Working full time and breastfeeding is HARD! Anyone else done this?

mattsbride2006 · January 2010

I have a unique job that does not enable me to leave at scheduled times to pump. (operating room nurse) So sometimes go all day at work and only pump once. I think my body is cutting back because I only get about 6-7 oz. out after all day. I have enough milk in the fridge to get me through the next day but sometimes its really close, like Im rushing home from work to feed her cause she just used her last bottle. Its still working fine but Im about to start a new job that Im not sure will cater to my unique needs of pumping. Jobs aren't required to give me a pumping break and I don't want to be one of those high maintenance new employees. I didn't mention it when I found out I got the job, I figured it was too soon to be making demands. I am thankful I've been able to do it this long (3months) but I wanted to at least make it to 6 months. I thought maybe I could leave formula with her during the day while Im at work and then feed her normally from the breast in the evenings and at night. Not sure if that would work. I'll keep trying and see how it goes! THanks!!!

dconsolatti · January 2010

I'm right there with you! I try to get in three sessions while I am work, but most of the time I get two in (and I've had a day or two with only one session). I'm going to keep trying, but it's probably easier for me since I work in an office setting. I have heard about moms supplementing formula during the day and nursing when you are with baby (it just may be harder since your body will adjust accordingly, kind of like if your baby starts to STTN and you start to produce less milk during the night). Good luck!

Bride7-7-07 · January 2010

I work full time and breastfeed. I am a teacher with a goofy schedule that only gives me the time to pump on M,W,F - however, that turned out to be a huge waste of time because then, I wasn't getting anything done at school because I was spending an easy 40 minutes from start to finish. I was bringing home too much work, so I decided to forgo pumping at school. I now, pump in the morning before I leave at 5:30, when I get home at 3:00 and again at 9:00. Give or take the times by a few minutes here and there.

I did have a large stash prior to going back to work - 242 ounces, which I use when situations arise especially now that she's growing. If you could slowly start to build a stash, that would help (on the weekends). Also, you could leave formula like you said - or try and mix part formula and part breastmilk - that way she is still getting the breastmilk.

I wish you the best in what you choose to do! Congratulations on the new job and good luck!

beckytr · January 2010

i am able to pump 2x during the day but DS get 3 bottles during that time period. i BF him at 7pm when i get home, put him to bed, and then pump again at 9:30-10pm to make up for the 3rd session. GL.

zoeyzz80 · January 2010

I am also a nurse and it is very hard to get a break and pump. Since going back to work full time, my milk supply has taken a dip. I've tried supplements and tea to help with production, but nothing really helped too much. Now 2 days ago my baby decided in the middle of the night that she didnt want a boob and prefered a bottle! I'm going to still try and pump. The doctor said even some breastmilk is better than none. Good Luck!!!!

Mrs.DeliaMarieP · January 2010

I pump twice/day at work, around 9 and noon

I'm very fortunate with this job that they give me extra time from my normal morning break and lunch break. However, I start a new job in a week, and I will have to use my breaks to do my pumping.

You could feed her from the breast when you are home, however your supply may decrease because of the lack of demand during the day, not to mention you're going to be very engorged come the end of the workday. I would never be able to make it without pumping at least once.

There have been days that I only got to pump once at work and I was able to make it without any problems, but I would have never made it otherwise just out of pain.

Want a personalized experience?

Working full time and breastfeeding is HARD! Anyone else done this?

Re: Working full time and breastfeeding is HARD! Anyone else done this?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards