Breastpumping at Work

I followed the same schedule as some of the others suggested. When I started back to work, I tried to keep at the same frequency he would be eating, which for me was 3 times while I was at work, then nursed at home. This kept my supply regular. As he got bigger and feedings were more spaced out, I cut back to 2 times a day and my supply adjusted. I can tell you, I loved pumping at work. It made me take time out of my busy day to relax and feel I adjusted better because of it.

Hello! I breastfed my baby for about 16 months, while working full time and pumping at work. I pumped 3x a day (worked 8-5) until she was over a year, then I cut down to 2x a day. I think it helps keep milk supply up to pump more often instead of longer. I would also invest in a good pump, I had the Medela Pump in Style Advanced, it makes all the difference in the world. To make the time go faster, I listened to my ipod and downloaded books and podcasts ("This American Life" weekly podcast was the best ever, plus you can buy past episodes for .99!), it helped pumping become something I looked forward to, a nice break from working. Also, there's a good book called 'The Milk Memos' which is written my breastfeeding moms that went back to work, a good time to read it is when you first go back, it's almost like you have someone going through the same issues as you at the same time! Good luck and be proud that you are doing what is BEST, not what is easiest!

I pumped twice a day when I went back to work, but I also went during my lunch and nursed my son. I agree that waiting 6 hours to pump isn't a good idea. You need to do it more often to keep your supply up.

Breastpumping at work is so rewarding I found. I felt like I was still connected to my baby. It is important to pump to keep up your supply. I found I needed to pump three times when my son was six weeks old when I first went back to work, but at about 12 weeks I was down to twice during the work day. I can't remember exactly, but as he got bigger and started solids and other fluids, I just pumped once a day. I nursed him a lot at night from the get go until he was weaned at about 16 mons when I was pregnant with my second. Congratulations on your baby! Best wishes!

In an ideal world, you would pump to match your daughter's schedule, every 2-3 hours. However, I know what working and pumping is like, so I would say if you can get in two pumping sessions, that is great. Three is even better but may not be realistic, depending on your job.

Whatever you do, I would NOT wait 6 hours to pump. You are "filling up" now after 6 hours, but if you keep waiting that long on a regular basis, you won't be. Your milk supply will dwindle to match the demand.

You will find ways to make it work for you.... Maybe you can nurse your daughter at daycare when you drop her off and/or pick her up. Maybe you can get to work 15 minutes early and squeeze in a pumping session then. Good luck!