Pumping at work

alysonmh · January 2015

I pump 4 times a day at work, 2.5 hours between each pumping and get 2-3 ounces each time all together. It takes me 20-25 minutes to get it done. Does anyone have any tips for faster pumping and/or getting the milk out faster? I don't feel like higher suction makes that big of a difference but I haven't tried doing a whole pumping session on high because it kills my nipples. I usually do the first half on medium and the 2nd half on high suction. I just feel like I'm spending too much time pumping at work and need to be more efficient with it. Does it take any of you ladies this long or am I alone here?

*Edited for grammar

PineApple85 · January 2015

It took me about 20 minutes from start to finish last time. Little things that I did to save time included leaving as much of the pump put together as possible (the electrical cord and hoses stayed connected to the pump) and I used a plastic container to hold most of my parts that I didn't wash during the day - I just kept it in the refrigerator. During pumping, if I was really in a hurry, I massaged my breasts throughout the whole session.

alysonmh · January 2015

I haven't tried massaging or heat yet, thanks for those tips. Everything seems to be in good condition, its a brand new pump that I didn't use a whole lot before coming to work and the flanges fit (had a LC take a look at them). One of the membranes seems a little flimsy, maybe I will try that as well.

turtles7 · January 2015

I agree with the PPs

I've read that higher suction doesn't mean higher input. Try different speeds to see if that will helps.

uncharted01 · January 2015

If you have the suction too high it can actually collapse the milk ducts and make the process slower. I would keep it on a lower suction and see how you do. Also, if the milk slows down significantly, you can hit the let down button again and see if you get a 2nd let down. I just ordered Sunflower Lecithin from Amazon after hearing about it on an EP page on Facebook. It helps prevent clogged ducts but also helps empty you out faster. FWIW, 20-25 minutes sounds totally normal to me.

acholb · January 2015

Do you need to pump 4 times? I do 3 times 9am, noon, 3pm. However, my first pump yields almost double then usual. So I have extra then what my baby is eating throughout the day. So I'm realizing I only really need to pump twice a day. Then nurse as soon as I get home. I pump for 20 min each time.

PineApple85 · January 2015

I forgot to mention (this time, I've mentioned it in other threads) that I also pumped 4 times a day but the first was on the way to work. Like acholb, that was my biggest and longest pumping session so it really saved time to do it on the drive to work. My drive is about 30 minutes and I usually pumped the whole way and I would get 18 or more ounces. DS1 was a big eater.

If you aren't already, could you pump on your way to work?

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