Hi all! I'm returning to work on Monday and am incredibly nervous about leaving my little one at daycare. She's my second child, but she's starting daycare a little younger than my first. I'd like to continue supplying her with breastmilk. I have a decent stash of milk in the freezer and plan to pump throughout the day. Do you ladies have any tips or words of wisdom on this? 
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I don't have any advice (butterbean is my first and still baking!), but thought I would bump this for the experienced mommas.
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The only thing that has helped me so far is to try to pump on her same schedule to keep up your supply.
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I'm interested too! Going back week after next
I've been pumping more this week and I barely get anything if she's not nursing at the same time. I've tried pictures but no dice. -
Is there a pumping room where you work? If so, you might want to call right now and reserve your slots! I should've called in ahead of time but I didn't and I ended up getting odd hours. Next time I will reserve my pumping time slots ahead of time!
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Oh, also find out where there is an alternative pumping room in case somebody takes your slot. I've had to use the alternative pumping room many many times because somebody was in the main pumping room during my slot.
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I've made these lactation cookies a couple of times and they are delicious: http://www.food.com/recipe/oatmeal-chocolate-chip-lactation-cookies-by-noel-trujillo-192346
Not sure if the cookies helped but I did notice an increase in my milk supply. It's a great excuse for a delicious treat!
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Massage before and during, compressions during, and hand expressing afterwards. Relax, really try to disconnect from work and any other pressures. If photos alone don't help with letdown try video, clothes that smell like your baby, etc. Don't rush it, pumping took me a good 45 minutes sometimes to get letdown.
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Pump as much as you can at first, your supply may take a dip. Buy some magazines
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Awesome. Thanks for everyone the tips! I can't wait to try the cookies.
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Pump one side at the first feeding while baby is on the other. You will get more milk at that point. Don't feel threatened by your work into pumping less. Take the time you need. Relax as much as absolutely possible. Do something fun while you pump. I used to go amazon shopping while pumping. Go and see your baby if it is possible.
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@brownie: I put the kindle app on my phone so I can read. Or I get on here. : )
I don't have a pump room at work. I don't like to use the restroom. I usually just tell the girls I need to take some time to pump and head into the back room. I just relax and try not to worry about time.
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Good luck! These are all great suggestions! The hardest part for me was finding my new "routine" but it has worked out. I started pumping 3 times at work plus sometimes on my way to or from work. Pumping in the car was a great way to add in a pumping session without taking more time at work.
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Try not to stress about how much you are able to pump when you first go back, the stress can affect your supply. The hardest thing I found was similar to @thehistoryofus; finding my new routine which included pumping while trying to get caught back up on what happened while I was away.
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I second the try not to stress about your output comments, although i know it is easier said than done! I have been back at work pumping for about 3 months now. It has been fine. I usually pump 2 times, around 10 and 2. It helps to have a rough schedule. Your output will vary--i get anywhere from8-16 oz in a day and LO takes 11 oz so having a freezer stash helps. I also have a handsfree pumping bra that is great! Good luck!
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