? about pumping at work

rmburress · February 2009

This is probably a silly question, but I'm just not sure. Right now, I pump 3x a day at work (about every 3 hours). How long do you think I have to pump 3x a day? Do you think it would make a big difference if I cut back to 2x a day? Usually at my middle of the day pumping, I pump about 2-3 oz, but my morning and afternoon session i get at least 4. So, I guess what I'm really asking, is how long did you continue to pump every 3 hours? We have a sign-up sheet at work, and I notice I am the only one who does it 3 times a day, everyone else is 2x. So, it makes me feel like I'm a slacker at work... I swear, sometimes I still feel clueless when it comes to breastfeeding and pumping.

lisamm1 · February 2009

I work 12 hour shifts two nights a week and I only pump twice while I'm there. I didn't go back to work until Macy was 3 months and I only work 2 nights a week, so I may be a little different than the norm. I am able to keep up with her intake by only pumping twice.

sprads · February 2009

According to the "rules". you are supposed to pump every 3 hours that you are away from your child, including travel time. Maybe the other ladies are super producers are supplement. Are you keeping up with your baby?

sistrkate · February 2009

I pumped every 3 hours as long as my baby was eating every 3 hours. I didn't eliminate one until he dropped a feeding. Basically, you are pumping in lieu of nursing, so I'd use that as a rule of thumb.

Also Sprads' comment was a good one........even if you're getting less at the middle of the day session, if you need that to keep up with your baby's needs, you need to keep it. Eliminating the session won't result in you pumping more in either of your other two sessions.

Good luck, pumping is not easy. Just when you think you've got it figured out, your baby will throw you a curveball!

JLPT830 · February 2009

I always pumped 2x at work. I was fine and kept up with his demands. When he turned 1, I dropped to 1x a day and am contemplating cutting that out now that he's on cow's milk. That being said I always pumped a huge amount until he was about 9 months old and I had a large freezer stash. If you need to pump 3x to have enough EBM, then I would keep it up. You could always try to cut out 1 pump session for a few days and see how it goes. If you need to you can pick it back up. I did this with my before bed pump session. And.....I'm still trying to figure out pumping and breastfeeding and it's been a year! So don't feel bad! :-)

mrs.george2be04 · February 2009

I only pump twice a day at work. It's not feasible for me to do more than that. On really hectic days I only get 1 pumping session in (that doesn't happen too often though). I also pump most nights after DS goes to bed and before work.

kel716 · February 2009

I EP so the rules for me are different... but I would think that you could cut it for a few days and see if you really need it. Worst case you add it back. FWIW, I pump at lunch and when I'm driving home from work and that's it as far as my work day goes. Granted, I get to work at 7, and am usually home by 3:30. My lunch is at 10 (school day-- we have a wacky schedule), and I'm usually in my car by 2:45/3.

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