Returning to work (new job), pumping questions

MelissaMiso

Thankfully, after almost a year and a half, I landed a new full time job. I exclusively breast feed my 3.5 month old daughter and have a question about pumping. I have no idea how many ounces to have pumped for the first full day at work (8 hours plus about an hour round trip commute). What would you suggest minimum? Also, I have a Medela Harmony hand pump. I don't mind the manual pump but I am wondering if it would make it much quicker to use an electric. For those of you that have/use both, how much quicker is it? TIA

lanbob

An electric pump is a lot faster for me. I use my first year double electric pump it has worked great. As far as the amount my son never went over 5 oz. I did 4-5oz bottles for him while I was at work. 1 bottle for every 3 hours and one extra. I pumped before work, at lunch, and after work. On the first day of my work week DS gets milk from my stash and I froze the milk from Friday's pumping sessions.

Have you tried a bottle?  The reason I ask is you won't really know what her current in take is until you try. 

Do you have a stash?  

There really isn't a right or wrong. You just have to try it out and work your own routine out.   

lanbob

If you store your pump parts in a cooler with ice packs or a fridge you don't have to wash your pump parts for every session. 

MelissaMiso

Thanks everyone. Yes, she takes bottles like a champ. I have left her at her grandma's for a few hours before and she has no problems with the bottle or nipple confusion. I think I will try to "over do it" by pumping as much as possible. I've already frozen six bags about 4 oz each so I'm sure it will be fine. Guess I'm just nervous. We also have some completely emergency Similac samples if there ever really is a shortage on a day. Just trying to keep her BM only for as long as possible. Thank goodness both babysitters are her grandmothers who can deal with my new mommy wackiness without judgement. haha

FirstBabyMomma

I have both a Medela Harmony and an Ameda Purely Yours electric (but I only have one flange, so it's still only a single-side pump) and I found absolutely zero difference in the speed!

As for the amount, it sounds like you have plenty for the first day. I would estimate high for a week, then average out what she takes per day over the course of the week. Good luck!

ElinJ

My situation is a little different than yours, as my LO is not a fan of bottles. I began by sending 4 3oz bottles. At first he only drank a total of 3oz the whole first day! But he's gotten better, and I've increased it to two 4oz bottles, and 1 3oz. He's drinking the two 4oz at daycare. Sometimes he'll drink 1-2oz of the 3oz bottle from either daycare or dad (who does pickup 2 hours before I get home). So I'm preparing 11oz of milk, but at work I'm pumping usually 12-15oz. I just freeze the leftover milk.

Again, my experience is a bit different, but I say don't worry too much.  You should be able to pump enough in one day at work to make up for her bottles.  (Assuming your work provides adequate breaks for pumping.)  Like others, I highly recommend a double electric pump & a hands free bra.  I have the Medela Freestyle, and the Simple Wishes HandsFree bra.  LOVE both.