? - Pumping at Work

knicoletti

The school year will start back up soon and I will have to go back to work.  Do I still pump every 3 hours or can I wait longer periods during the work day?  What do you do?

I teach kindergarten and am trying to figure a schedule for working/pumping.

fluffybuns

I try and pump twice, but usually only was able to do it once a day during my planning period. 

That always worked for me, my body just adjusted to the demand at that time of the day and I could usually pump around 10-16 oz. during that session, so it was enough for 3 bottles during the day. 

Lisa102304

This is my plan (I teach 1st grade):
7:00 nurse before leaving home
10:30 or 11:00 pump at lunch
1:00 or 1:30 pump during prep
4:00 nurse when I get home (This may be later some days. If I am going to be at work late, I will pump before I pick kids up if I need to.) Then I will nurse allevening as needed.

Lisa102304

Adding to above - I am going to let my boobs guide me in the afternoon, lol. If I am feeling really full, I will leave at 3:30 to get the kids. If I am not, I may stay at work longer. I would prefer NOT to pump before getting the kids - I would rather nurse Ashley at home.

knicoletti

Great, thanks!

I was wondering if my boobs would adjust or just decrease in supply.  Hopefully they just adjust!

Lisa102304

You will probably have some engorged days as your body adjusts, but supply should adapt to it. After a short time, your body will learn it's new schedule. I exclusively pumped with DD1 for almost a year and NEVER had a supply issue. (Yes, I know everyone is different!) Infact, I had a huge oversupply the entire time. I was able to stop pumping about 9 months in and she was still on frozen BM until just after a year.

But just keep an eye on your production and adjust what you need to when necessary. I have found that the number 1 thing to help supply is hydration. The more you drink water, the more you will produce. If you find your supply is dipping, I would increase water intake FIRST before adding herbs and medications. Then, moving to things like oatmeal and other foods that help supply.

ToBeMrsC6907

My schedule once I go back will look something like this:

6:30 am- nurse DD before work

9:30 am- pump

1:30 pm- pump

5:30 pm- nurse DD when we get home from work/daycare, and again before she goes down for bed (7 or 8'ish).  

I will probably pump once more before I go to bed (10'ish).

 

sparkymcgeee

I feel like I'm about to burst if I go more than three hours. I end up pumping two or three times. If I only pump twice then I have to either pump or feed right when I get home and sometimes both. Good luck!