Pumping at Work???

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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 :(

It's your call- you shouldn't have to... doesn't mean you can't offer to.

Why would I want to?

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Specializes in Critical Care, Nsg QA.

I was able to continue to breast feed my two kids after returning to work. I built up a good supply of breast pops, and then was able to pump at work (I was in an office at the hospital). The NM of L&D/post partum was very supportive and the hospital supplied a small space and pump for me to use.

I traveled to New York for a couple of days when my son was about 6 months old, and took my pump with me. Not wanting to waste any of the "golden fluid" I brought the last 24 hours worth of milk with me. I actually giggled to myself as I went through security and had to explain the breast milk in the cooler (this was prior to 9/11). The man quickly put me through. Ha!

Anyway, the point is, if you have a good support system to back you, you should be successful. If your fellow workers say anything, you can point to the statistics that support breastfeeding as a way to maintain the health of your child, and therefore will (potentially) miss less days at work. BTW, my son is now 15 years old!

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Specializes in NICU.

I pumped for both of mine, and I am happy to help out my coworkers who are pumping for their babies.

Breast is best for babies. I don't begrudge any coworker who is trying to do the best thing for their baby. Besides, if you have the double pump, it should only take 10-15 min to pump anyway.

Where I work, we all get along and cover for each other when one of us needs a break. :D

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I hope my work environment is like this too, because this is how I am :)

I pumped for both of mine, and I am happy to help out my coworkers who are pumping for their babies.

Breast is best for babies. I don't begrudge any coworker who is trying to do the best thing for their baby. Besides, if you have the double pump, it should only take 10-15 min to pump anyway.

Where I work, we all get along and cover for each other when one of us needs a break. :D

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Four bed, critical patients, no, why should I?

Well, depending on where you're located, you may have to by law. Twenty four states, DC, and Puerto Rico have breastfeeding laws on the books.

OP, I'm not sure if this helps you out or not, because I'm not sure where you live, but check out this link:

http://www.ncsl.org/default.aspx?tabid=14389

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Well, depending on where you're located, you may have to by law. Twenty four states, DC, and Puerto Rico have breastfeeding laws on the books.

OP, I'm not sure if this helps you out or not, because I'm not sure where you live, but check out this link:

http://www.ncsl.org/default.aspx?tabid=14389

Well, there very well may be breastfeeding laws on the books, but there is no way I'm covering

someone elses patients for two hours while they're off breast pumping. I doubt if anyone else would

be willing to do that either.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
Well, there very well may be breastfeeding laws on the books, but there is no way I'm covering

someone elses patients for two hours while they're off breast pumping. I doubt if anyone else would

be willing to do that either.

Two hours? Why on earth would it take two hours?

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Two hours? Why on earth would it take two hours?

Wow, seriously! When I nurse it can take longer.. like 30 mins (usually around 20).. but I only pump for 20 mins each time.

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I had a friend that pumped at worked (non healthcare.) She used her 2 breaks (though they gave her 20), and she used her 45 minute lunchbreak. She never took an extra break. And she wouldn't just leave to pump, she would ask.

I think the issue is if the mom takes a bunch of breaks or a few really long breaks. Also, as long as you make sure everything is taken care of, then I don't think it would be an issue.

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I had a friend that pumped at worked (non healthcare.) She used her 2 breaks (though they gave her 20), and she used her 45 minute lunchbreak. She never took an extra break. And she wouldn't just leave to pump, she would ask.

I think the issue is if the mom takes a bunch of breaks or a few really long breaks. Also, as long as you make sure everything is taken care of, then I don't think it would be an issue.

yeah, i just plan to pump during breaks and lunch.

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Pump on your lunch and breaks and you should be just fine. Congrats on your new little baby doll. Enjoy them and try not to stress too much.

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Well I was working and going to nursing school full time 3 weeks after having my baby. My pumping never got in the way of me doing my job or class. I always used my breaks and lunches to pump. The only time I couldnt pump is when we were off site and I didnt drive my car. Like others said your breast will adjust to your schedule. On a 12 hour day on the unit I would take my two breaks ( 20 minutes) and hour lunch. I would pump, eat, read or watch tv at the same time (they have special bras just for pumping great for multi tasking).

Sorry that Mulan had a bad experience with a co-worker and breastfeeding. Everyone I have worked with or others who have pumped didnt take more than 20-25 minutes to pump and get back to work especially if its busy.

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