https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 21 Apr 2026 23:17:20 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/work-pumping-with-a-fluctuating-schedule#post-2287004 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 05:28:52 +0000 ElbieKay 2287004@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Please don't be shy about asking to use your clients' pumping room. It's the only way that pumping will become more normalized in the office.</p> <p>I had I do that a few times when I had all-day meetings on site, and people were really nice about it. I found that the least awkward phrasing was to remind them that I was back from maternity leave and ask if their office had a "mother's room" or other private, empty space I could borrow for 20 minutes.</p> <p>It may not make logistical sense to it with your schedule, but I hope you are not too shy about asking (in a professional way) to get your needs met for the next few months.</p> <p>(Sorry, but being the mom to an EBF child has made me a little bit lactivist!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/work-pumping-with-a-fluctuating-schedule#post-2286864 Wed, 09 Sep 2015 20:20:08 +0000 LindsayInNY 2286864@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jetsa: Unfortunately my travel is by subway so I can't do anything on the go. I don't know what time I'll be picking her up at night. I may sneak in gym time first so i would assume I'd need to pump then? I guess I'll have to see how much I can get out of however many sessions. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/work-pumping-with-a-fluctuating-schedule#post-2286848 Wed, 09 Sep 2015 19:58:30 +0000 jetsa 2286848@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>definitely plan to pump 3 times and I would not recommend pumping at 4 if you intend to feed her when you get home for the day. I pump on my commute, at 9;30, 12:30, and 2:30 and while I'd love to drop a session I do not make enough to do that. I also just learned how much more milk I make by hand expressing once I get done double pumping so that is something to consider as well. Have you thought about the fremmie pump you couldn't hand express but you could pump while you travel. <a href="http://newborns.stanford.edu/Breastfeeding/MaxProduction.html" rel="nofollow">http://newborns.stanford.edu/Breastfeeding/MaxProduction.html</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/work-pumping-with-a-fluctuating-schedule#post-2286798 Wed, 09 Sep 2015 17:38:03 +0000 LindsayInNY 2286798@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Elizabear: Ooh, that's interesting. I never thought of that.</p> <p>@ShootingStar: I fear that. As it is now, my work schedule is fairly full and I know I'll need to be firm on not scheduling things over lunch time so I can pump. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/work-pumping-with-a-fluctuating-schedule#post-2285110 Mon, 07 Sep 2015 18:47:39 +0000 ShootingStar 2285110@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Having an inconsistently schedule was the hardest thing for me in terms of pumping. I would try to put something regular on my calendar and it just got trampled over constantly. I found myself pumping less and less often, and at first I'd have the same output, then after a week or so it would go down. Eventually my supply got really bad and then got decimated by a sinus infection plus decongestants and I gave up. </p> <p>It was extremely stressful for me, to the point when I was in tears over people scheduling my entire day and not knowing what to do about it. </p> <p>I don't say that to discourage you, but if you run into stress and problems trying to pump at work, not to feel like you're the only one. I feel like so many people on this board EBF for at least a year and pump and they manage to make it work. But I have a really demanding and stressful job and I just couldn't do it all. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/work-pumping-with-a-fluctuating-schedule#post-2285107 Mon, 07 Sep 2015 18:45:20 +0000 Elizabear 2285107@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh and get a simple wishes pumping bra or two. It is the best! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/work-pumping-with-a-fluctuating-schedule#post-2285100 Mon, 07 Sep 2015 18:40:24 +0000 Elizabear 2285100@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Actually, I've never had to use any of my frozen milk yet either. If you baby is already old enough that your supply is established, you will be just fine spacing them out. The only discomfort I have is putting on my pumping bra if I go 8 hrs not 6 between pumps and even then still 1.5 oz per hour. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/work-pumping-with-a-fluctuating-schedule#post-2285097 Mon, 07 Sep 2015 18:35:36 +0000 Elizabear 2285097@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You may find help from exclusive pumpers. I've been exclusively pumping for over 2 months and mostly pumping for a month before that. I used to think if my baby took x amount in a feeding I had to pump it out before my body made more -not true! I realized by circumstance (unable to pump because I was out longer than usual) and through experimenting that my body makes 1.5 oz per hour. I now pump 4 times per day spaced out every 6ish hours and I make the same amount of milk as when I was pumping every 2 hours. I make enough to feed my daughter as well as freeze 3 oz per day. I've worried about my supply dipping and although not ideal I told myself if I needed to id give her one feeding of formula a day. I did not have too but it took stess off me to have a safety net. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/work-pumping-with-a-fluctuating-schedule#post-2284922 Mon, 07 Sep 2015 13:22:19 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2284922@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNY: first you should at least pump to replace every feeding. So if she's going to take three bottles at daycare you should try to pump three times. If you're supply is low or you can't pump for a long time (less than 15 minutes) you may need to add a fourth session before or after work or overnight. </p> <p>So for a schedule I was never that precise. I would nurse before work around 7, pump by 10 (or anytime between 9:30 and 10:30). Pump at lunch at 12:30. And the. Again around 3-3:30. I would be home to nurse by 6. </p> <p>I think at first you absolutely should plan on lugging your pump around. You don't know when you might get stuck or just have a good break time to pump. It's really not that weird to ask for a room once you've done it a few times. </p> <p>For sharing a room, we did share a room at work but it had cubical dividers. Maybe if there isn't a wall or separator you could at least put the chairs back to back so you aren't really facing each other. At work we scheduled the room in 30 minute blocks. So at lunch we did double up. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/work-pumping-with-a-fluctuating-schedule#post-2284918 Mon, 07 Sep 2015 13:12:05 +0000 gingerbebe 2284918@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The Avent hand pump worked well in situations where I needed to pump randomly. </p> <p>I don't know what kind of pump you have but I really liked my Freestyle because of the portability and small size. </p> <p>I also found the Lansinoh disposable nursing pads to the be best.</p> <p>I would say pump when you can - being off by up to an hour isn't a huge deal, you'll just feel more full and engorged. I would try to do a pump when you get to the office before you leave for clients just to get really emptied out and comfortable and then be ready to pump when you get back to the office for lunch. Then you should be fine for a 3rd pump after your afternoon clients and then nurse when you get home from pick-up. </p> <p>As for sharing the pumping room, one thing I did all the time that was easy for me when I had to pump in "public" was wear one of my husband's huge zip up hoodie sweaters over everything after I got hooked up and then just zone out. It kept my shoulders warm and I was comfortable and with the Freestyle, I could roam if I wanted to. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/work-pumping-with-a-fluctuating-schedule#post-2284888 Mon, 07 Sep 2015 12:36:07 +0000 brownie 2284888@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Buy a cheap single pump (I have an electric evenflo that uses batteries). Leave that in our bag and use it if you need to/have the opportunity to. Then plan to do full pumps during your fluctuating times.</p> <p>Full disclosure, I have a freemie and pump in the car between my work locations. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/work-pumping-with-a-fluctuating-schedule#post-2284887 Mon, 07 Sep 2015 12:34:26 +0000 TiredmommaMD 2284887@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Your plan sounds perfect. As for sharing a pumping room, ours is a two seater. I often pump next to a stranger. Made several new mom friends there actually. No one uses a cover, it's not a big deal, but if your more comfortable then go for it. I feel like it's kind of like showering in your bathing suit at the gym. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/work-pumping-with-a-fluctuating-schedule#post-2284871 Mon, 07 Sep 2015 12:06:38 +0000 LindsayInNY 2284871@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaCate: When? No idea... She hardly has a schedule. I also don't know how much she eats at a time either but it's not uncommon for her to nurse and then take a 4 oz bottle an hour and a half later. That's why I fear not having enough pumped milk. I'm going to send her to daycare with more than enough bottles in various amounts until it's figured out. The pumping room is a converted kitchen so there's a sink, fridge, etc. but only one chair. I'm sure I could get another chair though and would probably just have to pump with a cover?</p> <p>@Anya: I do. I've never used it but have thought about carrying it with me if I ever find myself in a bind. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/work-pumping-with-a-fluctuating-schedule#post-2284868 Mon, 07 Sep 2015 12:02:10 +0000 LindsayInNY 2284868@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@regberadaisy: Times are tbd... I have to figure out when to leave, how long the train takes me... I'm hoping to be at work around 9ish so that may give me enough time to pump some mornings too? I would probably be feeding her around 7-7:30 then. I figure I'll head back to the office after my 4pm too and be there anytime from 4:15 to 4:45? So that would give me time to pump before picking up at daycare. I have a little bit of a stash and I pump once overnight while LO sleeps (basically where the stash comes from) so that helps too. I'll have to factor that into daycare bottle amounts...</p> <p>@MrsSRS: The pump room has one chair. We could probably add a second chair if we asked. I guess the idea of both of us pumping in there just seems weird for some reason? And I'm not crazy modest about BFing either. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/work-pumping-with-a-fluctuating-schedule#post-2284860 Mon, 07 Sep 2015 11:54:23 +0000 Anya 2284860@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do you have a hand pump? Might not be a bad idea to carry that in case you occasionally get stuck with a client or something and have to pump on the go. Then you wouldn't need to carry the electric pump. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/work-pumping-with-a-fluctuating-schedule#post-2284856 Mon, 07 Sep 2015 11:48:44 +0000 MamaCate 2284856@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When does LO typically eat now? My first LO had kind of gotten into a routine of eating around 10 and 1:30 so I sent two bottles for those times and tried to pump around the same time. But it varied by up to an hour and I survived. I agree to try starting with three (in office) and then see if you can get down to two. I don't see a problem with sharing the pumping room either although I don't know what your set up is like. Maybe bring a nursing cover if you would be more comfortable? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/work-pumping-with-a-fluctuating-schedule#post-2284846 Mon, 07 Sep 2015 11:28:41 +0000 MrsSRS 2284846@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Another vote for exact times not mattering. You will be fine! And if there's a day that's nuts you can always revisit the option of taking your pump with you. Does your pump room not have space/chairs for two or is it a privacy preference that has you worried? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/work-pumping-with-a-fluctuating-schedule#post-2284836 Mon, 07 Sep 2015 11:01:58 +0000 regberadaisy 2284836@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What time do you leave the house and leave work? Can you pump before leaving the house or right after getting to work or before leaving for your morning meetings? I would definitely plan to pump when you're back at the office for lunch. I agree that exact times are less important. But I would definitely try to keep it in the same 30-45 minute window to keep things easier for yourself.<br /> I pump 2x at work and then once before bed at night. That typically gives me enough for her next day's bottles. Do you have any stash? I would start pumping at night now to build up a bit of a stash for those days you will have to miss a pump.</p> <p>Good luck! You'll figure it out once you get into the swing of things. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/work-pumping-with-a-fluctuating-schedule#post-2284832 Mon, 07 Sep 2015 10:53:54 +0000 mrsbubbletea 2284832@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think your plan sounds great! It's less important in my opinion to have exact set times and more important to get the sessions in. I know some people also pump right when arriving at work too which can help. Plan to start with 3 sessions definitely and hopefully eventually you can go to 2. You can do this! In terms of other coworker, don't let it stress you out in advance. I think you guys will just work out a tentative schedule and you'll have to be flexible but you can make it work. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/work-pumping-with-a-fluctuating-schedule#post-2284830 Mon, 07 Sep 2015 10:48:29 +0000 LindsayInNY 2284830@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I go back to work in two weeks and the logistics of pumping has me a bit anxious. I feel like LO takes a lot at one feed so there are still times where she'll nurse and I think she's still hungry after. So I'm worried about being able to pump enough for her each day and/or having to pump multiple times a day to get enough. </p> <p>Here are some of my "issues," help talk me off the ledge...</p> <p>I'm out of the office most days so I don't know how "set" of a pumping schedule I'll get. I'm typically at clients from 10-12 and 2-4 each day. Occasionally I have a morning or afternoon free. I tend to leave the office anywhere from 9:15 to 9:45, depending on whether I need to subway downtown or walk far or anything. I'm back for lunch between 12:15 and 12:45, again depending on where I'm coming from. And leaving again anywhere from 1:15 to 1:45. If I'm back around 12:45 (the later side), then I don't leave again until 1:45 usually. So that's my first issue - a fluctuating schedule. My other issue is that I will be sharing the pumping room with a coworker. I think she thinks we'll be able to both use it at the same time somehow? I have two weeks alone before she comes back but we'll have to figure out a schedule for the room or I'll need to see if there's an office we can reserve and use too during lunchtime. </p> <p>Should I expect to pump before my first visit, at lunch and again after my second visit? My clients mostly have nursing rooms but I don't know how comfortable I feel asking to use them and I'd like to avoid having to lug my pump everywhere. I'll be nursing at home but I don't want to waste optimum milk then either. I'm just afraid two pumps won't be enough. </p>