Any Nursing Students that pump?

BBboy · Mar 30, 2016

I pump...pump iron

RainMom · Mar 30, 2016

Not a student anymore, but I did pump at clinicals. I just let my instructor know ahead of time that I planned to pump when baby was born. What I would do was to nurse baby as close to the time I left in the morning that I could. My clinical site had a family room set aside near the OB dept that was available to staff who needed to pump. So I just went there around 9 or so & during my lunch break to eat while I pumped. I pumped again as soon as clinical was over. My instructor was great & would check in with me to see if I needed to go.

It made for an uncomfortable day but it worked. Keep on top of your "to do" list so that when you need to take a break, you can. There should be somewhere you can pump without having to resort to the bathroom, though.

Pandamom44 · Mar 31, 2016

I pumped while a student and i recently just started working as an RN and I'm still pumping (my son is 6 months old) I just let my clinical instructors and preceptor know that I would have to take breaks to pump and they were okay with it. I too would pump before i left and would pump twice during clinical depending on when they were.

You do not have to pump in the bathroom...and I actually refuse to. I think it's gross. And technically it's my son's food. I don't want my food prepared in the bathroom, so i dont prepare his in the bathroom either. ..but that's just me! I've pumped in the car versus pumping in the bathroom!

NurseEmmy · Mar 31, 2016

Thanks for the replies. I feel more empowered about this. I hate pumping in the bathroom too, but I want to have enough time to empty fully. I start leaking pretty heavily after 4 hours so I know I will need to wear nipple pads. Any other tips to get me through? I plan on bringing easy hand held foods so that I can maximize my pumping time.

Pandamom44 · Apr 1, 2016

If you can, wear clothing that is easy to give you access to pump. I know you probably have a uniform so that might not be possible

NurseEmmy · Apr 1, 2016

If you can, wear clothing that is easy to give you access to pump. I know you probably have a uniform so that might not be possible

Yeah we have to wear a scrub uniform. I did buy the traditional top instead of the "princess" cut so I am hoping that little bit of extra room will make it easier to wiggle out of it.

My school says they are supportive of students and want to help us in any way so I hope they will support this decision. I couldn't breastfeed my first child, and things are going so well with this one between feeding/pumping that I really don't want to give up yet.

Thank you again!

BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN · Apr 1, 2016

I don't have time to check my handy dandy sites for laws for nursing Momma's right now, but learn your rights in Indiana. No way should you be pumping breastmilk in a bathroom. I was past the pumping stage by the time I started school, but had friends who pumped, it was never a problem for them to do so. Thankfully, we're becoming a more breast-friendly society and things should be easier for you than many before you =)

Thanks for the replies. I feel more empowered about this. I hate pumping in the bathroom too, but I want to have enough time to empty fully. I start leaking pretty heavily after 4 hours so I know I will need to wear nipple pads. Any other tips to get me through? I plan on bringing easy hand held foods so that I can maximize my pumping time.

NurseEmmy · Apr 1, 2016

I don't have time to check my handy dandy sites for laws for nursing Momma's right now, but learn your rights in Indiana. No way should you be pumping breastmilk in a bathroom. I was past the pumping stage by the time I started school, but had friends who pumped, it was never a problem for them to do so. Thankfully, we're becoming a more breast-friendly society and things should be easier for you than many before you =)

I know what they are for "employees", but for students I guess I didn't think there was any laws. I'll have to check into it.