Another pumping at work question

hydrangeagirl · July 2014

Hi, I apologize if this question has been asked before but need guidance on pumping frequency at work.

How often should I pump and for how long to maximize my output/maintain supply? I plan to work Mon-Thurs, 9-5. My LO is almost 3 months old.

Also, I would appreciate feedback from working moms on what the morning schedule looks like before going to work (what time do you wake up, BF/pump, etc)

TIA

MrsBigTime · July 2014

I worked 3 12's when LO was new and when I was pumping. I'm an ICU nurse, so I have to plan my breaks carefully and have someone cover my patients every time I'm off the floor. In order to be efficient with my time, and respectful of my co-worker's time, I signed up for the pump room in the morning and made sure my partner was on board with my break times. My boss also agreed to paying us for our breaks only if they were less than 20 minutes, so I always kept my sessions to that, and it was just enough time.

That being said, I tried to go every 3 hours, especially in the beginning, but eventually stretched it until every 4. I was pretty intense about it in the beginning, especially since I was not a stellar producer with the pump. If I wasn't able to get my mid-day session, I'd often take a little bit longer lunch and pump while eating.

I needed to start work at 7 am, so I'd wake at 5 am and nurse LO right away. Then, I'd either leave for work early and pump when I got there, before starting my shift, or I'd pump in the car on the way. I much preferred leaving a few minutes earlier and having the pump room to myself, I found it more relaxing, but doing it in the car is a good option, too.

eggmankate · July 2014

I pump 3x/day around 9,12 and 3pm for 20 minutes and have done this since returning to work at 12 weeks. LO is now 7.5 months. I'm able to get what I need and some extra on most days. It also mimics what she's eating at daycare. Starting around 8 weeks I pumped an hour after the morning feed so that I could build a freezer stash. Once I returned to work I continued this pump on the weekends to keep my supply up--it also allowed some extra milk during the work week in case I pumped a deficit.

eggmankate · July 2014

In terms of our morning routine--I wake up at 6am, get dressed and make-up. 6:20 we start feeding. Around 6:40 DH takes her and gets her ready for daycare while I pack my lunch. I try to do everything the night before so that I'm not completely chaotic in the morning. This includes getting bottles ready, making my lunch sandwich and packing my breastpump supplies. DH and I take turns bringing her to DC at 7:15 so I'm either headed to work at 7am or getting the car loaded to head to DC first.

Serenla · July 2014

I've only been back to work for a week so take it with a grain of salt.

DS is 12 weeks old so I pump 3 times a day: 830-9, 1130-12, and then 230-3. It usually takes about 15 mins for me to finish but I have a fast letdown.
As for the morning I wake up at 530, if DS has not eaten I feed him in bed then. I get up, get some coffee and breakfast then I eat while I pump. Part of it goes with DS and some to the freezer/fridge stash. DH is in charge of getting the diaper bag ready and such. We are out the door by 630 usually.

hydrangeagirl · July 2014

Thanks everyone for your helpful feedback!!!

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