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Let’s be real — being a teacher is already one of the most demanding jobs out there. Between lesson plans, grading, hallway duty, and trying to eat lunch in under 10 minutes, our time is not our own. Now add pumping breast milk into that mix, and it can start to feel like you’re running a marathon before 10 a.m.
But here’s the thing: you can be a dedicated teacher and still give your baby breast milk while at work. You don’t have to choose between your career and your goals as a mom. And you don’t have to settle for hiding in a bathroom stall or skipping pumping sessions.
With a little planning, the right setup, and my absolute favorite pump — the Momcozy Air 1 — you can make pumping at school work for you, not against you.
Let’s start here because this part matters. You have a legal right to pump at work. Federal law (thanks to the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act) requires that your employer provide both:
So if you’re a teacher who feels guilty for taking time to pump, or if you’ve faced eye rolls from coworkers, let me say this loud and clear — it’s not a favor, it’s your right.
I know how hard it can be. We’re used to shoving our lunch down in record time or grading while we eat. But your baby deserves to be nourished, and you deserve the time and space to make that happen. Don’t sacrifice something you want to accomplish just because of your career. You can absolutely do both — and the law is on your side.
If a colleague or admin seems unsupportive, I’ve found it helps to calmly explain that this isn’t a preference; it’s a legal protection. If you frame it as a planned part of your workday, not a disruption, most people respect it.
Let’s talk about logistics. Ideally, your school should provide you with a private space — but in my case, my classroom became my pumping haven.
Here’s what that looks like for me:
If you can’t use your classroom, your school must provide a space that’s not a bathroom. This could be a counselor’s office, storage room, or nurse’s area — as long as it’s private and secure.
Remember: pumping shouldn’t feel like sneaking around. It’s part of your workday now, and you deserve to feel comfortable and respected.
When it comes to pumping at school, convenience is everything. You don’t have time for tangled wires, loud motors, or multiple outlets. That’s why I am fully obsessed with the Momcozy Air 1.
Here’s why it’s a total game-changer for teachers:
Other must-haves in my teacher pumping bag:
After school, I take everything home to wash and sterilize for the next day.
Now for the biggest question: how do you actually fit pumping into your teacher schedule?
When I found out I was pregnant, I met with my admin early to plan my schedule around my pumping needs. I asked for my off period to be around 9:00–10:00 a.m. since my baby feeds every three hours. Here’s what my day looks like now:
Our high school day runs from 7:20 a.m. to 2:33 p.m., but every school is different. My best advice? Talk with your admin early. Be honest about your needs, and frame it as part of your professional routine. You’ll be surprised how supportive people can be when you plan it out clearly.
Here’s my honest routine with the Momcozy Air 1:
If you haven’t tried the app yet — it’s super helpful! It syncs your pumping data, sets reminders, and even tracks which side you pumped last.
I keep an extra set of pump parts in my classroom just in case (trust me, you do not want to forget a valve or flange halfway through the day).
For anyone wondering what’s realistic:
Of course, everyone’s body is different, but consistency helps. Once my body got used to my school pumping rhythm, my output became super predictable — which made planning so much easier.
A few little things I’ve learned along the way:
If you feel nervous about pumping at work, remind yourself that you’re doing something incredible — showing up for your students and your baby.
After every session, I quickly disassemble the parts, wipe them down with Dapple Baby wipes, and store them in a clean, sealed bag. Then I do a full wash and sterilize everything at home each night.
If your school has a sink nearby, that’s great — but if not, wipes work perfectly for keeping things clean between sessions.
I keep a mini fridge in my classroom with a small freezer compartment. After each session, I label and store my milk bags inside.
By the end of the day:
When it’s time to go home, I place everything in my insulated lunchbox, zip it up, and head out. The milk either goes straight to the freezer at home or to daycare the next morning.
Pumping at work as a teacher can feel like a juggling act, but it’s absolutely possible. You’re not “asking for too much” — you’re advocating for yourself and your baby.
Having the Momcozy Air 1 has made my life as a pumping teacher 1000x easier. It’s quiet, discreet, powerful, and designed for busy moms who don’t have a second to spare.
So if you’re in your teacher era and your mom era — remember, you don’t have to give up one for the other. You’ve got this, and you’re setting an amazing example for every student who sees you balancing both. 💛
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider regarding any medical condition. Momcozy is not responsible for any consequences arising from the use of this content.
