1.) I have to return to work part-time (Mon-Wed-Fri) in 5 weeks, working from 8-5 on those days and with only one pump break (my lunch break). Just started pumping four days ago, once a day, averaging 8.6 ounces a day. I am double pumping with a Medela Lactina and storing in Lansinoh bags with approx. 3 oz. per bag.
Q: Do I need to pump more often to store up more or is once daily at 8.6 ounces/day okay? I don't really want to bring back a ton more milk than he really needs right now because we JUST got back to yellow poo after weeks of a foremilk/hindmilk imbalance, green poo, gassy nightmare, but I want to be sure I have a sufficient stash going in.
2. Often I am the only nurse to one or two Dr.s (in small specialty clinics), in the larger clinics it is usually 2 nurses/Dr. with one rooming and one on the phone/computer - both busy constantly, so trying to break away for pump breaks is impossible (the only break clinic nurses get around here is lunch and even that can be tricky at times). So realistically, my lunch break will be my only opportunity to pump.
Q: Is pumping only on my lunch break those 3 days/week going to do dreadful things to my supply? Will I need to pump more often on the in-between days while I am home with DS in order to have enough for him at daycare?
3.) As a float nurse for a clinic system I work in a different clinic every day. None of the sites I float to have anything close to a dedicated pumping room, which means I will be pumping in bathrooms, spare exam rooms, and if I'm lucky, a spare office here and there.
Q: How do you clean all your pump parts, bottles, etc. while you're at work? True bathrooms have sinks, as do exam rooms (most), but if I'm pumping in someone's office...do I really have to haul all my stuff to the break room to wash it? And do you bring along dish soap and a bottle brush? I don't really want to set anything on the counter in an exam room or bathroom, but I don't have enough hands to hold on to all the various pieces at once. Hygienically, is it safe to just rinse (if near a sink) and/or throw it all in a bag to wash once I get home?
I mean really, in practice, how does this all work?? I'm sorry if I'm missing something obvious, but I've never had to rely on pumped milk before. All prior babies have been fed straight from the tap, lol. Please help me get this figured out!
Q: Do I need to pump more often to store up more or is once daily at 8.6 ounces/day okay? I don't really want to bring back a ton more milk than he really needs right now because we JUST got back to yellow poo after weeks of a foremilk/hindmilk imbalance, green poo, gassy nightmare, but I want to be sure I have a sufficient stash going in.
2. Often I am the only nurse to one or two Dr.s (in small specialty clinics), in the larger clinics it is usually 2 nurses/Dr. with one rooming and one on the phone/computer - both busy constantly, so trying to break away for pump breaks is impossible (the only break clinic nurses get around here is lunch and even that can be tricky at times). So realistically, my lunch break will be my only opportunity to pump.
Q: Is pumping only on my lunch break those 3 days/week going to do dreadful things to my supply? Will I need to pump more often on the in-between days while I am home with DS in order to have enough for him at daycare?
3.) As a float nurse for a clinic system I work in a different clinic every day. None of the sites I float to have anything close to a dedicated pumping room, which means I will be pumping in bathrooms, spare exam rooms, and if I'm lucky, a spare office here and there.
Q: How do you clean all your pump parts, bottles, etc. while you're at work? True bathrooms have sinks, as do exam rooms (most), but if I'm pumping in someone's office...do I really have to haul all my stuff to the break room to wash it? And do you bring along dish soap and a bottle brush? I don't really want to set anything on the counter in an exam room or bathroom, but I don't have enough hands to hold on to all the various pieces at once. Hygienically, is it safe to just rinse (if near a sink) and/or throw it all in a bag to wash once I get home?
I mean really, in practice, how does this all work?? I'm sorry if I'm missing something obvious, but I've never had to rely on pumped milk before. All prior babies have been fed straight from the tap, lol. Please help me get this figured out!
and I would hope that your colleagues and employers, being in the health care profession, would understand the need for you to pump and encourage you! 
