Moms who pump at work?

xoemmylouox, ASN, RN · Jul 2, 2016

I use an electric pump. I work at various places and am in school so I never know when or where I'll get to pump. I have a battery pack that I can use to power my pump if needed. Otherwise I use an outlet as much as possible. I'm not one for privacy so I bring my cover and pump anywhere and everywhere. This tends to make management uncomfortable so they find private places for "my" comfort.

The most important thing is to make the time. There will always be something that needs to be done so you'll have to make a judgement call. No one is going to make the time for you.

If I am lucky enough to get a private room that only I have access to, I'll leave things pretty much set up to cut down on time wasted. Most employers are legally required to have a spot, but they are not always convenient time wise.

quazar · Jul 2, 2016

I used a Medela Pump In Style electric. I never had any success with the hand pump. However, my supply was horrid and I worked for every blessed drop. My sister, who had enough milk to breastfeed the entire city block, had much more luck with a hand pump. Go figure.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Jul 2, 2016

5X pumping mom here -- get a double electric pump. I was told by my CNM (who was also an IBCLC) that stimulating both sides at the same time has a potentiating effect. You get more of the lactation hormones circulating and get more milk output.

Ask your manager and/or other pumping moms where a good close place is. My unit's management office has a tiny room within the office, with a door that locks. Lots of us use that room. I actually have no idea where our hospital's official pump room (the legally mandated one) is.

I pumped a minimum of 10 min; with the walk to the room, setup, and takedown it ended up taking 20 min total. I stored the horns and all in my cooler -- they are stored at the temp as the bottles, and that way I didn't have to wash them.

The extra time is WELL worth it, and your pts CAN wait those extra few minutes.

Congratulations on the baby!

varonte69 · Jul 2, 2016

The Madela pump In Style is really good! Try to build up your breast milk stash before your 3 months is up, that way you can establish your supply, and you can have extra milk put up

xoemmylouox, ASN, RN · Jul 2, 2016

Also - Drink lots of water. You will be busy, but you need to drink water to stay hydrated! :)

Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP · Jul 2, 2016

Another vote for Medela Pump in Style. Do not waste your time or money on a manual. To save you some time, you don't have to wash your pump parts out with soap & water every single time.....just once a day, which you can do at home if you have to. The rest of the time, a rinse with hot water will do.

Best wishes to you! Every day you can give your baby your breastmilk is a gift you will not regret giving!

sailornurse · Jul 2, 2016

Agree with all the posters. I used on Madella pump that I rented with the Y set up so I could pump both breasts in 10 minutes. To build up your supply, pump after you breast-feed. You can get 1 ounce from each breat & you start freezing up so that you have extra stored. Good luck!

**NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN** · Jul 2, 2016

I have no advice but wanted to say I'll be in the same boat as you shortly. Congratulations!!

BittyBabyGrower, MSN, RN · Jul 2, 2016

We tell our moms to start stockpiling before you go back to work. After baby nurses, pump for 10 minutes. This will bring up your supply so you can start producing more.

We have 2 employee pump areas and we will let moms use our rooms in our unit. If you can't get out to the pump room(we

give employees a double pump kit) I agree with the Medela. Once you get used to the double pump you can even eat a sandwich while pumping lol. It should only take about 10 minutes, 15 tops to pump. A little massage when you first start pumping helps get the flow going and get all the milk sacs in the side and bottom to empty. The pump is never as efficient as your baby, so if you don't pump a huge amount don't worry. As soon as you get home put baby to breast, this will help keep your supply up. Also try to nurse right before you leave. Drink a lot of water/juice and eat protein during your shift,it will help keep your supply up. Try to pump at least twice.

If you put the parts in your cooler bag you don't have to wash them right away, if not you have to wash them in hot water/soap.

Its work but worth it!

allnurses Guide · Jul 2, 2016

I'm with the others - get a double Medela Pump In Style! It took me at most 10 minutes.

My employer is a small rural hospital with no floors. The private room was a L&D room that was rarely used. I had a friend who had a baby the same month I did and we both used the room. I breastfed this last one for 3.5 years. His sis was 3 years. Brother before that 18 months. First kid 6 months. I didn't know any better with the first one. I loved breastfeeding though. Obviously.

In looking back, I wish I'd never gone back to work with my last child though. I didn't become a nurse until I was 40 and had the last (surprise) baby at 44. My other 3 kids, I stayed home.

Regrets, I have a few . . . :bag: Fortunately, my in-laws took care of my son and I didn't use daycare.

BlueDawnRN, BSN · Jan 24, 2017

Thank you to everyone who replied. I had the baby, I'm back at work and I am pumping. Many of you suggested I get the Medela pump in style which is what I have, and my insurance supplied it. If I have time for a full lunch break I use the hospital grade pump located on another floor. If not I take two 10-minute breaks and use my own pump. It's hard but possible. The Medela cooler pack and quick clean wipes make life a lot easier. My co-workers are generally supportive. Thanks again!