Pumping at Work Questions

jendem8

A spin-off from some other threads.  I go back in about 2 months and am terrified to pump at work.  I'm a high school teacher, and I don't think my schedule is as conducive to pumping as I would like it to be (and I spoke with the principal last year about the need for breaks).  So some questions that I've thought of (and others can feel free to chime in with additional questions): 

1. How many times a day do you pump at work?  This is a huge concern for me because I feed on demand, and that's still a ton of sessions a day.  Obviously we're going to have to work on her schedule over the next 2 months.  I'm just hoping that she and my boobs can adjust.

2. Do you bring a special bra to wear?  I have to be able to get some work done while I pump, and I want to do both boobs at the same time.  Do I wear a special bra or bring one?  Any recommendations?

3. How do you store your milk? I have a mini fridge, but I'm assuming I should put in an ice pack as well...?

4. Where do you go to pump (especially teachers)?  At the moment, I'm seriously considering just locking my door.  No students can get in that way.  I also don't mind telling the administrators (the only ones with keys) to please knock or call me if they need me during one of my breaks.

allygirl520

1.  I work from 8-5 and pump 3 times a day (9, 1, and 4).  

2. I wear a regular nursing bra and just slip a hands-free bra over top when I want to pump (I have a Simple Wishes bra from Amazon).

3. I just use the work refrigerator and put in an insulated lunch box.  If it's going in a mini-fridge I doubt you'd need the ice pack as well, unless you have a long commute.

4. I'm not a teacher, but I can recommend just printing out a sign you can tape up during pumping sessions.  Mine says "No Trespassing".  I warned my coworkers not to enter when they see the sign.

Good luck!

courtniko

I pump twice a day and go over to her daycare to BF once a day. If I did not go BF her I would pump 3 times a day.
I wear a nursing bra and nursing shirt then when I pump I put on a Simple Wishes pumping bra I got from Amazon and it works great.
I would think that putting the milk in the mini fridge would be fine. maybe use an ice pack if you have a long commute though.
I actually put the milk in a cooler bag with an ice pack (then put that in the fridge)only because I transport her bottles in the morning to daycare in it. Plus I feel it is contained that way and all my coworkers don't have to see the breast milk sitting in the fridge. Although I do put my pump parts in the fridge in a clear ziploc so whatever.

kareik01

I also pump twice and go to daycare to nurse over my lunch. I nurse right before I drop her off, around 7:30, then pump at 10 and 3 and nurse as soon as we get home again. That way it keeps my body on an every 2-3 hour schedule. I also feed on demand, and so far my supply has stayed the same. I am able to pump 3-4 full feedings at work which goes with her to daycare the next day.

As was said above, if you don't have a long commute the mini fridge should be fine. I keep a cooler with an ice pack with me so I don't have to use the fridge at work, but I work in a place of 10 males and 1 other female. I just have a hard time leaving my milk for everyone to see...

I nurse in the bathroom. Not the most appealing place, but again being surrounded by men, it's just easiest.

mustangchick6504

I pump three times a day, 9, noon, and 3. My LO ususlly nurses every 2 hours but I still seem to be pumping more than he eats at daycare.

I got the handsfree bra from Lansinoh and wear it over my flipped down nursing bra so I don't have to completely undress. I also wear cardigans or shirts that I can just pull up.

I store my milk in a cooler with an ice pack and it is still cold when I get home around 6.

jlynn62511

1. I am also a high school teacher. I pump at 5am while getting ready for work. At 10 during my break. 3 when I get home from work and 10 before I go to bed. I have a problem with oversupply so I get plenty in those 4 sessions.

2. I bought cheap sports bras at Walmart and cut slits in them so I could slide the horns in. I answer emails and grade papers while I pump. I even made a few calls home to parents. Haha

3. I bought a mini fridge for my classroom. I wasn't comfortable storing the milk in the staff fridge. I store in the cooler that came with my PISA pump inside the fridge. I don't use the ice pack because I have a short commute.

4. I lock my door and cover the windows. I also put a do not disturb sign up because the tech people, maintenance and admin have keys to my room. I let one of the admin know that I was planning to do that. I also cover myself with a nursing cover just in case.

I haven't worn a dress to work this school year, I just don't feel comfortable lifting it up to pump. Haha One of my colleagues pumps and said she wore a dress the first day and didn't even think about it and felt awkward. It takes awhile to get comfortable pumping at work. 5 weeks in and I'm still nervous about someone walking in on me.

raquelynn714

I'm an interventionist teacher, so I don't have a classroom or mini fridge (teachers aren't allowed personal fans, mini fridges etc anyways due to energy efficiency regulations lol). I'm cramming myself into the tiny phone room to pump during my lunch... It's connected to the staff lounge so my pumping won't exactly be discreet. No mystery to the contents of my 2nd lunch bag. I almost EP right now--4 sessions 4-6 hours apart. Lunch break is at 11, so I'll do: 5am (home), 11, 4ish (home or work) and 9pm.