Help- Just returned to work and pumping issues

Re: Help- Just returned to work and pumping issues

• mamaholmes2010

  July 2011

  I made a hands-free bra out of an old sports bra (just cut small holes at the nipples to fit the shields through) so I can work through my pumping sessions.  I use the medela wipes instead of washing the pump parts each time and I store them in my cooler bag with my milk so I am not walking back and forth to the kitchen every time I pump.  My whole pumping session takes about 20 minutes; but with the hands free pump I am able to work through all but 5 minutes of that for set up and then clean up.

  I still pump 3 times a day and LO is almost 8 months old.  I EBF to six months and then started introducing solids. We are still BF-ing between 6 and 8 times a day.

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• Vincent member

  July 2011

  laurensmith510:

  I have three sets of bottles and pump parts....I have enough Avent bottles for two days

  I think having additional pumping parts and bottles will certainly cut my time down. Thanks for the great idea.

  
  Delivered 3 weeks and 2 days early via emergency c/s due to pre-e
  
  
  
  

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• EllaSmella member

  July 2011

  It is fairly common to need to pump multiple times to get one feeding. I would say about 30% of the time I have to throw in an extra pumping session to get what he's drinking at DC while I'm away. Can you put your pump parts in the fridge between pumps? I do that to avoid having to wash everything every time.
  

  

  

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• mrsmikey

  July 2011

  Or you could just skip washing the parts and throw them in the fridge in a baggie.  I don't think you have to wash between pumps if you refrigerate them.

  
  
  
  
  

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• VMRRN23 member

  July 2011

  Simple wishes handsfree bra-best hold and the most milk for me. I have 3 sets of pump parts already put together (with each set in a gallon ziplock bag) and connected with the medela 5oz bottles. I attach, pump, screw on the lid and put the dirty parts in the bag. I have a big LL bean tote bag that holds my pump, and a smaller bag with the 3 freezer bags and lids (lids in sandwich bags). I put my milk in the medela insulated bag and stick it in the fridge. I always drink a bottle of water when I pump , and most times I eat a snack, if not my lunch when I pump (I'm a nurse so I have to multi-task or I won't be able to eat and pump). 

  

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• LawLove08

  July 2011

  Ditto PP re: Medela wipes and putting pump parts in the cooler to avoid washing after each use.  Also ditto re: the hands free bra so you can work through the bulk of the pumping, although that really is only an option if you have your own office with a door that locks. 

  Re: the time - I suggest an conversation with your boss.  Explain that pumping takes time but that you want to do your job effectively, and brainstorm ideas to make sure you can still get your word done.  E.g. working while pumping, or eating lunch at your desk rather than taking a lunch break. 

  Re: the amount you're getting - I struggled with keeping up with DS's needs - I really could never pump enough at work to cover what he drank at daycare.  So I made sure to add a couple pump sessions so keep my stash up.  E.g. if your LO has an early bedtime and sleeps a good stretch at night, pump before YOU go to bed.  And/or pump first thing in the a.m. after your LO eats, when your supply will be highest anyway.  I had some luck with Fenugreek, but it didn't do overwhelming things for my supply.  GL!  It does get easier.

  

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