I go back to work tomorrow and I'm trying to pack my pumping stuff for tomorrow. I keep feeling like I'm missing something. Can someone give me a checklist, please?
-
Pump, flanges and attachments, tubes, electrical plug, bottles, caps for bottles, ice pack (If you’re storing the milk in something other than a fridge), insulated pack to store milk, something to put the dirty flanges, etc in, a rag or something to wipe yourself down afterwards, sanitizing wipes.
I remember freaking out about missing parts but even when I did, I managed to figure out a solution. I once pumped into plastic ziplock because I forgot the bottles. It also helps to have your phone while you are pumping to read or watch videos of your baby. And be sure to remind yourself to drink liquids. Once my routine changed when I went back to work, I had a much harder time remembering to drink water throughout the day.
-
To add to Mrs. Cereal's list, I liked to bring a lightweight swaddle blanket to throw over my whole set-up once I got started (but then, I was often pumping in my car or in an unlocked classroom, so I liked the extra coverage).
-
So much to remember!!
Maybe a threadjack, but how is your little guy doing? -
If you have them, pack a separate set of flanges and valves and then some storage bags. I’ve never forgotten my whole pump but I have forgotten various parts (so first time I had to go out and buy a handpump bc they didn’t have the parts I needed). Second time I forgot my parts at least had the extra shields and valves and so I pumped into solo cups and stored the milk in my emptied coffee cup.
. Now I have extra bags stashed at work too so I’m all set the next time my brain fails me!
Good luck, you’ll do great!
-
Bottles and lids, flanges, valves, backflow adapters, pump, power cord, extension cord, Tupperware to keep flanges in, backup set of flanges and some milk storage bags for emergencies. One of those ziplock sterilizer bags, dish soap, maybe a sponge. A burp cloth for spills. Backup tubing. Drying rack if you have one. Adapter for your bottles if you use them. Extension cord depending on your setup. Picture of your baby! Spare bottles.
-
Hands free pumping bra!
-
Also, when I first went back to work my supply was low but that’s been my lowest week of pumping (been back for 2 months) and things improved quickly so don’t stress if it’s not what you’re hoping for at first!
-
I keep all of my flanges and bottles separated into gallon ziplock bags. It has really streamlined the pumping process for me this go round. And so far, no emergency trips to Target.
Note: I own 5 sets of flanges and enough bottles for all of them, plus bottles for the freezer bag.
So, my set-up looks like this:
Large bag which holds:
1. 5 gallon ziplock bags.
-Each bag holds 2 flanges attached to 2 bottles.
2. Paper lunchbags.
-After I pump, I put the milk into bottles in my cooler.
Then I put my flanges back into the ziplock bag, then into
the brown paper bag which I refrigerate until next session.
3. Small Medela cooler which holds 4 bottles and a freezer
pack
4. Hands free pumping bra
5. Extra ziplock bag with extra bottles and caps.My pump stays in my office. I cover it with a nursing cover.
-
I’m currently pumping away! Thanks all for helping me make sure my prep and packing was on point. Baby is not super enthused about the bottle, so right now I’m way outpacing his intake.
@pachamama: Baby is doing well. He seems to be typically developing so far: decent head/neck control, smiles, laughs, puta his hands in his mouth. All of our follow-up visits so far have been reassuring. We have 3 more new specialists to see in the next month and some additional visits and tests still pending with genetics and neuro.
-
@lilyofthewest: not what you asked and you're probably already all set, but can I butt in and recommend the Comotomo bottle? my 6.5-month-old EBF baby went on a very diva bottle strike right before I had to return to work, and that was the one (of 8 we tried) that finally did the trick. Also so glad to see your little guy is doing well
ETA this thread makes me feel less alone as an office pumper. solidarity, everyone.
-
@lilyofthewest: I went back two months ago and just last week my LO finally started eating close to as much as I’m pumping. My older kiddo ate 4-6 ounces a day for like, 4 months. So he’ll hopefully improve soon, but will probably improve eventually.
-
@lilyofthewest: that is so, so wonderful to hear. And my first son also was not a fan of the bottle but after just a few days he got used to it
-
@LCTBQE: I'm a teacher and have to pump in my classroom with students literally banging on the door (currently on leave but I did this for 5 months). It was undignified. Once a (male, 16 year old) student came in after school, catching me off guard, and SOMEHOW did not hear my Medela cranking away. wtf.
-
@lilyofthewest: I banked a bunch of milk the first week I was back to work full time (I'm on week 3 now). It was stressful that she wouldn't eat but she got there. We found one bottle that worked and stuck with it (Avent Natural). I hope you continue having pump success!
-
I pump in my office with the door closed and usually lock it but forgot my key was IN the door. Totally got walked in on yesterday by our receptionist. Heeeey.....
-
@pachamama:
NOT IDEAL. Does your classroom door even have a lock? I pump in a supply closet.
NOT IDEAL. Does your classroom door even have a lock? I pump in a supply closet.
Reply
Subscribe to our newsletter
- Google Plus
- Stumbleupon
- Twitter
- Facebook
- Pinterest
- Favorite0
16 comments