Pumping at Work???

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.

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

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.

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.

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.