I plan to go back to work when my baby (not born yet) is almost 3 months old but will only be able to "get away" for 10-15 minute increments to pump, twice per shift. I work 12 hour nights and will work 2 shifts per week. I'm wondering what would be the most efficient way to accomplish this, particularly whether I should use a manual or electric pump. I know I can get more milk in a shorter time with an electric, but also feel a manual may be more effective because there's less set-up time and will eliminate the need to find a private place with an outlet.
I know what the laws are, but realistically I will not be able to take care of my patients if I leave the floor for more than 15 minutes. I've been working on this unit for 2 years and I know this will not change when I have the baby. There's a pumping room but it's not on my floor and wouldn't be feasible for me to get to.
Thanks a lot. Just wondering what has worked for other busy nurses who needed to pump quickly.
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.
I just wanted to tell you that you're not alone. I had my heart set on exclusively breastfeeding but the baby was losing a ton of weight and crying nonstop. I did a weighted feed with a lactation consultant and found out she was only getting less than a half an ounce per feeding, and I was only pumping drops even with a hospital grade pump! It was awful. I started taking supplements and pumping after feedings with the hospital pump and now about she's about half breastfed and half formula fed (with a supplemental nursing system since she started preferring the bottle, another hurdle) and I can now pump 1.5 ounces per pumping session at work. I never expected to have this problem since the class I went to and all the books say anyone can breastfeed and almost everyone can make more than enough. Meanwhile all my friends make enough milk to feed both our kids with some left over! Anyway she's content now and back on the growth chart. So yes I know what it's like to give your blood sweat and tears for every drop.
BlueDawnRN, BSN
108 Posts
I just wanted to tell you that you're not alone. I had my heart set on exclusively breastfeeding but the baby was losing a ton of weight and crying nonstop. I did a weighted feed with a lactation consultant and found out she was only getting less than a half an ounce per feeding, and I was only pumping drops even with a hospital grade pump! It was awful. I started taking supplements and pumping after feedings with the hospital pump and now about she's about half breastfed and half formula fed (with a supplemental nursing system since she started preferring the bottle, another hurdle) and I can now pump 1.5 ounces per pumping session at work. I never expected to have this problem since the class I went to and all the books say anyone can breastfeed and almost everyone can make more than enough. Meanwhile all my friends make enough milk to feed both our kids with some left over! Anyway she's content now and back on the growth chart. So yes I know what it's like to give your blood sweat and tears for every drop.