is pumping necessary when working PT?

[myonlyhope]

I'm still quite a way from leaving work, but after maternity leave (6 weeks) I plan on returning to work part time. I will be out of the house about 5 hours at a time. If I didn't have a chance to pump during this time, will that screw up my supply? Or should I at least try a mini-pump session (on a 15min break?)

[MamaMaui24]

I think you'll need at least one pumping session.

If anything, your breasts will hurt. Being gone 5 hours usually means no nursing for 6 hours or more which is a long time (besides overnight stretches).

[jennlin]

i would probably try to pump at least once. what will your dd eat when you're at work? if she's eating, and you're not pumping, that'll hurt your supply.

[housegeek]

You'll need to pump however often your baby feeds, so if she's eating hourly, you'll want to pump hourly, even if it's for 10 minutes each.

[Ashley&Scott]

I would try to pump once 1/2 way through. It only takes me 15 min including set up/putting away.

[myonlyhope]

Thanks for all of your input. I'm obviously a FTM and didn't think of any of these things...otherwise I wouldn't have had to ask you! I want DD to drink BM while I'm at work. (and if I'm not pumping, she's not going to get any out of DH!) I will be working 4hr shifts, so I will be out of the house a total of 5hrs. I will try to get in a couple pumping sessions at work, but that probably won't be possible. I will definitely have time for one session.

If I only have 15 minutes to pump during this session, what is my best option for a pump? I don't really want to spend crazy money to pump only four or five times a week. Would a manual be okay for this amount of pumping?

[Ashley&Scott]

You could probably get by with a manual. I use a Medela Harmony at home & really like it. You might also find 2 manuals to be a little faster?

[backinpgh]

At 6 weeks out I would have had an issue with engorgment. Now that I'm 8 months out, my boobs are fine when I go to work (usually 4-5 hours); I feed her right before I leave and right when I come home.

I would still get a single electric rather than a manual. I usually pump the morning I go to work (I only work outside the home one day a week) and she gets that milk while I'm gone.

[Deleted]

If you'll be using it 4-5 x a week for 10+ months, I would still get an electric. I really like my Ameda Purely Yours. A double gets you twice as much in the same time. Pumping once in 5 hours should be fine - hopefully your baby will nurse before you leave, get 1 bottle, nurse when you get back.

[myonlyhope]

thank ladies! I'm sure I'll come up with some more silly questions in the next few months.

[jena]

At 6wk I think you'd be in a lot of pain if you went 5hr without pumping. I have never been coordinated enough to use a manual pump, but then I don't even do all that well with an electric one - but it does get enough out that I feel better.

I would pick out the pump you think you want now, but not buy it until after baby comes. Also, you can rent pumps. It might be good to rent a bigger pump in the beginning since your DD will be so little and nursing really often still. Then maybe you can switch to a smaller or manual after a few months when she nurses slightly less often.

[redheadbaker]

What kind of place do you work for? Would they be required to comply with the federal law regarding nursing moms in the workplace? (would they be required to let you take a break to pump?)

[myonlyhope]

May 19, 2012 21:01:26 GMT -5 redheadbaker said:

What kind of place do you work for? Would they be required to comply with the federal law regarding nursing moms in the workplace? (would they be required to let you take a break to pump?)

I didn't even know this existed...great information, thank you! I work at a large retailer, so I'm pretttty sure they would have to comply.