I posted this on the breastfeeding message board as well.
I just called my boss today. I told her I would be returning to work. I
work from 7:25 to 4:00. I have a 35 min. lunch at 11:00. I was hoping
she would let me combine my 2 15 min. breaks, so I could pump at lunch
and at 1:45 to 2:15. She said no. I live a distance away and really
didn't want to make up time. I will have a 15 min. break at 8:35, 35
min. lunch at 11:00, and another 15 min. break at 1:45. Will this
work? I'm just wondering, it will take me time to get to the room and
clean up - is this something that can work? I'll try to empty my
breasts before work and as much as I can at lunch. Do you think I can keep up my supply and do this?
Re: Pumping At Work
I am in the same boat. I have a 30 minute lunch with two 15 minute breaks and I have made it work with both of my children. I just put my pump parts in the fridge between pumping sessions. I also have a hands free bra which allows me to pump and eat lunch at the same time. Could you try pumping hands free while you eat lunch? That way, if you need a few minutes more for your 15 breaks you could clock out for 5 minutes at each break...giving you 20 minutes instead of 15.
Goodbye little angel(7/22/2011)....see you in heaven
Goodbye my second angel (9/18/2011)
Have you checked into breastfeeding laws? This website has a lot of information, but does not apply to everyone, depending on their employer. https://www.dol.gov/whd/nursingmothers/
I have heard of women who pump during their commute with the help of a hands-free pumping bra. Would that help at all?
I pumped on a 25 minute lunch break and just barely made it. I don't think I could have done it in 15 minutes at all. I even had my parts already put together and ready to roll the second I got in my closet to pump! I would definitely look into the laws. I'm pretty sure she HAS to allow you more time to pump. I would just look into extending one of your breaks by about 10 minutes or so for pumping.
Suggestion to keep a set of spare parts and membranes at work too the days you "forget" a piece can be surprisingly frequent! Also keep storage bags at work in case you forget bottles in a pinch, you can pump directly into a bag.