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Girl031813

Clynnpollock

Our situation was unique with DS and will be with our new LO... I take 12 weeks maternity leave and DH took (and will take again) 7 weeks paternity leave starting the week before i return to work (his company policy is they can take anytime in the first 12 months of baby's life). This gave us a week for me to work up to pumping every session during the day, DS to get used to bottles all day, and for DH and I to know how much we needed to have on had for any given day's worth of feedings. Worked well when we did it with DS so we're going with that plan again. Can't help with that particular pump - I have a medela PIS... 

 

ETA - I also was able to pump until DS was 13 months old, then went to BFing him when we were together until just before he turned 2, so it can definitely be done! 

pinkglam7

You can try a dry run but remember babies are so unpredictible! Some mornings I can nurse LO and get her ready in record time.  Other mornings I put her outfit on only for her to spit up all over it or change her diaper and she poops 2 min later.  Just give youself and LO plenty of time.  GL pumping at work, it's hard at first but you will get a routine down and it gets easier.  I am on my 2nd month back and am just getting used to it.  I look at pumping as a little break from my chaotic work.

Karla CS

Clynnpollock:

Our situation was unique with DS and will be with our new LO... I take 12 weeks maternity leave and DH took (and will take again) 7 weeks paternity leave starting the week before i return to work (his company policy is they can take anytime in the first 12 months of baby's life). This gave us a week for me to work up to pumping every session during the day, DS to get used to bottles all day, and for DH and I to know how much we needed to have on had for any given day's worth of feedings. Worked well when we did it with DS so we're going with that plan again. Can't help with that particular pump - I have a medela PIS... 

 

ETA - I also was able to pump until DS was 13 months old, then went to BFing him when we were together until just before he turned 2, so it can definitely be done! 

 

This 100x. I just started back to work last week, and my husband is taking 2 weeks of paid family leave. It's so helpful in terms of little things like figuring out how much milk I needed to leave and he could give me updates (how much milk she drank and when) and send pictures when I start feeling down. The transition hasn't been easy, but I think taking a baby step to daycare has been infinitely helpful.

My other piece of advice is see if you can gradually get back into work. Historically, I've been into the office early and left early (7:30-4:30), and with the baby doing 6:30-3:30. The first day back, I let everyone know I didn't plan to be in until 10, and still leaving at 3:30. The second day, came in by 8, and by the third day 7, and now I'm getting in at 6:30. Just knowing it's not a FULL day away from LO was helpful those first few days.

And pumping is.. Pumping. It's boring and doesn't come with the same feelings breastfeeding does. But again, it helps break up the day. I'm pumping 3x a day at work, which breaks my day down into manageable increments.

If you can work out a set schedule with your boss, it will make it helpful. I have times blocked off on my calendar - pumping and leaving the office. For the most part, people have been respectful of the times and not requested meetings at those times. There are some division wide meetings that can't be avoided, so flexibility is important.

Can't help with your pump either. I've got the Medela PIS also. 

iverske9

I had a medela but was home for three months and breast feed for 9 month, and had enough breast millk stored to make it to 11 months. I had to pump in my car, but it can be done. Talk to your supervisor and figure out when and where you can do it. Good luck it takes a little to get used to but you will find your groove.

blushingbride_08

I suggest wearing dark loose fitting shirts just in case you leak and no dresses! Also keep extra breasts pads and milk bags at your desk just in case you forget them at home. GL!

Reilly626

Good luck to you! I formula feed so I can't offer other advice.