How do you make pumping at work more tolerable?

[xokell2]

I've only been back 1 day, tomorrow will be my second. I only work 3 days a week but they're 12-13 hour days. I only got to pump twice, the first time I got 12 ounces and the second I only got about 5 total. It was too much of a nuisance washing and drying my equipment for me to try and do it a third time.

My job strongly encourages bfing mothers. We have specialty pumping rooms with tv's, rockers, and a hospital grade pump we just attach our personal pieces to (which they give us). It was still a tedious task and I was completely overwhelmed and distracted by the work I needed to get back to. Does it get better? Is 16-18 ounces enough for the 12 hours?

[mrssandro]

Man I would have loved to have TV while I pumped. LUCKY!

It's no walk in the park. But I think it gets easier the longer you do it.

[Deleted]

You don't need to wash your equipment every time. Just store it in the fridge in a ziploc, and wash it at the end of the day.

Most babies take a little more than an oz per hour in daycare, so 16-18 oz should be enough. Try to time it so you can bf right before and after work.

[ijack]

ditto to not washing your equipment every time. I liked it to just relax and have me time. Do you like to read? Maybe bring a book. Don't concentrate on pumping, just think of it like a little break.

[arch01]

First, I'm insanely jealous.

Second, I started to look forward to my lunch pumping break. I'd never use it to eat, but it was a nice break for the middle of the day. I'd disconnect 100% from work (shut down my email and other programs) and bring my laptop with me to peruse Pinterest, catch up on Twitter, Facebook, etc.

I stopped pumping at lunch 2 weeks ago and I miss that time, even though I strongly disliked pumping.

[mrssandro]

I used to like to use the cleaning wipes for the in between times. I would then put it all in a plastic ziploc and DH would be in charge of making sure it got into the dishwasher in the evenings and packed it for me in the mornings.

www.amazon.com/Quick-Clean-Breastpump-Accessory-Wipes/dp/B000CCXLNE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351098631&sr=8-1&keywords=breastpump+cleaning+supplies

[Ashley&Scott]

Ditto every one else about keeping parts in the fridge. I pump 3x per day & wash at night.

I bring my iPod so I can GBCN while I pump

[auberge]

Ditto about the washing of the parts. It does get better once you get into a routine. Things will simply not be the same until your done bfing. It's worth it though. Just take the break and think about your sweet little baby.

You might want to think about pumping three times per day in short intervals.

Good Luck

[arch01]

Oct 24, 2012 12:22:06 GMT -5 @msstarry said:

how are you guys pumping and doing stuff at the same time? hands free bra?

yes! IMO it's absolutely necessary.

www.amazon.com/Simple-Wishes-Hands-Free-Breastpump-XS/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351099490&sr=8-1&keywords=hands+free+pumping+bra

[mrshandy]

It does get easier, because you get into a routine and learn tips.

Do you have a hands-free bra? Or you could do the rubber band trick on kellysmom.

kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/pumping/hands-free-pumping/

If you want to be successful, I would try not to skip too many sessions. It will start to affect your supply.

[auberge]

Oct 24, 2012 12:22:06 GMT -5 @msstarry said:

how are you guys pumping and doing stuff at the same time? hands free bra?

yep I was this chick

[karinothing]

Yeah, I don't wash my parts either. I have two sets. So I just rinse them adn throw them in a plastic tub. I read while I pump. I actually enjoy it as me time.

[Deleted]

TV and rockers sound awesome. I dont like pumping really at all but it has gotten better. I just think of it as a little mental break. It helps me divide my day (do X work by 930, pump, do X work by lunch, do x work by 2, pump) or however it ends up working out.

[mie]

You don't need to wash your parts between sessions. Ditto what everyone else said about putting them in the fridge between your pumping sessions.

[niki]

The Medela Freestyle hooks on the bra, which is what I did. I was also the woman above but I used a nursing cover because people like to ignore my sign on my door and will just barge in.

See my avatar for the looks they get when they do that.

[xokell2]

Wow thanks ladies! It never occurred to me to just put the pieces in the fridge, genius!!!! I'm def going to shoot for 3 pumping sessions a shift.

[MamaMaui24]

Oct 24, 2012 13:28:39 GMT -5 @msstarry said:

3. We have one refrigerator for 80 people and it will be hard to inconspicuously store my pump parts there and often it is completely full

I store my pump parts in my cooler bag like this.

www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12802821

[anna7602]

I haven't read the previous answers, but I suggest getting the Medela microwave sterilization bags for cleaning pump parts. It's so much easier than washing them by hand.

I made pumping time a strict "no work whatsoever" time. I had to pump in someone else's office, so that was incentive enough not to go on a computer while I pumped. I would look at a magazine or read a book. It ended up being a nice break from my regular work.