Working Moms

Pumping At Work

 I posted this on the breastfeeding message board as well.

I just called my boss today. I told her I would be returning to work. I work from 7:25 to 4:00. I have a 35 min. lunch at 11:00.  I was hoping she would let me combine my 2 15 min. breaks, so I could pump at lunch and at 1:45 to 2:15.  She said no. I live a distance away and really didn't want to make up time.  I will have a 15 min. break at 8:35, 35 min. lunch at 11:00, and another 15 min. break at 1:45.  Will this work?  I'm just wondering, it will take me time to get to the room and clean up - is this something that can work?  I'll try to empty my breasts before work and as much as I can at lunch. Do you think I can keep up my supply and do this?

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Re: Pumping At Work

  • I'm in a work situation that is nearly impossible to pump in because of contamination issues and also lack of breaks. However I made it work with DD for 10 months and so far been back for 4 months with DS. I pump while I am driving to work at 6:30am (hands free bra with nursing cover), at lunch for 30 minutes in my car at 12:10pm (due to no space to pump at work) and then again on my drive home at 3:30pm. I have been able to maintain supply this way so a different pumping schedule works for some people. Ideally you would pump every time LO eats, however not everyone can make that work. I personally can't setup and breakdown and pump in 15 minutes although part of that might be how far I have to go to pump. You will have to see what works for you, however don't give up on less than ideal pumping arrangements, it can work.
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  • I think you can do it.  I was given 15 minutes and 25 minutes to pump last year and it was tough, but I did it.  I figured pumping some was better than not at all.  Can you get a second set of horns so you don't need to wash them out after you finish?  Then you could just toss everything in a bag and be done.  I also use the freezer pack for my milk and don't put it in a fridge to save some time.
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  • Do you have a room to pump in? Medela makes pump wipes so you can just wipe the parts instead of washing between each pump then keep the bottles in the cooler bag with the ice pack and just wash everything at home. Maybe not ideal but breast milk is ok to be left out 8 hours so if a drop is on your pump that long it won't do too much harm and it is better to not have wet pump parts anyways. You can make it work :)
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  • I am in the same boat. I have a 30 minute lunch with two 15 minute breaks and I have made it work with both of my children. I just put my pump parts in the fridge between pumping sessions. I also have a hands free bra which allows me to pump and eat lunch at the same time. Could you try pumping hands free while you eat lunch? That way, if you need a few minutes more for your 15 breaks you could clock out for 5 minutes at each break...giving you 20 minutes instead of 15.

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  • Have you checked into breastfeeding laws? This website has a lot of information, but does not apply to everyone, depending on their employer. https://www.dol.gov/whd/nursingmothers/

    I have heard of women who pump during their commute with the help of a hands-free pumping bra. Would that help at all?

  • I pumped on a 25 minute lunch break and just barely made it.  I don't think I could have done it in 15 minutes at all.  I even had my parts already put together and ready to roll the second I got in my closet to pump!  I would definitely look into the laws.  I'm pretty sure she HAS to allow you more time to pump.  I would just look into extending one of your breaks by about 10 minutes or so for pumping. 

     

     

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  • With DD I saved time by wearing a pumping bustier bra over a nursing tank or bra that I'd just open fully wear under clothes to get both sides done at once. Then I refrigerated all pump parts rather than washing between sessions and only washed at night at home. Just put in a big storage bag. If you can get a mini fridge for work, it's a big help, otherwise use a communal fridge and invest in a nonsee through sizable lunch pail.

    Suggestion to keep a set of spare parts and membranes at work too the days you "forget" a piece can be surprisingly frequent! Also keep storage bags at work in case you forget bottles in a pinch, you can pump directly into a bag.
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  • Your milk supply is way better in the morning, so if you have to be creative with pumping sessions, aim to add them in the morning.  Would your boss let you do a 20 min a.m. break and 10 min p.m. break?  That way you could pump in the a.m. when you'll have a lot of milk, then at lunch for a longer time, then maybe on the drive home.  Otherwise, I'd try pumping in the car on the way to work.
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