How to pump in a busy work environment

MallardDucky · July 2014

I am a manager at a resturant and sometimes it can be very busy and hectic. Making sure everything is running smooth. Sometimes even going to the bathroom is hard to accomplish.

What is the easiest way to go about pumping at work? Try and get in a session when I can? (I will be going back to work rather quickly after having her). Pumping often? I usally work between 3pm- 1am depending on the day. I can pump while in my way to and from work?

Ladies who work in a fast past environment can you share your tricks of the trade?

MallardDucky · July 2014

I know I have the right but the time is the issue. Our company is weird about how labor is run in the store, so we have to run a short crew to make labor and that is what makes it hard. I am going to talk to my boss and see if she can come in once a shift for about 30 min so I can get one good one while there. She just lives a parking lot away

MrsBigTime · July 2014

I work as a nurse in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, so needless to say, my days are busy and finding three extra breaks a day is tough, for sure! However, my good friend told me, "remember, you aren't pumping for comfort, you are pumping for your baby's food." That helped put it into perspective for me, because so often we can easily forgo our own comfort for one reason or another, but the good of my baby is worth so much more.

What worked best for me was to schedule my pump breaks in the beginning of the day. The only time I swayed was if it was absolutely impossible for me to get away (pretty much if my patient was coding or if a traumatic admit was coming). My pump breaks were quick (20 minutes) and I made sure I was ready to go as soon as my time came (for example, a little while before I was supposed to go, I'd be sure my flanges were dry and connected and bottles were attached, so all I had to do was pull my shirt up, plug in and go). I'd also be sure the person who was going to be covering my break was aware of my times, and I tried to suggest they go to lunch or pee or whatever before I needed to go.

I work 12 hour shifts, so I'd always start the day by pumping. I'd either pump in the car on the way, or go in a little early to get it done. My DD was always awake when I got home, so I didn't pump on the way home, but if you anticipate your baby to be sleeping, I'd for sure pump on the way home so you can get as much milk as possible, especially if the time you have at work will be rushed and probably stressful (it's so hard to try to relax while hearing the hustle and bustle of work right outside the door!), that way you can end your day with a long, complete session.

Lena122 · July 2014

I get by pumping every 4 hours so you could maybe just try to do 2 pumps. I pump before I leave the house and then every 4 hours after that. I work 12 hour shifts so it ends up being 3 times during my shift.

hsal · July 2014

I was a manager at Friendlys with my first pregnancy. You're right, there is no time to pee, let alone pump. I would do the 3-12 shift, show up at 230, pump in the managers office and be on the floor for 3. Being in the office during the 5-8 dinner rush would be impossible so my crew knew that at 8:15ish I needed 15 minutes in the office. Invest in a double and a hands free bra. I was able to count money, run reports etc. I'd go back on the floor after. When the doors shut at 11. I'd go back to the office and pump while the staff did closing duties. After pumping I'd take money and do all my closing stuff.

my higher ups were constantly yelling about labor so when everyone would cone off at 8 after the rush, I had finished pumping by the time they had done sidework and were ready to cash out.

is it always going to run smoothly? No. There were nights were I was stuck on grill or the rush didn't end until 9 but as soon as it was over, I'd pump. 3 times every shift to keep up supply. Its not easy but I pumped/bf'd my daughter for a year while doing that job so I know you can do it!!

Designermomma · July 2014

My job is not as difficult. I work in and office and set meetings on my calendar for pumping. Sometimes Ill get stuck in a meeting or something and i push it an hour out at most. I set alarms on my phone for every 3 hours so I don't forget. I keep the pump parts and bottles hooked up ready to go on the fridge so I don't waste time washing and hooking it up. I bought extra pump bottles so I just hook a clean one on once I've filled one. You might look into the breast pumps that you wear under your clothes. Has anyone tried those? It might make it easier to pump while you work.

mom2be614 · July 2014

Buying extra pump parts and the microsteam cleaning bags will save you time with cleaning pump parts multiple times during your shift. Also, having photos or video of your baby to look at will help you to relax enough to get a good letdown. I try to switch them up (new photos and video regularly) and sometimes would bring an item of her clothing, too, for the smell and touch. I have an irregular schedule, so I wasn't able to pump at the same time every day, but as long as I got three sessions in, I got enough milk to keep going. As the pp said, do remind yourself that you are producing your child's food. If you can't produce enough, what will the baby eat?

SouthRNComfort · July 2014

You don't need extra pump parts. Put your wet pump parts in a ziplock bag in the fridge between pumps. the milk residue won't spoil while in the fridge. Just wash all pump parts at end of day. I think you also mentioned pumping less often if you could get one 30 min pump in..DONT do that. Pumping frequency is more important than length to keep up supply. Three pumps of 10 min each is better than one 30 min pump. Also get a hands free bra so that you can still do your desk work while pumping.

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