So if I get this new job...

[lauranicole91]

I remember asking you all if I should have mentioned my pump breaks at the interview and was advised to wait until the job offer.
How exactly do I word it? "Oh by the way, I'm a breastfeeding mother and need extra breaks"?
How many pump breaks are normal for an 8.5 hour shift? Like pump on my 30min break and then one other time. Is that reasonable?

[Deleted]

I pumped three times a day, so a morning and afternoon break plus on my lunch. I would phrase it as you are requesting an accommodation as a breastfeeding mother for morning and afternoon breaks in addition to your lunch. Most states require accommodation be made.

[whodey]

As a manager, my staff get a 30 minute lunch and 2-15min breaks (one in the AM and one in the PM). I think you could pump once over lunch and then either combine your 2-15min breaks into one longer break or ask if you can increase your 15 minute break to 20 if you can pump fast.

I don't necessary think you need to mention it when you get the job offer since pumping is more of a short-term situation, I'd bring it up when you go in for orientation.

[laurensmomma]

Did something change? I thought you couldn't take the job due to childcare?

Like the others said, if you get the offer, just let them know you'll need to pump and ask what their policy is?

[lauranicole91]

Aug 27, 2015 10:11:12 GMT -5 laurensmomma said:

Did something change? I thought you couldn't take the job due to childcare?

Like the others said, if you get the offer, just let them know you'll need to pump and ask what their policy is?

I updated within that thread that I figured it out. my mom will watch them every other Saturday and my friend I babysit for will watch them every other Tuesday. The Sunday's and Monday's will be taken care of by DH.

[sunshineluv]

What is the new job? (Sorry.. I can't recall) Is it something where you will need coverage when you are away from your desk?

I would not mention pumping until the deal is done and you start training or orientation.

I pumped two times a day, for around 20 min when I was pumping. But I didn't need coverage, so I could have done more or less and it go unnoticed.

Good luck!!!

[lauranicole91]

Okay so this is the schedule I was thinking of.
I nurse him at 1:30pm and get to work at 2:30pm.
Pumping at work around 4:30pm and 7:30pm would be ideal. But obviously I'll have to adjust that depending on the break schedule my boss would make. And then again at 10:30pm when I get home for the night.
Right now I only work 5:30pm-10pm so I pump at 7:30pm at work and again at 10:30 at home.

[lauranicole91]

Aug 27, 2015 10:28:07 GMT -5 sunshineluv said:

What is the new job? (Sorry.. I can't recall) Is it something where you will need coverage when you are away from your desk?

I would not mention pumping until the deal is done and you start training or orientation.

I pumped two times a day, for around 20 min when I was pumping. But I didn't need coverage, so I could have done more or less and it go unnoticed.

Good luck!!!

I'll be keeping inventory, cleaning, and transporting medical equipment all over the hospital (like IV hooks, BP machines, etc). I have no idea how coverage would work? I don't even know how many people work together during a shift.

[rainbowchip]

I think twice should be enough if you feed him right before you leave.
How long does it take you to pump currently? Between set up, pumping, and clean up it took me 30 minutes each session. I got 2 15 minute breaks and a 30 minute lunch. My manager was fine with me combining my breaks.

[shevacc]

I agree with PPs about asking for accommodation after accepting the offer. I pumped 3x a day and was gone 12.5 hours. You could probably manage 2 pumping sessions as long as your body responds ok and you can nurse before leaving/once you return. If you noticed your supply dipping, then maybe ask for a third session? I can pump in 20 minutes when necessary. With practice, maybe that would work for you too? Then you'd only need 5 extra minutes once or twice a day for a few months.

[Faevantastic]

I pumped three times a day in an 8 hour work day: 10am, 12pm and 3pm.

I would mention it in your first day (teaming or whatever).

[lauranicole91]

Aug 27, 2015 10:39:49 GMT -5 rainbowchip said:

I think twice should be enough if you feed him right before you leave.
How long does it take you to pump currently? Between set up, pumping, and clean up it took me 30 minutes each session. I got 2 15 minute breaks and a 30 minute lunch. My manager was fine with me combining my breaks.

Right now it takes about 20-25mins depending on if I pump for 10 or 15mins. Normally I stop getting milk at the 10mins mark, but sometimes I randomly get a small second letdown at the 10min mark at therefore go the extra 5mins.
My only concern with the new job is I have no idea where I'll be pumping and the hospital is pretty big. So travel time to even get to the pumping room will be eating up some time. :/

[lauranicole91]

Aug 27, 2015 10:45:28 GMT -5 shevacc said:

I agree with PPs about asking for accommodation after accepting the offer. I pumped 3x a day and was gone 12.5 hours. You could probably manage 2 pumping sessions as long as your body responds ok and you can nurse before leaving/once you return. If you noticed your supply dipping, then maybe ask for a third session? I can pump in 20 minutes when necessary. With practice, maybe that would work for you too? Then you'd only need 5 extra minutes once or twice a day for a few months.

It's a 2:30pm-10:30pm shift.
I work evening shifts now(only 4.5 hour shifts) and he only takes two bottles (6pm and 8pm) and I pump once at work (7:30 or 8) and once when I get home (10:30) because he's already in bed. Between those two sessions I pump more oz than he eats. So I feel pretty confident that 2 pumps at work and 1 at home should suffice for a full work day/night.
Also, as mentioned above, I can totally do set up, pump, and clean up, all in 20mins.

[jsillyfun]

I would pump twice so you are only asking for one additional break. So glad the job worked out!

[lauranicole91]

Aug 27, 2015 11:21:40 GMT -5 jsillyfun said:

I would pump twice so you are only asking for one additional break. So glad the job worked out!

Well I don't have it yet! But I'm one of the final candidates and have had 3 interviews, so I hope I get it! Haha.