Quiet, Powerful Breast Pump for Work.

I don't know if anyone else said this but you need to get the Medela Freestyle, their newest pump - tiny, lightweight, very portable. It rocks! Well, as much as a pump can. It's not much bigger than a can of soda, very powerful, and charges like a cell phone with a charger, NO BATTERIES NEEDED! I love it, and I hate pumping, so that's saying something. Totally worth every penny it costs. Medela customer service is also great if there are any issues.

What electric pump did you use?

I used the Medela Pump-in-Style. It was great! Attractive leather bag and very efficient. I don't remember the loudness factor...that was 12+ years ago. But I would talk with your manager or personnel office to see if you can find a private place to pump. If you have one of the windowed offices, you might see if they'd install shades on the windows. So what if people know what you're doing in there. It's food and satisfaction for your new baby. Everyone will get over any possible embarrassment factor pretty quickly. Some will even admire your diligence and be very encouraging. You go girl!

The printing company I worked for at the time had a medical room for emergencies. It had a bed, a sink, a table, and a bathroom. It was ideal for pumping. I would suggest you try to find some place other than the bathroom. That wouldn't be very relaxing, which could slow down your flow, and feel awkward with people coming in an out.

I was able to put a do-not-disturb sign on the door and then get my pumping done within my morning/afternoon breaks and lunchtime. I set things up on the counter so that my back was to the door in case anyone made the mistake of barging in. It happened once or twice, but it was no big deal. My back was to the door.

Like another person below, I also had some of the cost covered by my insurance company. At this point, I forget how much they covered (some or all), but it is definitely worth asking. You will likely need a written request for it from your doctor, but go for it. It is worth every penny.

I don't know if companies will cover time other than your breaks and lunchtime for pumping, but maybe some are more progressive than others. My boss was very accommodating. I offered to work a little later if I ran over on my pumping times. But I got to the point where I could get hooked up, fill my bottles, clean up and be back to work by the end of my 15-20 minute break. Oh yah! I became a pro at it!

I wrote a short training manual during this pumping time which didn't hurt. I wasn't asked to do it. But I was tired of customers sending file formats incorrectly. So, writing this thing kept my mind off of the boredom of pumping and off of any self-consciousness of the sound.

If you find an adequate place to pump, bring a book or some manual you've been meaning to read. It sure beats counting the minutes until you're done! And you might just enjoy it more or learn something in the process.

Best of luck! You have every right to want to try to pump. You don't have to be Madame Demand in this situation, but don't be afraid to ask for a little help from your work place on this. If they haven't thought about it yet, you may be paving the road for women in the future. And, meanwhile, your baby reaps the benefits of your yummy milk.

Happy pumping...MOO! A little sense of humor goes a long way when you are mechanically pumping at work!

Brenda--

I'm not sure that a quiet powerful pump actually exists! I nursed and pumped for a year with my son (medela PIS) and am committed to do the same with my daughter. My suggestion is to buy a really good pump--Medela Pump In Style, this is the one I've used for both my children, or any of the others that are high grade personal pumps, and go pump in your car! Buy the car adapter for $30 and go park you vehicle in a far off corner and pump away! It's private, you can put on your favorite tunes on, and in 10-15 mins you'll be done and your little one will have your milk. You don't have to worry about how loud it is and you can even buy those carshades if you feel self conscious! GOod luck!

R.
Mommy to Wyatt 2, and Imara Rose 4 mos.

Hi, First of all, congrats on your pregnancy! I also used the Medela pump-in-style, and although it does make some noise, I didn't find it to be too loud. Definitely talk to your boss and higher level management to get support for finding a comfortable and private place to pump. I pumped at work for a year, and I found that if YOU act matter-of-fact about it, and even have a sense of humor about it, then other people will follow your lead. Also, you should definitely get a hands-free pumping bra so that you can eat, drink, read a book, talk on the phone, etc. while you pump. You can do both sides at once, which makes a huge difference. Good luck!!

I used the Medela Free Style - its the new pump by Medela - it's awesome. Totally love it, and it's not that loud. I don't think any of them are really quiet though, unfortunately. Good luck!

I would talk to someone high up in the company about it. I'm sure they can find you a place to pump even if it means putting blinds on the windows in one of the offices. If you are going to pump 2-3x per day you need to have a powerful pump and a reasonable place to sit or you are going to make yourself miserable. I can't imagine doing it in the car in the freezing cold or sweltering heat! I pumped 2-3x per day with my first for an entire year. Everyone knew when my office door was closed that meant stay away! haha... I used the Medela Pump-in-style advanced and was completely happy with it! It is loud but you can't let it bother you. It may seem weird at first but people in your office will get used to it. Your baby needs to eat!!! Good luck :-)

I use the Medela pump in style, I dont think it is loud. Can you pump anywhere else besides the bathroom?

My son is 4 mos. old and I've been back to work and pumping 2-3x/day for about a month. I bought the Lansinoh double electric pump. It's not very loud and it does a good job. This is my first time breastfeeding/pumping and I know that Medela is the most common pump but the one I got is only $150 (I actually got mine for $119 on Amazon, they had a price drop) and like I said: it works great.

Hi Brenda,
I am in the market as you are, so will be checking in on your responses. I needed to mention to you though, that your office needs to supply you with a CLEAN and private place to pump. The bathroom doesn't fit either of those criteria! I would start touching base with your manager about where that place will be when you get back from maternity leave, giving plenty of time to figure out a solution. I feel so bad thinking of anybody trying to manually pump in the bathroom (hopefully you didn't use your lunch time...work is obligated to give you pump time too, if I'm not mistaken). It is your right to breast feed and pump privately, comfortably and in a clean atmosphere, you shouldn't feel gypped....there are ways to make this work. Good luck.

I used the Medela Pump in style. It wasn't too loud. Is there another place besides the bathroom to pump? Maybe you can work something out with your manager. Also, I was able to have my insurance cover the cost of the pump as it is very expensive. good luck!

Rent a hospital grade one from the hospital before you check out. QUiet and effective for boosting and maintaning milk. Currently pumping at the moment while typing :O) I pump 100% without nursing and am going on 9 months of success. definitely worth the money. I am not an easy milk producer either. I made the mistake the first time around and bought the best pump not hospital grade, waist of time. Oh, if you rent one before you check out the hospital will give you a free kit worth $50, just have to come up with a reason of "need".
Good luck and happy pumping!

Hello there...

I am currently working and nursing my three month old son. He is my second child. I have rented a Medela Lactina after each birth. The first time it was covered by insurance under durable medical equipment. This time I am using my flexible spending account to pay for it. I pay $35 a month. It is pwerful so pumping is quick and pretty quiet.
I made it to 10.5 months nursing my daughter when she decided she didn't want to anymore. I am keeping great supply with baby #2.

Hope this helps.
S.