Pumping at Work - Elkton,MD

There is some great advice here from moms, so I'll just add that a WONDERFUL online group for you is a yahoo group called bfworkingmoms. It's an incredibly supportive group of women who share tips. There are also a few professional lacation consultants who hang out in the group and answer questions and problem-solve.

It's worth it - good luck!

I pumped at work with all 3 of my kids. I had the Medela Pump in Style and would take 2 baby bottles and the nipples and lids with me to work and would pump at lunchtime. If there was time, I would take a few minutes to pump about an hr before I left work, too, so that I wouldn't get too full. I was lucky because we have a supply closet with an outlet, so I went in there after I ate and put a sign on the door "Do Not Enter". It became a joke after a while that I was milking the cow! I was able to continue this until I felt like weaning. Good luck!

S.,

It really stinks being a working mom, huh? I am probably a rare women who actually didn't mind pumping at work. First off, a hands free pumping bra is a must in my opinion. I liked the one that was a bustier more than an actual bra, because they are expensive and I didn't want to have to wear it all day. The bustier I am able to zip on and off at each pumping session, and I have two of them so I can wash one and still have one to take with me.

I also think a good electric pump is a must. I have the Medela InStyle - the bag is stylish but fairly unobtrusive, so it doesn't scream to my co-workers - PUMPING! LOL I also like that it comes with a battery pack (that works great) and you can buy a car plug for your lighter jack. A good pump makes pumping time far more efficient.

My company provided a private room with a comfortable chair and soft light. But what I really enjoyed most was the "me" time. Sometimes I read, and sometimes I take my laptop in with me and watch DVDs on it.

The DVDs were especially great when I was pumping 3x a day - I could see almost an entire movie, depending on the length, and because I was using my laptop, I could also keep up with email and such. Even a small portable DVD player would do the trick.

It was a little bit of peace and quiet in my chaotic life.

I have also pumped in the car, although I have a standard transmission, so it wasn't easy and sometimes the pump would dislodge and I'd end up soaked.

To start, pump at least as many times as your baby would eat if you were home. After a while, you can probably adjust (usually decrease) to the number of bottles the baby takes in day or the number of ounces.

I am in the weaning process, and down to pumping once a day, but I am already missing that quiet time.

I'd be happy to answer any specific questions, if you have them - email me off line.

Good luck!

C.

Hi,

I know exactly what you are going through! I pumped for about 14 months at work with my daughter who is now 2. I was usually away from her for 12 hours, 3 days a week and I worked from home with her 2 days a week in the beginning and then 1 day a week after that.

Anyway, I found that pumping twice a day worked for me. Then I would nurse her right when I got home and right before she left in the morning. I was usually able to get enough milk during the week, but there were times when there would be some left over which her day care would freeze and other times when there wouldnt be quite enough. So, it would often balance out, but there were times when my daughter would need 1 bottle of formula at the end of the week. Anyway, my supply was always fine because I would nurse her more often on the weekends and when we were together. I also drank Mother's Milk tea which you can find in health food stores when I felt that my supply was lacking.

I'm sure you will be fine!! That is really great that you are willing to pump, it is a pain to do, but it is sooo worth it!!

Good luck!

I watch this lady's son since 6 weeks....she pumped while at work(she was away 10+hrs a day)...this is what she said....My hints- get the best pump- I have a Medella- double pump. I had a car charger
because I didn't have a private place to pump inside... Drink lots of water and
tell your boss that you'll be unavailable at least 3 times a day... more at the
beginning... it's possible! I pumped for over a year. I left the pump hooked up
in my car... and I carried my cooler around with me. ** and don't be shy- tell
people what you're up to so they don’t come to your car or knock on your office
door.

And, tell her to pump on the weekends, too- I wish I had done that every
weekend- it would have made it a little less stressful during the week. Don't
forget that I was gone from 6:30 am until about 6 pm when I was working 4 x 10.
Tell her she'll be able to do it. :)

Hope that helps.
JJ

I did not breastfeed but one of my coworkers does for her son and it seems to be working out alright for her. it takes her about 15 minutes to pump.it should work out alright. check under new jersey law,it i think that you should be entitled to pump but should not have to take your own time to do this. make sure the baby is used to taking a bottle before you go back to work. good luck.

I did really well with baby #1, but 2, 3, and 4, not so well -- based largely upon circumstances at work and day care, so the latter 3 went on formula plus breast milk, then formula faster than baby #1, who had breast milk in bottles all the way through her first year.

I did not have a supportive boss (i.e., "women shouldn't be in management because they get pregnant and cost the company more than men do") However, all employees were given 15 minute breaks twice a day. So I pumped in the a.m. break, in the bathroom, nursed my baby at lunch, and then pumped again in the afternoon, on my break. I wasn't very successful pumping at work, usually got an ounce or so, which went into a jar in the refrig. until I got home. But when I got home -- I would nurse the baby on one side and pump the other while she nursed. I got LOTS then. She would also hang really close to mom all evening -- attached basically, and nursing on and off, then go to bed. She'd sleep for 6 hours, wake up and I'd nurse her on one side and pump the other (another treasure trove of extra milk), and she'd fall asleep. (I started pumping at night because she'd fill up on one side, and fall asleep and I couldn't rouse her to solve the problem on the other side ! It simply made life easier!!) the other thing I found was that pumping was SO much EASIER when my natural let down was going on. Even though I would leak at work, I'd start to pump and get nothing. ugh.

When she started eating cereal, I put powdered formula in with the cereal, so her sitter would only have to add water and be ready to go; but other than that, she got frozen breast milk until she started on whole milk at age 1. And it was kind of funny, because a year or so later, I discovered more breastmilk in my freezer than I hadn't needed -- yet the whole time, I worried I wouldn't have enough. silly me.

S., I am a working mom of two and pumped for close to a year with my first and my second is just about 7 months old and still strictly breastfed. I started out, while on maternity leave, right away, after my daughter nursed in the morning, I pumped and started stashing milk away in the freezer. I still do this every morning 7 months later and we have an impressive supply of milk. I still pump in the morning now and also pump three times a day at work and have not had any problems with low milk supply. It just takes dedication to stick with it. Believe me, there are times I don't feel like pumping, but I just keep my daughter in mind and how good it is for her. That's my motivation. I was just recently located to another office by my employer and the pumping conditions there are not what I had, but I just keep on going. It's great for my daughter, my weight and my wallet. Saves a lot of money by not buying formula! Hope this helps! Good luck!!

I was able to breastfeed my oldest while working full time. I found it helpful to set 3 month goals so I wouldn't be disappointed if I didn't reach a year.
You will want to pump every three hours. Feed the baby right before you walk out the door and right when you get home. If you find your supply decreasing, you can try fenagreek. Try the liquid form, it works better. There is also mother's milk tea you can drink. Eat real oatmeal (I hate it, but I do it) and drink tons of water. I drink about 40oz before my first pumping session and I output about 12oz.
Right now I am doing this with my second daughter but my pumping schedule isn't as great as it was with my 1st(teacher). Feel free to email me.

"I am curious to how many working moms pump at work."
Please, Please, Please keep this a curiousity!!!!

Yes you do have a long day, however, YOU CAN MAKE IT!!!!
just make sure you have a double breast pump prefer the Medela. If not maybe invest in one or rent one from the hospital. It will be the best investment you can ever make for your second born.
I will be praying for you. It may not be easy, but you can preservere.
GOOD LUCK!!!

I was able to pump at work (VERY supportive environment at my company). Unfortunately, I did produce less when I pumped than when I nursed. I had to mix formula w/ the breast milk for my sons bottles and I dried up by around 10 months. I did not take advantage of pumping the other breast if he only drank on one side like one of the other mothers did and that was a mistake. I'm planning on doing that this time around so I can "bulk up" on my supply in the freezer.

S. (what a pretty name)!

I have 2 kids, whom I nursed for about 2 yrs each. I pumped. Yes, it can be a bit of an inconvenience, but knowing I was doing this for my child, and that I could continue nursing when I was at home, because of this, made it all worthwhile. Make sure to get a really good pump!

Congrats and good luck!

Hi S.,
I pumped at work for 5 months. It wasn't always the most convenient and I had to use pump time as part of my hour lunch. I'd breast feed in the morning, pump 10 minutes once in late morning and again later in the afternoon, then breast feed at night. From the beginning though, I never produced tons of milk. My pumped milk supply would run low often because my little guy was consumming more than I was pumping. I sometimes would pump on the weekends to make sure I had enough for the following week. My suggestion would be to start pumping and storing right out of the gate in the 2 months you will be on maternity leave. You can store your milk for a good amount of time in the freezer.

Bets of luck,
J.

There are tons of good ideas already, so I will just add a little. Is your job far from your care provider? If you are close, you could cut down on the times you have to pump and the number of times your little one needs bottles if you can sneak out on your lunch break to nurse. Also, if you can nurse at the daycare/ sitter's right before you leave and as soon as you get there to pick your baby up. Just let them know what time you will be picking up and not to offer bottles within an amount of time before. If you are using a private sitter or relative and are close by, maybe they could bring the baby to you once or twice during the day (depending on your job.)

I did it once, deffinatley neccesary to keep the supply up! But I had a great boss who offered a private office and a seperate fridge. Talk to your boss-get the support and good luck!

I have 3 children and was able to pump for a year for each of them while working full time. So I didn't have to pump so many times at work this is what I did. In the morning I would nurse from only one side and then pump the other side before going to work. Then I would pump once at work later in the day so that I was very full when I did pump. With my first I was really freaked out about my supply, but it really does adjust. You can also pump and freeze whenever you get the chance so that you will always have a backup stash in the freezer if happen to have a low ounce day. I started pumping long before I went back to work to have that freezer stash and then would pump on the weekends too (using the nurse one side pump one side plan) if I felt like I needed more.

The other invaluable thing is to have a great pump, double electric pump. It costs initially but it will make all the difference. My Ameda Purely Yours has had a daily workout for 3 years and is still going strong.

Good luck, it can be daunting but it is defintely possible.

I had my first baby while I was in college, in another state. I took the train home on weekends. I pumped all week so that I could nurse when I was home. She had formula when I wasn't around, it wasn't logistical to save the milk. My roommate would say "make 'em even!"

If you pump enough and don't worry about how much you're getting... just get relief... you can come home and nurse. Your body will adjust to different demand at different times of the day. And after a weekend home, you'll have some issues on Monday with having too much.

My sister worked full time and pumped and saved enough to never buy formula. If you can relax, the milk will fall. She couldn't relax easily (Philadelphia school teacher lounges aren't spas) and would have a picture of the baby, or imagine her hungry cry, and the milk would come easier.

I only work 3-4 days a week, but I work 10 hour days which puts me away from my baby for about 11 1/2 hours. I pump 3 times at work (I usually pump about 15 ozs. per day). My milk supply seems to be keeping up fine. It is hard to be away from my baby, but pumping for 10-15 minutes helps me relax and think of him. I think breastfeeding is wonderful and wish you tons of luck!!

I pumped w/ both my girls. I nursed my oldest until she was 28 mos (but stopped pumping at a year, she got milk during the day then) & my ydd I nursed until 22 mos (but pumped until 14 mos).

I pumped every 3 hrs in a quiet bathroom off the conference room at my office. I had to watch the calendar for when things got scheduled & occasionally was interrupted by a last minute meeting getting set up.

I did well for the most part. When things got a little problematic, I was lucky to have a great boss who would let me step up my pumping schedule for a couple of days by going every 2 hrs. I also used Mother's milk products when needed to bump up my supply(I think the oil was more effective than the tea).

Congratulations! Start pumping and building up a supply right after the baby is born!! I pumped at work for almost a year, twice a day.

Go for it! I went back to work after 7 weeks off and I pumped/nursed until he was almost a year. I work in an operating room - finding time to pump was very difficult but I managed. Sometimes it's not about how long you pump for, it's all about that fact that you pumped at all which will stimulate your breasts to make milk. Get a nice pump, double electric, with power options - AC, battery, and car adapter. I have an Advent Purely Yours pump that comes in a backapck with all the above power options - yes, I have pumped in the car, only once while driving :) otherwise I was passenger.

Try not to stress about it, that doesn't help, and do the best you can. If you need a boost in milk production you can try beer, oatmeal, fenugreek, or blessed thistle to help you.

Good luck, take a deep breath, and do you best.

J.

Hi S.,

Congratulations on your baby-to-be! How exciting! I pumped and worked until my son was 15 months old. I was always worried about my supply. I was able to pump and work and my son never had a drop of formula - only my breastmilk - so it can definitely be done. I wrote an article which highlight all of the tips and trips that I learned along the way. Here is a link for you: <http://www.pumpingtips.com&gt;

Congrats again on your baby-to-be

J.

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Wow! That's a really long time to be apart! I'm sure that's going to be h*** o* both of you. However, breastfeeding will be such a wonderul way for you to keep bonded with each other & for you to be there for her, even when you can't be THERE.

First, I would suggest talking to your boss about it and if need be, show him/her how much less breastfed babies get sick, therefor, requiring moms to take time off for doctors appt's, etc...

Also, if you haven't done so already, I would read "Nursing Mother, Working Mother". I have heard that it's the Bible of working & breastfeeding & know several women who it has helped immensely!

Even if you already have a pump, I would suggest looking into the new Medela Freestyle pump. It is TINY, incredibly powerful and the most versatile pump they've yet to come out with! You could pump & drive hands-free very easily and could pump while doing computer work, phone calls, etc...

If you haven't started going to La Leche meetings, I'd suggest that too.

Co-sleeping may be extremely benneficial to both of you. Often times, babies will do something called "Reverse Cycling" when their moms work.--In order to maximize their time w/ their mom, they'll sleep more during the day/eat less & eat more at night. If you co-sleep, you won't even have to wake up to nurse AND you & your baby will get to snuggle all night!
I hope that helps some! Good luck!!!!!!!!!

I work 8:30-5 with a half hour commute each way. I pump at work and when I am in the car I use my car adapter and pump in the car if I have to. I worked full time with my first son and nursed him for a year and now my second is 6 months and I plan on nursing him for a year. It can work. When I am not a work I nurse and do not pump in order to keep my supply up and nurse exclusively on the weekends. Try to pump when your child eats, ex. if he or she is eating every 3 hours, pump every 3 hours etc. Good luck!

Hello, I have and am still doing this. My daughter was nursed until 1 year while I was working full time and I am currently doing the same with my son. Neither one ever had formula. It can be a little crazy but if you have the desire you can do it. I have a good pump (medela) and I pump every three hours so my supply does not decrease. THen when I am home I nurse. I also pump right before I go to bed. I have never had any problems with my supply by doing it this way.
Good luck.

Hi S.,

I mostly work from home, but two days a week I'm in the office. These are 10 hour days so, I generally pump 3x's for my 6 month old. At first I was really nervous that I wouldn't be able to pump enough for my little one, but on most days I end up pumping as much as she drinks! My only advise is to find a place to pump where you can relaxed.

-K.

Congrats on your second child! Enjoy the time you have to stay at home. I myself am a working mother. I pumped for almost 11 months after returning to work. It was not easy at first, but then I contacted the company's Employee Asssistance Program. The counselor has an office here, but the appointments she has is not all day, so we were able to work out a schedule where I could use the room for a half hour twice a day. It was wonderful. Once in awhile, I had to use the bathroom (I was really full) but that was never fun and I don't know how long I could have pumped using the bathroom. Also, if the company has a nurse's office, try asking her, too.

Hope that helps. Commitment to nursing your little one will be the biggest motivator you have. Hopefully your company can help, though too! Congrats and good luck :)

R.

It can be done, but the first thing to do is to try not to stress too much about it. I agree with the other comments about going to other co-workers/your employer and begin to get information about where/when to pump. Your body will adjust to the different schedule...do it whenever you can at home, and drink LOTS of water. Of course I say this, but unbelievably I didn't get much help when I was in the same boat. NO ONE had suggestions for where I should go. I am a teacher, and even the nurse's office didn't have a good location to use, and I had to do some serious hunting on my own. Sitting on the floor in the counselor's office supply closet was it for me (sad, huh?!). I put a sign on the door when in use. The bad things for me were: I needed someone to be up there to lend me the closet key (sometimes a hard thing to come by), and I'm sure the kids in the waiting room heard the pump action going and were totally baffled about what was going on in there! Also, with basically a 1/2 hr. break and a 1/2 hr. lunch, I spent most of my "free" time in the closet and felt stressed by work piling up as a result. However, in my work there is not much else I could do, and my baby's nutrition was worth it. My body did adjust to eventually doing it only 1x/day at work, and I stockpiled like crazy. It did work out, it just took some creativity. Definitely try to buy the Medella pump in style. It was fantastic! Good luck!

Hoping you will have a supportive boss. My boss (a woman) used to offer the privacy of her office to O. of my co-workers who needed to pump during work hours.