/8/26.

I will be returning to school after baby is born. I plan to continue breastfeeding and want to pump at school. How can I prepare?

Planning ahead can make your return to school much easier! Many schools have policies and resources to help support students with breastfeeding. Being prepared to breastfeed so that things can get off to the best start can help with the transition back to school. Consider attending a breastfeeding class during your pregnancy. Let your peer counselor know if you'd like to attend a Breastfeeding Class on Zoom.

During Your Pregnancy:

Think about how much time you are able to take off from school after baby is born. If possible, take the maximum amount of time off to help establish breastfeeding.
Consider virtual/distance learning.
Learn about your school's policies for breastfeeding or pumping. Talk with a school nurse, counselor, or student services staff if needed. If your school does not have specific regulations to support students who breastfeed and pump, know that there are laws that protect your rights to pump!
This form is a good guide to direct the conversation with school staff about meeting your pumping needs.
If there is not a dedicated lactation room, ask about using a private space such as an office or lounge area.
Consider a caregiver who is willing to learn safe breastmilk storage and handling practices. Having support from baby's caregiver is crucial in your breastfeeding success.
Research breast pumps and reach out to your insurance company to find out which pumps are covered. The WIC program also provides pumps.
Make a breastfeeding plan for your hospital stay and share it with your doctor and other hospital staff.

After Baby is Born:

Get breastfeeding off to a good start and focus on healing, bonding, and establishing a good milk supply for the first few weeks.
Wait to pump for about 2-4 weeks, if possible. Once you’re confident that baby is latching well and your milk supply has evened out, begin pumping once or twice a day to start storing breast milk. You don’t need a huge freezer stash of milk; several days worth of feedings is plenty.
Make sure you are using the correct breast flange to optimize milk removal.

Practice Before you Return:

Introduce a bottle of breast milk using the paced bottle-feeding method to help baby switch between bottle and breast.
Have someone else offer the bottle, whenever possible.
Do a trial run with your caregiver a few days before returning to school. Share feeding routines, milk storage instructions and how often/much your baby eats. For more information on the average intake of a breastfed baby, click here.

Bottle Feeding Tips:

Offer the bottle about 1-2 hours after their last feeding, while baby is calm and active but not starving!
Keep the experience relaxed. Talk softly and follow your baby's cues.
Let baby take their time. Start with a small amount of breast milk. Babies who are used to being fed at the breast like to take their time. Give baby a small taste on their lips and be gentle.
Stop if anyone becomes frustrated. Be patient and try again later.

When You Return to School:

If possible, start back midweek to ease the transition.
Breastfeed baby right before you leave and right after you return.
Pack your pump, pump parts (tubing, bottles, flanges, electrical cord), storage bags, and a cooler with ice packs.
Pump as often as baby would usually breastfeed, about every 3 hours. Keep growth spurts in mind and consider adding pumping sessions during those times.
Store pump parts in a container in the fridge between pumping sessions to save time and wash them at home each day.
Talk with school staff if you need to make adjustments to your pumping schedule.
Breastfeed often when you’re with baby. Take advantage of evenings and weekends to nurse on breast as this is very beneficial to your milk supply. Some breastfed babies tend to consume the majority of their calories when with mom by nursing frequently when together and less while apart. This is called reverse-cycling and as long as you can cope with the demand, there is nothing wrong with it.

You're Not Alone! Balancing school and breastfeeding can be challenging, but support is available. Reach out to you peer counselor, WIC staff, or a lactation specialist. You can also join a breastfeeding support group to connect with other moms.