BF working moms - question

SigmundsGirl

How many times do you pump at work? Yesterday was my first day back and I felt like I was pumping or cleaning up most of the day and I only pumped 3 times. Today I am gong to try to pump twice and hope that I can get the same amount, but with fewer pumping trips.

I don't have the best supply, so I am hoping this will work. Also, yesterday I didn't get as much as normal, but I attribute this to my lack of water and stress from dropping off my little man. I hope this gets better soon.

CindyandScott

I pumped 3 times a day at first keeping up with the eating schedule of every 3 hours during the day.

Suzi-G-

I only pump twice but I have always had over supply.  From what I've read most women need to pump at least 3 times a day, so I'd stick with that for now.   It is a lot of work but it's so worth it, IMO.  Stress and water definitely can cause low supply, but there will also just be some days that you won't make/pump as much.  Try not to worry about it, chances are things will go back to normal in a day or two.  I think everyone experiences some fluctuation and it is easy to freak out. 

 

kvinh546

In the beginning I pumped 3 times, and then eventually brought it down to 2. One thing I learned with the second baby was that you can reuse your pump parts throughout the day.   I just stored my parts in an insulated bag in the work fridge, used the same set all day and washed everything when I got home.  Saved A LOT of time!  

PS...I also at oatmeal when my supply started going down and it worked for me. Some people say it has to steel cut oats, but I ate the instant packs and I noticed a difference after a couple of days!  HTH!

readyforbaby

I did 3 x's a day when I was doing BM exclusively.  Once DS was a little older and I couldn't keep up with what he needed I eventually dropped down to 2 x's and he was getting formula half of the time.

Ditto the not needing to wash the pump parts each time.  I just would wipe them a little and then put them in the fridge. I would clean them that night.

ayersfam20

I felt that way too when I went back.  I started feeding her in the morning, dropping her at daycare and pumping as soon as I got to work (I had an hour commute), then again at lunch and once more before I left.  That way I really only felt like I was taking 1 break during the day. 

kreeper611

3 times.  Somes days (like today) I only get 2 in, but 95% of the time it's 3.

Trust me in that the first month felt like that - I was either pumping, getting ready to pump or cleaning up all day.  And the pumping took forever.  After 3-4 weeks I started to be able to pump in 15 min vs 30.  It just takes a while for your body to get used to it.  And some days I still have long pumping sessions, but not often.

Just to give you an idea I have to pump 5 times to get 18oz to send.  I pump at 6:30a after he eats and before we leave.  Then at 9:30, 1 & 3:30 at work.  Then I usually pump after he eats at night about 10pm but I only get 1-2oz during that session.

Katieraye09

It will get easier, I promise!  I pumped 3x per day when I first went back and kept on that schedule for about 3 months.  Then I went down to 2x per day and stayed that way until DS turned one.  3x was super hard but it was worth it!

AmyDrinkie

I pumped 3x for 20+ mins each session.

I didn't wash my pump parts either; just stuck them in my cooler so the milk still in them wouldn't spoil.

lilycat

For the first few months, I pumped 3x a day at work.

Here's a tip from my l.c.:

Pack multiple pump assemblies (the cone, neck, flange, bottle, and cap), one for each session, in a plastic bag*. Then, unpack, use, store milk, and place the cones/necks/flanges back in bag to wash at home.

Next work-pumping session, use a different set. 

This saves you from having to do dishes at work. I wished I figured this out with my first child, because it has been a great time saver at work. Pumping seemed a lot easier.

*I used those light weight clear trash can liner type bags. They were inexpensive and lightweight. 

SigmundsGirl

Thanks for the reality check and the tips. I am going to stick with the 3x a day, I have ordered more pump parts, and I will also store them in the fridge to make things easier.

I want to keep doing this for my little man as soon as possible.