Breastfeeding and Going Back to Work

Flowerstar1023

I went back to work on Monday. I work as a physician in an ER and man is it hard to get time to pump. Anyone else in a similar boat? What are you doing? Any words of wisdom on keeping up one's milk supply? I'd really like to continue exclusive breastfeeding till six months of age but am getting stressed about it.

mdaugherty8

Aren't they required by law to give you a break to pump?
My advice (what I've been doing) isn't great but just do the best you can! Some days I can pump every 3-4 hours but there will be days I have to go 8 or 10. Even though it's not ideal I just pump as soon as I can and do the best I can, and tell myself it's worth it for my baby boy.

clover28

I'm a cardiology nurse practitioner student doing my residency in NICU CT surgery. Sometimes it is really difficult to get a chance to pump so I take every opportunity I can! Medicine doesn't come with set breaks, especially in the ED. Good luck!

Marisang15

Can you mommies tell me how many oz you're pumping per session.. I feel like I'm struggling here. While at work I pump about 3 oz a session... Not a lot.. At all. I pump 3-4 times in a 8 hour period and I'm still having to supplement with formula while separated

jenniferaudrey0116

Marisang15 said:

Can you mommies tell me how many oz you're pumping per session.. I feel like I'm struggling here. While at work I pump about 3 oz a session... Not a lot.. At all. I pump 3-4 times in a 8 hour period and I'm still having to supplement with formula while separated

3 oz of breast milk is a normal amount that infants between 2-6 months eat per feeding and therefore should be enough to pump in one session. You should pump when your baby normally eats and the amount he/she eats. I'm not an expert but that's what my lactation consultant said and what I've researched. I'm not back to work yet but I've added one pumping session a day to start storage of milk. When going back to work pumping every 2-3 hours should be sufficient to maintain supply. The milk you pump at work should be taken home to give to your baby for the time you're gone the next day and any extras stored.