Pumping Question?

Rhlwag

This is my first, and I haven't BF before.  I only get 6 weeks off for maternity.  Now when I go back to work and have to start pumping.... If I pump before work can I make it the full 8 hours until I get home to pump again?  Or is that going to cause issues (engorgement, decreased milk supply)?  I really don't want to pump at work.  I work in a warehouse and they don't provide me with a space or the time to do it? 

MrsAmers

At 6 weeks old, the baby will be eating every 2 to 2 1/2 hours.  So in order to maintain your milk supply, you'll need to pump at least every 2 1/2 to 3 hours.  I pump 3 times at work each day and I'm away from DC from 7:30am to 6pm.

It is possible to breastfeed in the mornings and evenings, and supplement with formula while you are at work.  You can also pump during part of your matenity leave or over the weekend when you're back at work to make a "stash" of milk for your baby to eat while you're at work.

Honestly, I would just start BFing when your baby is born, and when you get within a week or two of returning to work you can evaluate how LO is eating and what your options are.  It is possible to pump in a bathroom or in your car.  Not ideal, but I've done it when traveling for work.  And you can investigate whether your state laws require your employer to let you take pumping breaks.

hope that helps.

cvillecouple

first it will cause engorgement and then it will cause decreased milk supply.  If you really can't or don't want to pump at work you will need to supplement.  I also pump in my car some.  I have a hands free pumping bra, mine is from easy expressions.  That would maybe give you two extra sessions on the way to work and on the way home.  GL!

little__bit

If I pump before work can I make it the full 8 hours until I get home to pump again?

If you were 8-10 months post-partum, it may be possible.  My son STTN, so I go 7-8 hours overnight without nursing or pumping.  However, at only 6 weeks, your milk supply is not stable and going 8 hours without removing milk could seriously jeoparidze your supply.

I really don't want to pump at work. 

I don't know any woman who wants to pump at work.  But some women have a harder time of it because their work environment is not supportive of pumping.  Is there a women's restroom?  What about your car?  I know neither is ideal, but women have done it.

In the meantime, can you press your HR to have a room or closet set up for you?  It doesn't take much:  an electical outlet, a chair, and a lock on the door.

Rhlwag

Thanks for all the info!  The only law protecting nursing mothers in Michigan that I could find is that we can't be ticketed for indecent exposure, I couldn't find anything about accomidating a BF mother at work.  I will talk to my boss about letting me go to my car during break and lunch to pump (we have a policy against going to the car during that time)  and hopefully she will understand.

little__bit

Rhlwag:

I will talk to my boss about letting me go to my car during break and lunch to pump (we have a policy against going to the car during that time)  and hopefully she will understand.

Good for you!  Check these out too:

https://www.llli.org/Law/LawEmployment.html

https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/wichd/bf/pdf/13-06-12257.pdf