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returning to work pumping schedule advice

mbafall09mbafall09 member
in Breastfeeding
Sorry for yet another pumping at work question, but I was hoping for some feedback. My LO is 9 weeks old tomorrow, and I'm returning to work next week. He's been pretty consistently eating every 2 hours during the day, at approx 6:30am, 8:30, 10:30, etc. I will be leaving for work by 6:30am and will hopefully pick him up from daycare around 4, so I'd be able to BF him at 4:30. I plan on pumping after his overnight feeding, and then my DH will feed him that before dropping him off at daycare. I work in a rehab gym in a skilled nursing facility, and our whole days are basically scheduled down to the minute with patient care. I want to be clear with my managers before I go back when I plan to pump so there aren't any issues. We've been having great success BF'ing, and I'm determined to make this work. My thought is that I'll pump both sides at about 9:15 to cover the 8:30 and 10:30 feedings (we typically only do one side per feeding), and then I'll pump again during my lunch break around 1pm to cover the 12:30 and 2:30 feedings. Does this plan sound like it would work, or should I be pumping more frequently? I have a frozen stash, but hopefully I won't need to go through that too quickly. Thanks for reading this, I appreciate any feedback I can get because my friends/family don't have experience pumping at work, and my co-workers that do live much closer to work and don't need to cover as many feedings as I will have to.
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Re: returning to work pumping schedule advice

  • mbafall09mbafall09 member
    Thanks for the advice! I had a feeling that my plan might not be enough.
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  • DahliaFlowerDahliaFlower member
    I went back to work at approximately the same time.  I did baby led EBF and he was not on a consistent schedule, but I would say roughly every two hours or so.  I am also in a busy workplace environment with very little down time some days.  I have found that I can go up to about 4 hours between pump sessions.  I usually get 2.5 oz on each side, so 5 oz per session.  I would suggest pumping before you start your day and then after 3-4 hours as your schedule permits.  I have to admit it was challenging at first, but I was able to adjust and figure out routines to help me get it accomplished.  PM me if you would like some specific tips on my process.  GL!
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  • kujess1kujess1 member
    I started back to work 1.5 weeks ago. I pump 3x during my day. I've found if I wait too long for my first pump, I end up with a plugged duct. I'd definitely start out pumping 3x!
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  • mbafall09mbafall09 member
    Thanks so much for the feedback! I really appreciate it and will definitely plan on adding at least one more session at work.
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  • VitaLunaVitaLuna member
    Definitely try to get three pumps in during the day, at least in the beginning until you figure out what you supply is like. I'd also pump or nurse before leaving for work or on your way.

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  • scruggsascruggsa member
    My LO nurses one side per feeding as well. I feed LO and pump the other side before I leave. I have been doing ok pumping every 4 to 5 hours at work(12+ hr shifts and I really can't fit in another session during work) everyone reacts differently to the pump. Good luck.
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