RE: returning to work/pumping

dizzycooks

My principal emailed me back and seems open to finding me coverage for at least the first few weeks so I can have a 10 minute break in the morning!  I am so relieved.  Even if it's just the first 3 weeks (I only have 8) then at least my body can get use to the new schedule.  I think the fall will be easier because DD will be going longer between feedings and I will have workshop week to pump once in the morning before I have to drop that feeding all together.  I am so glad I asked!

SoonToBeMsP

That's awesome! So glad they were reasonable I'd still push for those extra 5 weeks, though.

dizzycooks

I told him that 8 weeks would be ideal, but understand if that creates a significant hardship and would appreciate at least 3-4 weeks for my body to adjust to the less frequent feeding schedule.  We will see, I am going to be eating oatmeal everyday for breakfast and make sure I am drinking one water bottle between 1st and 3rd periods and again between 3rd and 5th to ensure I am keeping up with my water in take.

SoonToBeMsP

Totally understand. Just want you to know you're not asking for a lot

And man, the things we do for our kids!! 

megaloo27

Good luck! I pray your body will cooperate. 

messfam07

I came back to work 4 weeks early to help them out. The temp found a perm job and they didn't want to have to train someone for else. I pump on my breaks. I get here at 8:30 pump at 10-10:30 depending on how busy it is when I come in. then again on my lunch at noon. and then at 3pm. They are being really great about it I have it to where I am able to get set up pumped cleaned and everything put away in exactly 20 min. I take an extra 5 min each break and at lunch an extra 10 so that I can eat and not pump at the same time. I did splurge and get the hands free pumping bra. I'm on my 3rd week and so far so good. I started out getting 12 oz a day and I'm up to 18 wow lol I have a nice little freezer stash. I don't know what state you work in but there are laws that state they have to accommodate you the time and place. I keep a wallet size card in my wallet with the laws and my rights as a nursing mother because I have come across some pretty negative people. First few days back at work a couple people complained saying it was disgusting that I was pumping here at work and my husband brought the kids to see me on my lunch and i feed him and got complaints about that so my HR sent out an email explaining my rights and that they can be fined for not allowing it. Which in turn made me feel better about my job. I was very hesitant on coming back. I feel the breast is best and it is cheaper then purchasing formula. Sorry for my rampage.

Jessiree

The only thing I would say to you is if you haven't already, buy extra breastshields/connectors/etc, so you have more than one complete pair for work. Like you, I can pump a lot in a short amount of time (typically 8-10 oz in 15 minutes) but what took the most time was trying to wash and clean my parts so they were ready for the next session, so I went ahead a bought another complete pair. If you have a big enough cooler bag, you can just put the parts you just used in a plastic baggie and wash everything once you get home. GL! It's a pain to pump at work, but so worth it in the long run!