pumping - how not to be so messy?

Meganequine

Right now I'm only pumping once or twice a day at home, so it's not a big deal.  But- later, it will be.

 No matter what I do when I'm done pumping I end up getting milk on my shirt, pants or stuff around me.  It either drips off the edge of the flange or out of me if I don't get my shirt up quick enough.  (I also leak when LO is done eating. . .I guess I'm just a leaker)

How do I prevent the getting of milk everywhere- I really don't want to be out in public or at work with wet spots.

Ashley&Scott

I keep extra burp cloths in my pumping bag. When I'm pumping I lay one in my lap so that any drips that may occur while I'm taking everything apart are caught on the burp cloth. (I also wipe the pump parts off as I disassemble to help reduce drips.) My first week of pumping at work I had a few drips in my lap, but with practice it got better quickly. Now 4 weeks in I rarely have any problems.  

As far as leaking, you'll probably want to get some breast pads. I really like my bamboobies, they're washable. If you want disposables I would recommend Lansinoh. 

Ms5586

Sounds like PP's idea would work best for you.  I found that if I'm slouching forward and smashing my breasts with the flanges, then I'll leak, or if I'm reclined back too far.  I have to sit up straight so the milk doesn't gather in the flange. 

Jenny952

I agree with pp that I have a burp cloth in my pumping bag and put it on my lap when I'm pumping.  After I'm done, I unattach the pump from the bottles, and then take the flanges off very gently.  I lean over so any extra milk drips down into the bottles and then take the flanges off one at a time.  Just don't lean over too far or milk will spill out of the side.