Need advice from hard core pumpers...

[GISDiva]

...especially working outside the home EP'ers.

So let me preface my questions with some info. I have VERY low supply. And a molasses in January let down. And baby doesn't breastfeed, so my pumping is all he's getting as far as BM goes.

1. I pump for a half an hour plus so that I can hopefully get an ounce from each side each time. I pump overnight as well, whenever he's up and getting fed by DH. In five weeks, I have to go back to work. My boss is really understanding, but pumping at least 3 times a day for a half an hour plus is not fair to my other co-workers - who are all squeamish men, so pumping at my desk is not really an option, I wish it was. I fear that my supply will nosedive, am I right? I just want to be prepared. I'm thinking may be two longer pumps during the day with perhaps some pumping in the car on the way to/from work might work?

2. I'm having a really hard time with the thought of sending him to day care all day and then having to come home and not spend every minute ogling him and seeing what new thing he's doing that day and instead having to pump some more. I guess I just have to get over it and be happy with a somewhat distanced enjoyment for the times I'm pumping. He's also sleeping longer at night now and I'm wondering if I can realistically keep pumping overnight. especially given how long I have to pump at a time, and still do a good job during the day?

I've worked so hard just to get up to 8 ounces a day (a sane person would have quit I think) and I fear that going back to work will send my supply back down again when he really needs it with day care germs and all...I guess some of this was more of a rant/lamentation than a question, but any ideas from veteran EP'ers would be appreciated. I am grateful that I have almost a month longer at home than many people do.

[DocsNemesis]

Are you using a hospital grade pump? Just curious...

I'd probably get a hands free system and pump all the way to and from work and any chance you can during work. Even if you arnt emptying them, pumping for 5 minutes here and there during the day should help with your supply not completely crashing. It probably will somewhat though . I'd really just try to pump as much as possible, even for short periods. Is your desk where the other people can see you? Like, are you in a cubicle or just out in the open? If you have at least a semi private space, perhaps it can be explained that you will be pumping in there sometimes and you could put a note on the outside of the cubicle saying you are pumping, so squeemish dudes know to stay out. I dunno about you but the only time my boobs were exposed were when I was sticking the pump on, besides that, they were well hidden the rest of the time (And I even pumped in the middle of my high school classes without people noticing, lol. That was a hand pump though)

[thepeach80]

I was always told more pumping is better than longer pumping. So if you can get 3-4 short sessions in at work vs 2 long sessions, that's better. Have you seen the Whisper Wear pump? I think it's still made, but you basically wear it under your clothes!

[Ruthla]

Pumping for half an hour isn't a very good use of time. You're better off pumping for 10-15 minutes, twice. Or even 5 minutes every hour instead of half an hour every 3-4 hours. That might not be practical at work, but I'd recomend it for home. The milk can safely sit at room temp for several hours, especially if it's going to be fed that day, so you dont' need to clean the pump after every single pumping session if you're doing a bunch of quick ones.

And remember that any little bit your'e able to pump is good for your baby. Even a few drops a day will give your baby some good antibodies that NO formula can duplicate!

[bethie]

I'm no expert and only have been EP since LO's birth and NICU and all that... now at 11 weeks. I would pump in the bathroom for 15 mins every two hours at work... seriously... hook up on the way to work and pump in the car... get a nursing cover and cover while u do it...

THE PERFECT PUMP FOR THIS IS THE medela freestyle. This pump has kept me going during a time I'd like to say F it and be done...

Also what about domperidone? Have you tried that for your supply?

[_betsy_]

What about coming in a bit earlier, or staying later to accommodate your pumping sesions? Do you get an hour lunch? Use a half hour instead, and you've worked the extra time pumping needs.

You're in Minn., I think? (The land of cheese and beer?) Someone in your local tribe should be able to help you out with finding out the laws in your state with regard to pumping at work.

At the very least, you can/should ask your employer (and preferably before your first day back so they have a chance to arrange something if it's not already in place) for a secure pumping location - a private room, with a lock on the door preferably: bonus points for a sink and a mini fridge. NOT a bathroom.

Some pumping moms who work in cubicles hang a curtain across the opening and let everyone know if it's closed, you're indisposed. Get other ideas and tips at ww.kellymom.com

Also, you may be surprised what your supply does when you are away from your son. I seemed to pump just as much, if not more, at work, because I didn't have to worry about taking care of/entertaining the baby while I pumped.

Tips for better workplace pumping - have photos of baby. Use the two-ponytail elastic method to create a handsfree pump. Have something to read. Have a radio, TV or internet access to avoid thinking about what you're doing (maybe this works better when pumping at work is "old hat"). DON'T THINK ABOUT HOW MUCH YOU'RE GETTING! Seriously, as soon as I started to think "I got XX amount so far! YEAH!" or "I only got XX so far?" my letdown ended, no more milk. None. So, try not to think about it!

Also, have you looked into other methods for increasing your supply? Are you drinking enough water, getting enough calories, getting enough sleep (HAHA!, I know!). Oatmeal can help. Fenugreek and/or lecithin can help. Can you borrow a different pump to see if you have better luck with something else? Have you checked with an LC, your insurer, your local LLL?

[GooeyRN]

I have been EPing 2.5 years for dd. Shorter, more frequent pump sessions are better for your supply. Even if you can only pump 10 mins at a time, 3-4 times a day at work it will be better than 2 sessions that are 30 minutes. It will decrease over time while you work. I used to pump and drive at the same time. I cut holes in a sports bra. Its not safe, no, but I did it anyway. It prevented me from having to pump right before leaving, and as soon as I returned. It meant more baby time! I continued pumping at night every 2-3 untill 16 months post-partum. Then I backed off due to pregnancy. Check out the EPers tribe.

http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d.php?t=462944

[GISDiva]

Really, so even if I'm not emptying, more shorter sessions are better? I guess I was concentrating on getting everything out with my slow let down. I usually don't get much within the first ten minutes, but I'll give that a try now before I go back - thanks ladies!