Issues with working and being a bf'ing mom

[illumini]

So I'm an exclusive breastfeeding mom to my 4 1/2 month old ds. I also work part time 3 days a week. I have been having problems meshing the two. I think I need some help so my supply doesn't tank.

Let me warn you this might get long because I'm going to be very detailed. I work in retail for a computer company. I love my job but it definitely is not exactly a great atmosphere for a breastfeeding mother. I am the first mother who is in the position to be breastfeeding at this location. I don't mind blazing new trails but it does become tiring.

I have set my schedule to best suit our one car family's needs. I have to work to pay for our one car (kinda funny, I know, but hubby has to get to work too!) I work Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday. This is non-negotiable. Unfortunately I have to work and I will not leave my child with anyone but his daddy at this point.

So my saturday shift usually 10-5 or so, which means I am given two 15 min breaks and one 30 min lunch. We are located in a mall that has a lactation room but I don't have enough time to go there and pump. The only room I can use is our bathroom. (Its large, with a locking door) Sunday is 12ish-6. I get one 15 and a 30 min lunch. Tuesday I work a weird schedule that is variable. Almost always start at 7pm and can get out as late as 6 am, early as 11pm. (Night owl don't mind ) So my breaks can vary, but I tend to always be able to take them.

The problem is on Saturdays and Sundays we are extremely busy and I can't always take my breaks. I tend to only get my lunch (and its all of us, not just me, this is a particularly busy period since we have a new product launching in 6..wait..now 5 days) I take half of my lunch to pump, if I do get to take any other breaks I spend all of them pumping. If I do this I often pump more than my son takes in. But like I said my problem is I can't really get my breaks.

Today this became apparent when I was unable to pump at all during a 12-6 shift. I was so busy I completely forgot about it. I fear for the damage I am doing to my supply. As soon as I came home I fed my son and pumped at the same time.

Ok so to make a long story short, I'm not even sure what to do about any of this. I breastfeeding for its benefits, but its becoming a nightmare at work. I need plan or something I guess. The next week I have a 12 hour shift planned and I don't even want to imagine what that is going to be like. Am I being delusional that breastfeeding and my job can mix? I love my job and breastfeeding. Help please!

[illumini]

Oh and I thought I might have some allies in the 4 fathers whose wives were pregnant when I was but none of them are still breastfeeding.

Also the 4 days I'm off (especially Monday) I "stay as close to the bed" as possible. Meaning I nurse my son at the drop of hat and often times off both breasts now. Before work he barely could "take on" one breast.

[texmati]

s. I know how difficult it can be to work and pump. So stressful when you are worried about supply.

I can't post a lot right now, but I will come back to this thread. Promise!

[illumini]

Thanks. Maybe I am wrong in thinking that working retail and breastfeeding can work. I don't want to stop either of them though.

[akind1]

that would really be stressfull! thus far have you noticed any dips in supply? I am grateful that I am always able to pump - I just sometimes forget when I am on a roll at work. I think, and the far more experienced mamas out there can correct me, but if you can get at least one pumping session in, that may be enough. Do you get an hour lunch when you work your 12 hour shift, or the option of 2 30 minute lunches? that should be enough to at least keep you from become too engorged.

I wonder, if you start noticing a drop in supply, will adding a mother's milk tea of some sort help?

[texmati]

First off, I know that pumping and working is totally sucky-- but you can make it work! Please take my suggestions as just suggestions-- not trying to be bossy or offend!

i also work pretty much 10-5 plus commute. I make it a goal to pump at 12:30ish, and at 3:30 ish. I'm flexible to the half hour, so any time I get between 12-1 or 3-4 I make sure to get my butt down to my pumping area.

If I were you, I would have a two stage plan of attack-- first try to shorten the time you spend pumping, and second, try to get on top of taking the breaks.

I would try to find a room other than the bathroom ( so you can eat and pump). Get a special hands free bra, or make one out of an old bra, and wear another bra on top. Get two sets of bottles and shields if you can, so you can have them ready to go. Try to make it so you only have spend 3-5 minutes setting up, so the rest of your time you can be pumping.

On the other side of things, I would make it known that you *have* to take your 3:30 and 12:00 breaks. Practice what you will say if you need to go pump. If a coworker needs my help, but I need to pump I might say "I'll meet you back here in 15 minutes." or "I need to go downstairs for 15 minutes, and then I can help you"

Pumping is a physical need-- just like going to the bathroom. What would your coworker do if he needed to pee, but was with a customer? He'd finish up with them, and then take a break.

Other misc ideas-- perhaps try to pump and eat for your whole lunch break. You may be able to get by with only one pumping break. You can always pump on your days off to make up any short fall.

Finally, if you do decide to supplement, you can do so, and try to continue nursing at night and during your days home. breastfeeding and working are not only compatible, but breastfeeding makes a working mom's life easier. I can't imagine having to fix and wash bottle on top of everything else I do. And I'm so glad that I don't have to miss out on the nursing bond along with being gone every day.

Good luck!

[Mrsboyko]

I have been pumping at work for a total of, um, 22 months now (2 kids). I like the PP, good ideas. To add to that, I pump into 8 oz bottles. I pump once, cap them and stick them in a cooler bag with an ice pack, then the next time i need to pump I hook the same bottles back up and fill them. I have overflowed a bottle a few times, but not often enough for me to worry about it. I used to pur it into freezer bags, but I realized it was a pointless waste of $$ when the milk was being used in the next day or 2. Now the only milk that goes in a freezer bag actually goes into the freezer for a while as an oversupply stash.

Eat and pump at the same time. Those "soup at hand" things are great. Even if you are in the bathroom, if there is a chair it is no big deal.

Set an alarm on your phone or something to remind you to pump. I still have to do this or I forget some days.

Pumping at work does work, you are doing great. Iti s a juggling act though. Don't worry about droping a ball here and there, it is not a big deal.

[mambera]

I would actually wonder whether a few super-short sessions of hand-expression (if it works for you) or manual pumping might be a good addition.

Eg instead of (or in addition to) your scheduled breaks could you take many short (like two-minute) bathroom breaks and express an oz or two each time?
BM is OK for a few hours at room temp, you could just keep a bottle in your purse, hand express into it a few times, and then pour it all in the cooler when you get a minute.

You might be able to stick a small manual pump in your handbag if you can't hand express effectively.

Honestly if you are not having trouble getting enough milk from a single lunchtime pumping session and you are just worried about your supply tanking, you could even express and dump in between.

Also, what is your commute like? I have a car adapter and I always pump in my car on the way to and from work. It's an idea I got from MDC and it's been huge for me.

[sosurreal09]

dont forget the law is on your side! you need enough time to pump properly and enough breaks to do so! if i were you i would start demanding my breaks and if your late you are late they cannot fire you for pumping!

[JHopesMomma]

Oh mama, hugs, I know how logistically challenging working and pumping is! When I first went back to work, I was doing 12 hr. shifts, so I'd have to pump 2x a day and then see my DD at lunch to feed her. There were so many times that I got so busy I forgot/didn't feel like I could break away to pump. I guess after doing it for so long I finally just threw up my hands and said, enough is enough, I'm doing this for my baby so the rest of the world is going to have to wait. The PP is so right about the law being on your side, so if you're getting pushback from either co-workers or your boss, even after you explain how important this is to you, then I'd find out what the laws are for your state regarding working and pumping.

One thing that helped me (and it sounds like you're already doing this) if I missed a pumping session was to nurse as soon as I was with DD again, and then pump on the other side. I usually would just pump 2-3 oz on the other side, so there would still be milk on that side if she wanted more right away. I think that missing a session on the days you work 6-7 hours would be fine, so don't stress too much about it. Pumping once during those shifts would be enough if you're able to nurse right before leaving for work and as soon as you get home. My only other suggestion is just to keep doing what you're doing, as far as nursing all the time when you're home. My DD eventually starting nursing way more at home, and only taking about 6 oz. at daycare, so that helped too. I also agree with what another PP said about supplementing. I've just stopped pumping at work last week, but DD still nurses very well at home and isn't showing any signs of stopping . I'm not sure if her age (13 mo) and eating solids has anything to do with this, but I think a lot of it has to do with the old supply and demand rule. I guess my body just figured out when it needs to be producing.

I hope this helps! I know pumping can be a pain, but I really do think it's worth it, and can work. You sound like you're doing great, so keep it up and good luck!

[illumini]

First off I wanted to say thank you for all of your kind words
I really needed that boost, ya know? I don't really mind being a role model for the "kids" I work with but some days I just need some encouragement to continue. Tonight I was able to pump
more than he took in. I consider that a net win Now on to
individual answers.

Originally Posted by akind1

thus far have you noticed any dips in supply?Do you get an hour lunch when you work your 12 hour shift, or the option of 2 30 minute lunches? that should be enough to at least keep you from become too engorged.

I wonder, if you start noticing a drop in supply, will adding a mother's milk tea of some sort help?

I think I may have had a few lower supply days but as long as I remember to drink more water amd nurse a lot things tend to turn around pretty quickly. I will get an hour lunch. My 12 hour shift will actually be pretty easy to pump during I imagine. Our store will only be open for the last 3 hours of it. The rest of time I will be able to break pretty much at will.

Originally Posted by texmati

Please take my suggestions as just suggestions-- not trying to be bossy or offend!

Good luck!

Thank you!!! You were not bossy at all. Nor offensive. I really have taken to heart all of your good advice. I wish I could pump some place else but there is not any where close I am thinking of buying those wipes to shorten my time even more. I can usually get 6ozs pumping 2xs for about 12-15.

Originally Posted by Mrsboyko

Eat and pump at the same time. Those "soup at hand" things are great. Even if you are in the bathroom, if there is a chair it is no big deal.

Set an alarm on your phone or something to remind you to pump. I still have to do this or I forget some days.

Pumping at work does work, you are doing great. Iti s a juggling act though. Don't worry about droping a ball here and there, it is not a big deal.

I need to start eating and pumping. It just gets so lonely, ya know? I def need to set an alarm on my phone. This would be perfect to remind me. Thanks!

Originally Posted by mambera

I would actually wonder whether a few super-short sessions of hand-expression (if it works for you) or manual pumping might be a good addition.

Also what is your commute like?

I already try to hand express after the "pump runs dry" and usually manage to get more out. Therefore adding in some short hand expression times might work! Thanks. Most days my commute home is between 5-10 mins. I usually leave for work 15 prior to my shift. No time to pump.

Originally Posted by JHopesMomma

I guess after doing it for so long I finally just threw up my hands and said, enough is enough, I'm doing this for my baby so the rest of the world is going to have to wait.

This really resonated with me. I need to remember I'm doing this for my son.

Thank you again for your kind words and advice. I am not by any means giving up. I think I was just going through a little rough patch. I'm planning on pumping throughout the rest of the week to help build up our freezer stash and hopefully after this product launch is over things will settle back down.

[rlmueller]

Pump at home

on days off with either a single electric or manual.
Pump first on the boob baby is not on and then pump the empty boob when you switch him/her and then switch one more time. It is a mix of switch nursing/switch pumping. Take fenugreek, drink tea, lots of water and don't stress

All so much easier said than done--and now for me to take my own advice.

[texmati]

How did it go this weekend?

[illumini]

It went wonderful! I worked from 12 am Friday to 12 pm Saturday. My son decided to stay up late on Friday so I was able to feed him right before I left. Then while at work I was able to pump at around 2:30 which is when I imagined him eating again. I had a slight setback in that I was missing one pump piece so I could only use it in single mode. I recovered well by manually expressing one breast while pumping the other. I switched at the next pumping. Which was around 7 I think. Time starts to get blurry around then. We opened at 9 so I ended up with one last 5 min session around 10. I was able to pump about 7oz over the whole night. My son took in 3-4oz. Then when I got home I nursed him a whole bunch.

My supply seems fine. I was able to drink plenty of fluids and we had all of our meals (mm fresh blueberry pancakes) prepared for us. We even managed to add a bunch to our freezer stash.

[texmati]

wow! that is a loooong shift!

Good for you for finding time to pump! It sound like you did great. It does get easier, I promise.

[Quinalla]

Glad it went well! And yeah, I agree with others, just make it a priority and make it known that you need those breaks, they can be delayed for a bit to finish with a customer or whatever, but you need to take them. Maybe finding a specific coworker that would cover you during that time and they you can cover him/her when they need help?

Just wanted to say you are doing great! I pump at work too, so I know how it can be tricky to make it happen some days. I work full time, but I do have my own office, so it is easier for me to just close the door and pump. One time saver I have found is putting the pump parts that get milk on them into my cooler bag between sessions and just washing them at the end of the day. That way the drops of milk on them are being kept cool.

[jellybeanheather]

In the same boat

I'm 6 months pregnant and beginning to wonder how I will manage work and breastfeeding as well. I bartend at a small place and each 8-9 hour shift it's just me and the bouncer. I don't get breaks because there is no one to take my place. Peeing is whenever i get a chance and I pack a lunch to eat at the bar when I have time. Financially, I have to work but breastfeeding is also extremely important to me. Can I go that long without pumping? Will my milk supply suffer? Does anyone have a suggestion? Thanks!

[mambera]

Originally Posted by jellybeanheather

I'm 6 months pregnant and beginning to wonder how I will manage work and breastfeeding as well. I bartend at a small place and each 8-9 hour shift it's just me and the bouncer. I don't get breaks because there is no one to take my place. Peeing is whenever i get a chance and I pack a lunch to eat at the bar when I have time. Financially, I have to work but breastfeeding is also extremely important to me. Can I go that long without pumping? Will my milk supply suffer? Does anyone have a suggestion? Thanks!

That is a tough situation. When do you have to go back to work?

Honestly if you regularly go 8 h without pumping or feeding and your LO is under a year your supply will most likely drop. I think typically advised pumping schedules are every 3-4 h or as often as your baby would eat (assuming you are getting enough milk from that schedule).

Legally your boss is obligated to provide you sufficient time and space for pumping. I'd push for that.

[groovyem]

TO jellybeanheather:

Mine is almost 8mo now and since she was about 4mo I was able to cut down on the amount of times I pump per day as long as my pump sessions were longer and I really made sure I drained my breasts well. Everyone is different I think and you will just have to see. I've worked in the restaurant industry and I know how it goes, no breaks and food on the go and you pee really quick. Be prepared, when you go awhile without pumping your breasts will fill up and become soooo hard and sore that it does make doing things uncomfortable. But when she was 2mo old she slept thru the nite, 5-6 hrs and I was going 8 hrs in between pumping sessions at that point. I only pump 2x a day now and get about 24 oz a day, which is about what she eats. I have a freezer stash if need be.

[mambera]

Originally Posted by groovyem

I only pump 2x a day now and get about 24 oz a day, which is about what she eats.

Geez, it always depresses me when I hear about other women's pumping outputs. I lost the supply battle before I even went back to work but anyways I pump like 4-5x in a workday and only get a couple oz per session, it has always been like this and it is so demoralizing.

(Although groovyem I think I remember from other threads that you EP and that is a hard hard road and I can't say I envy it, so to you for that and a huge pat on the back for what you are doing for your LO.)

Anyways jellybeanheather, as you can see everyone really is different and there is just no way to predict. You could have a killer supply and pump 15 oz out of one boob in the AM while your LO eats off the other and not have to pump at work at all, or you could end up in the land of low-supply or no-pump-response and then your job as you describe it would unfortunately be a dealbreaker for exclusive breastfeeding.

I think for anyone planning on pumping at work it helps to have a little bit of oversupply (not too much obviously or you run into other problems), enough to build a freezer stash and have some give in your pumping schedule. Some sources say that hand-expressing colostrum before birth can be helpful to supply; but for sure it's important to get good milk removal straight away after baby is born. A little extra hand expression between feedings early on might not be a bad idea.