EPing and returning to work.

talee1989

I will be returning to work in about 5 weeks and i'm trying to figure out a pumping schedule for when I return. Right now I am pumping every 4-5hrs around the clock. I work 12 hour days but with the commute and everything I end up being gone from about 6 a.m.-8p.m.

 Anyone have suggestions on what kind of schedule I should try and get on for pumping times?

 Would it be possible to pump every six hours ex: 5am,11am,5pm,11pm and still have a enough supply?

 My supply right now is really good. I'm able to freeze approx. 20oz per day plus have about 25oz for LO to eat throughout the day and night.  I want to try and make it so I only have to pump 2x while i'm at work because from previous expierence there are alot of complaints from fellow co-workers about other moms that leave several times to go pump during their shift.. TIA

GBCK

My schedule was pretty similar to yours (okay, a little longer) as far as length of time gone, and I'll say, if you can pump *right* before work, you might find it easier.

FWIW, I did '3 hours from last time the breasts were emptied" as my 'schedule'.  Since I leave the house at 6:20, that would make first pump at 9 AM (so only an hour after I got to work) if I didn't work at it...instead I pumped in the car so at 7:55, as I cruise into the parkig lot, I'm turning off the pump.  Then I pumped at 11 (my lunch), 3 (my mid-afternoon break), and on my drive home.

Only 2 breaks at work, but still followed my 3 hour rule (more or less) most days 

WeWearCombatBoots

First I would say too bad to my co-workers, tuff *** I'm pumpin, lol! I would let them complain all they want, pumping is too important and its not forever, they can deal with it for a year or however long you are going to pump. The complaints stem from jealousy and ignorance. I'm sure they think its ok for them to take several smoke breaks, but its a crime for a lactating mother to take some time to feed her child. I would try to pump right before I left the house or on the way to work, if you can. I don't think I could work out pumping in the car if I were the one driving. I would try to work in 3 pumps at work. Maybe 5am at home, then maybe around 9am at work, then on your lunch break(11 or 12?), then again at 5, and then whenever you get home. My schedule is similar, I never like to go over 5 hours, but sometimes I go 6. 

On work days I usually do- 5:30am, 9:30am, 12pm, 3:30pm, 8:30pm, and 11:30 pm if I haven't fallen asleep yet.