Help! Pumping when returning to work.

Re: Help! Pumping when returning to work.

• tmp-214118062502913

  March 2009

  I have been back to work since Feb 19th.  The first day or two I felt I needed to pump every 2-3 hours.  Now... I pump when I get there, pump when i can grab a lunch (which is often 5 hours later) and then pump when I leave (which is sometimes 2 horus later).  Sometimes I can't get in that last pump of the day.

  That being said, I bring home more than what DD eats while I am at work so I still get a bit to freeze or have if I am away for a bit on weekends.  Pumping gets faster - I can now get out 6-8 ounces in less than 10 minutes.  If you can talk to your boss, maybe an aide the first week but by then it will be faster and you won't have to pump as often and still get what you need.

  Good luck!!!

  Report0 Reply
• Loading the player...
• mkirby624

  March 2009

  I'll be checking this post often because I am a teacher as well. Right now, my schedule gives me first period off, a 9:45 break (15 minute break), and an 11:45 lunch, but lunch only last 25 minutes, so eating and pumping will be nearly impossible!  Then I leave work at 3:30 without a break after lunch.  I'm definitely concerned about how I'm going to manage it.  I may see if I can get my planning period to be later in the day next year to accommodate it...

   

  When I was in my first year of teaching, a coworker was bfing and needing to pump at work.  Luckily, at 10am, we had "Channel 1" and the inclusion teacher would watch her class during that time so she could pump, then she pumped at lunch, and again at afternoon break.  
  

  Report0 Reply
• chadandamy

  March 2009

  I teach and I pump just once a day.  I feed ds at 6:45 and then I pump at 10:30 am and then I feed ds when we get home at 4:00 pm.  My ds gets one bottle of bm and one bottle of formula at daycare each day.  That is how it needs to be with my schedule.  On the weekends I have no problem nursing for all feeds.

  Report0 Reply
• njbride102007 member

  March 2009

  i'm in the same situation, i can not go to the bathrm for 15 mins to pump at work throughout the day. my baby is 5 1/2 wks and i go back to work in 3 wks and can only pump at lunch. i went to a breastfeeding group this wk and this is what they suggested.wake up feed baby, then pump before i leave for work or in the car once i get there, then instead of using my electric pump for 15 mins mid morning, use a manual one (which is much smaller than my double electric and totally quiet)or hand express some milk if i get engorged. i can't stop working for 15 mins but i can certainly go to the bathrm for 5 min. then pump at lunch, do the same thing mid afternoon or as soon as i get in my car to go home. then feed her as soon as i get home. yesterday i had to go 5 hrs w/out and was not engorged at all but i don't want my supply to drop off.

  Report0 Reply
• flyer23 member

  March 2009

  I definitely recommend the manual pump thing. It is so much faster to set up/break down than an electric pump, so it is perfect when you only have 5 mins to get out as much milk as you possibly can.

  Also, if you have a reasonable commute, try pumping while driving. I occasionally had to do onsite customer visits or training where finding a place and time to pump was near impossible -- but I usually had to drive an hour or so to get there. So I just hooked up the pump and let 'er rip. That helped a LOT with keeping my supply up.

  Overall, my advice is just to pump like crazy. Whenever and wherever you can. Do the best you can. If your supply takes a hit due to your work schedule, supplement. It's not the end of the world, especially if you can continue giving some breastmilk!

  Mommy to DD1 (June 2007), DS (January 2010), DD2 (July 2012), and The Next One (EDD 3/31/2015)

  Report0 Reply
• RITA711

  March 2009

  Hi ladies!! I am the exclusive USA distributor for Evanesse - the 1st and ONLY Leak Proof Nursing Bra that requires NO PADS EVER, is lighter than any bra you already own, has a pretty feminine style, very soft and will not let you leak through to your clothes!! Also, it is that noone else will even know you are nursing yet alone that you are wearing a nursing bra!! The technology uses the heat of your body to wick the moisture away from your skin and evaporate it. You can go from 24-28 hours before you have to hand wash it, depending on how much you leak. This technology ensures you will not problems with thrush and it also aids with nipple cracking and soreness. Not to mention the benefits to your child as there is no bacteria growth on your skin with the old fashion pads that leave you sitting in moisture. We ahve sizes 34A thru 42DD currently but are working on smaller and larger sizes to be available this summer. We were just at the American Baby Expo - Bump was there as well and took a sample to test drive on a mommy but they are AMAZED. If you go to my website, https://omamma.com, you can read more about therm and testimonials as well. We are currently honoring show price of 1/$30 2/$55. That is less than you pay for a bra with no benefits and then you still must buy the pads constantly. We do have leak proof pads as well that fit in ANY bra you already own...same technology and washable and reusable. They are 14.99 pack of 4 and come in B, C, D, E cup sizes. For many of you, like our Expo mothers, who don't know your size yet, we offer Gift Certificates to lock in the price. We mail you a GC and when you are in your final size, just call or email us, we make sure you are measured right and mail your bras, it's that easy!! Have a wonderful pregnancy and enjoy. We look forward to making sure your breastfeeding experience is a joyful one without embarassing moments and wet mattresses Rita George, O'Mamma "Breastfeeding is a mother's gift to herself, her baby and the earth." We will be at Baby Expo in Oaks PA on 4/18 & 4/19 - come check out the bras and try one on!!

  Report0 Reply