Tips for Breastfeeding as a Floor Nurse

[muesli]

I am going back to work in less than a week from maternity leave. For the health of my baby I will attempt to exclusively breastfeed until she is at least six months. I have heard that to maintain your milk supply, you should pump every three hours at least when you are away from your baby. So pumping at least three times at work is a must. However, I work on busy med/surg floors where nurses sometimes forgo lunch because of patient care. I do not want to jip my patients of care. But I also feel strongly that breastmilk is extremely important and superior to formula for the health of my child.

Does anyone have any experience pumping while working on a floor? I'm just looking for anecdotes, support, advice! Thanks.

[CrunchyMama, ASN, RN]

Hi! I breastfed my daughter until she self weaned at 20 months, so I'm right there with ya about knowing the benefits of breastfeeding. Anyway, fortunately I'm a SAHM right now so I didn't have to worry about pumping and all that while going to school or working. But I know it can be done, it's just going to make the process a little harder. Maybe try talking to the other nurses and let them know the situation.....that way when you have to run to the bathroom (or wherever you plan on pumping), they'll be understanding. Sorry, that's the only advice I have....hopefully someone else can help more. Good luck! :)

[SandraJean]

The only nurse I remember pumping breast milk would grab her can of soup (I guess that was her lunch break, too) and pump and run into the bathroom. I didn't notice much more than that, but I was a single, clueless person at this time in my life... since I've had and nursed three babies (SAHM), I can't imagine how she did that! Good luck to you, though, I agree that breast milk is a good thing.

[mommyX2]

I ebf for the first six months of my daughters life and the big things that saved me were having a good supply in the freezer and supplements like blessed thistle, fenugreek, and oatmeal. When my supply dipped because I couldn't do three pumping sessions I loaded up on supplements and pumped my heart out every two hours when I was home. Hope it works out for you!