Pumping RN's

kelbel2440 · July 2014

Hey all nurses....are you having difficulty coordinating pumping sessions around pt care? I'm a recovery room nurse and seems that the most ideal times in my head for pumping based on last pump and LO's eating schedule, always seem to fall at the worst times to actually leave the unit. Any one dealing with this? I also feel uncomfortable having to ask someone to watch my patients and do my work so I can leave.... Does this get easier?

RedDawnsRevenge · July 2014

I was a trauma nurse when I had DD1, I'm currently taking a break to be a SAHM. Pumping in a trauma center is tough. I arrived an hour prior to my shift so I could pump and clear a spot in the community fridge before my shift. I wore a handsfree built in bra and refrigerated my parts to save time. I also pumped in the zone 3 RR since in a 700bed hospital I couldn't make it to the 1 pumping room all the way across campus on the 3rd floor. I would beg co-workers to watch my PTs. A good many of them were supportive, but it meant I could never take Red PTs. On nights we had MCIs I wouldn't get to pump at all. I always pumped as I drive home which saved me from driving 30min to have to do it at home. On good nights I would get to pump twice. As an ER nurse we are not required by law to receive lunch or other breaks as the USA recognizes it as a hardship to employers so my only option was kind co-workers.

Edit: clarity and typos

Mrs.Kohalic17 · July 2014

I'm a cardiac tech but I can relate. We work 12hr shifts (7a-7p) so I try to let my break buddy know first thing in the morning about needing to go pump. I try to go at 9, 1 & 5 but of course leaving the unit isn't always the easiest. I use a hands free bra so that way I can eat during that time also.

Amyboxer · July 2014

Yep I hear you! I'm an ICU RN and just went back to work 2 12 hr days a week last week. So far I've been able to do 2 pumps a day but it's hard to squeeze them in when I'm not busy, the patient doesn't need anything and my fellow co worker can watch them for me. I feel guilty for being gone to go pump also which doesn't help. I'm hoping it gets easier

Keckers · July 2014

I'm supposed to go back in just under 2 weeks. My unit is so incredibly busy during the summer months, and I'm a little nervous that pumping sessions will be hard to come by. For those who are already back how are you keeping the milk cool until you get home? Fridge at work? Cooling packs in a bag?

RedDawnsRevenge · July 2014

I had a cooling bag with an ice block that I stored in the fridge at work, helps cool it down faster and stay cooler on the drive home.

sprightlysparrow7 · July 2014

Oh I am SOOO glad y'all started this thread. I'm an RN in a pediatric cardiac ICU, and pumping when I return to work has been stressing me out. I'm hoping I can use our hospital grade Medela pumps in our lactation area for better yields when I pump. I have a good Medela double electric of my own, but the ones are work are obviously more powerful or whatever.

My thoughts so far were that I would pump just prior to my shift and then try to do a pumping session during my lunch break. I know I could probably sneak away on some nights, but the way cardiac kiddos are (unpredictable at best!) I figured I could relax more knowing I had a full 30 minutes to devote to it. I was then just going to nurse when I got home but then I saw @RedDawnsRevenge‌ 's idea about pumping on the ride home! GENIUS!! My commute is longish, and I think that would work better.

For those of you who put the parts in the fridge between pumps, do you give them a quick water rinse prior? I bought those Medela wipes, but those seem just as time consuming as physically washing the parts, not to mention you can't clean all the nooks and crannies...

RedDawnsRevenge · July 2014

No I didn't rinse my parts prior to putting them in the fridge, but I was pumping in the RR for 10 out of 19months pumped. (DD1 is immune to everything! Seriously). I placed the parts in a ziplock with a washcloth at the bottom. If I had had time or a clean sink I would have rinsed them. Pumping on the drive home helped with boob pain, and on nights you don't get breaks it helps replace what you didn't otherwise pump. And I felt it helped me maintain an awesome supply. On average I pumped about 24oz a night but DD only drank about 10ish.

sprightlysparrow7 · July 2014

RedDawnsRevenge said:
No I didn't rinse my parts prior to putting them in the fridge, but I was pumping in the RR for 10 out of 19months pumped. (DD1 is immune to everything! Seriously). I placed the parts in a ziplock with a washcloth at the bottom. If I had had time or a clean sink I would have rinsed them. Pumping on the drive home helped with boob pain, and on nights you don't get breaks it helps replace what you didn't otherwise pump. And I felt it helped me maintain an awesome supply. On average I pumped about 24oz a night but DD only drank about 10ish.

Awesome, thanks so much for the tips.

Pumped in the RR for 10 months?! That is dedication right there. You're my hero!

sishamarie · July 2014

I work on a cardiovascular surgical ICU and I have been back for 3 weeks. So far so good. Ive been pumping before i leave for work, 10, 2, and 6. The 2oclock pump is my lunch break. I've really good assignments since I have been back, and my patients have been stable. However, im dreading that day when I have to leave a critical
Patient.
Also, i am scheduling myself so I don't work two days in a row I find this helps maintain supply so your milk production doesnt regulate to every 4 hour feedings.
I also put a cold pack in a lunchbox and then keep in fridge with my pump parts. No need to rinse as long as they are kept cold.
good luck and do what you can, it so easy to not take care of yourself when taking care of others.

P.S. Breast milk will stain your scrubs so bring a towel

RedDawnsRevenge · July 2014

We have a lot of CCRNs on this board!

nursewinnie · July 2014

I wish I had been able to continue. Reading how you all are making it work makes me feel like I should've tried longer. I work in the cath lab and our cases can end up stretching our for hours on end. Sometimes we barely get a lunch break and have to get right back at it. It's the busiest cath lab in the state and it seems when we roll a patient out, there's one waiting in the hall to be put on the table. It's so frustrating even when I wasn't pregnant or lactating. Now it just made it impossible. Sadly, I swapped to formula a week before returning because I knew if I gave it a go I would only end up engorged, frustrated, and disappointed. I'm proud of you ladies for making it work!

WifeofaComposer · July 2014

@kelbel2440 - I'm deleting your identical thread that you posted today. There are lots of replies here.

kelbel2440 · July 2014

Thanks @WifeofaComposer‌!!! Didn't know I double posted! This is great to hear all the ideas! So far I have been able to pump twice each day at work, and once before I leave. I don't mind taking lunch at the same time but with running back and forth from where I pump and the fridge it takes about 40 minutes instead of 30. So far everyone has been understanding. Good tip for driving and pumping! I may need to do that some mornings when running late. Do u wear a cover when you do that? I'm thinking red lights could get awkward! Is it necessary to have an ice pack for transport? I have been keeping my milk in my insulated lunch bag in the fridge. My commute home is about 20 minutes fridge to fridge. I figured it stays cool enough in the lunch bag?

RedDawnsRevenge · July 2014

I never used a cover when I pumped and drove. Firstly I got off at 0630 so not a lot of people out. Secondly most of my drive was on a freeway, but the one time they were working on the under pass and I had to drive by the caltrans crew at speed if snail was awkward. 3. People were always staring at my Abarth so I'm fairly certain they weren't looking at me but the car. 4. The cover caused me to pump an entire session on my lap while driving the only time I tried it so if you do, put it on after you buckle up.

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