Pumping at work

jmo823

So today is the first day our sitter is here with my DS. I'm working from home this week but have to go back to the office Monday :-(  I had her feed DS a bottle for his afternoon feeding while I pumped. DS is a pretty efficient nurser.  He takes both sides in a feeding and is usually done within 15 minutes.  When I pumped today I had 4 ounces total in less than 10 minutes and pretty much nothing after that.  Should I pump longer? Like 20? or since I got the feeding out should I stop? I don't want to end up with an over supply but I also want to make sure I'm able to pump enough.

mcanant

You should pump 15-20 minutes. Your body will regulate in the upcoming weeks and you may notice getting a lot less throughout the day than the first part of the day (my highest output is at 3-5 am, with declining ounces every time i pump after that-not always the case just my experience)

If you are going back full time I would recommend pumping no less than 3x in the beginning. I pump in early AM, then 3x at work. I need 14 ounces a day, so your needs and ounces may vary. 

telyn

mcanant:

You should pump 15-20 minutes. Your body will regulate in the upcoming weeks and you may notice getting a lot less throughout the day than the first part of the day (my highest output is at 3-5 am, with declining ounces every time i pump after that-not always the case just my experience)

If you are going back full time I would recommend pumping no less than 3x in the beginning. I pump in early AM, then 3x at work. I need 14 ounces a day, so your needs and ounces may vary. 

 

This. As you get good with the pump, you'll know when to pump and how long you can wait and how long it takes you. I'm in there sometimes for 30-45 minutes getting that 2nd or third let down. 

jmo823

Thanks ladies! I'm familiar with my pump but not at work obviously. I was pumping for 2 weeks in the beginning because of latch issues but for the rest of my leave have only been pumping once a day for my stash. I was just surprised it came out so quickly! I really want to make this work and I'm hoping I'm able to pump enough to make my mini goal of 6 months and then hopefully a year!

lmj8284

LucyD1029:

I always pump for 15 minutes regardless of whether the milk is still flowing.  I sometimes get a 2nd letdown around the 13-14 minute mark. 

This happens to me also!  Keep the pump on even when the milk seems to have stopped.