Pumping at Work???

[Sl1011]

I'm a new graduate (Aug 6th), and I was offered a job at a large Family Practice near my home as an RN. I interviewed while pregnant (37 wks) and I hadn't graduated yet. But she called me the next day after checking references and offered me the job. Anyway, I plan to go start when my baby is 6 weeks and I am exclusively breastfeeding. I didn't even think to ask about how this will work while I'm at work. I have a double electric pump that I started using a few days after i got home and I have a nice supply in the freezer already.

Do any of you pump at work whether it be at the hospital, doctor's office, school, etc? How do you do it, how often, where, and is your employer supportive of this? I'm worried it could be an issue

[Butterfliesnroses]

I worked as a CNA in a busy nursing home and pumped. I used my ALLOTTED breaks and lunch to pump. I would use my bosses office in the later part of the shift (I worked 2-10; she worked 9-5). When I couldn't use her office I'd use a conference or day room. It never was a problem. My co-workers supported my efforts. One even got me a "pumping bag".

One funny story, is before the pumping bag I'd store the milk in a break room fridge, well someone must have thought it was reg milk, never mind the fact that it was stored in a BABY BOTTLE, anyways they took some of it! Seriously, ***! And I don't feel a bit sorry for them, that will teach them from stealing from others!

[amberbsn]

Do you have children? Did you breastfeed? In order to keep your milk supply up and keep food at home for your baby, you have to pump when you are away.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

(this IS a two-year-old thread-- that baby's probably weaned by now ) :)

[uRNmyway, ASN, RN]

Yes, probably weaned, but the fact that some nurses are so un-supportive of breastfeeding mommies is kind of sad. Especially considering how many of us have to cover for those who need a cigarette break every 2 hours. I can't believe a nurse would not support someone who is wanting to give their child the proven, healthiest nutrition. And on top of that, if my milk supply were to drop because of my co-workers, they better be pitching in for some formula!

Now I get that someone might have been burned by a colleague who took advantage of the breastfeeding thing and took longer than necessary. If you have a double pump, 20 minutes is all it should take from start to finish.

[kmarie724]

I work in LTC and pumped for both my kids while working there. I was working evenings, so I would use the social worker's office since she had already gone home for the day when it was time for me to pump. I would pump twice during my 8 hour shift. I would have liked to have been able to get three pumping sessions in, but I just couldn't get three sessions in. I worked 3-11:30 PM. I would pump around 5 pm when all the residents were at supper and again around 9:30 after I finished my HS med pass. Usually the baby would be up and nurse when I got home, but if not I would pump when I got home. I also pumped in the morning at home to get additional milk. No one ever gave me a hard time about it, everyone was supportive and willing to cover for me. I do the same for co-workers who need a break to pump.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

I did this thirty and thirty-three years ago, for my daughter and son, respectively. I would advise anyone to just do it and don't make a big drama about it. You work with nurses, they get it.