Breastfeeding/Pumping
This is the main thing people seem to want to know about. How to pump at work, what's it's really like to do, and how to keep supply up/pump enough. So, after 2 1/2 months back at work here's what I've learned.
I'm very lucky in that my job provided a great lactation room, a lactation consultant we can call when we need help, and a second pump for all breastfeeding moms to keep at the office. If you don't have that, make sure you find out about your office's lactation room before going back to work. Find out if there is a schedule and get yourself on there as soon as possible.
As far as a schedule, I pump every 3(ish) hours. So, I feed my daughter at 7 before I leave for work. Then I pump at 10, 1:30, and 4. Then I feed my daughter as soon as I get home, around 6:30.
I've found pumping at work, for the most part, to be a nice break from the day where I get to focus on being a mom. Aside from the very busy days where fitting in pumping, it's been a nice experience. It has also allowed me to meet other moms at work, all of whom have been back longer than I have, so they have a lot of tips, insight, and advice. And if nothing else, they really get what I'm going through because they are too.
As far as supply/pumping enough, here goes. I feed my daughter on demand when I'm home, which helps keep my supply up. It also limits how much she needs while I'm gone because she eats more while she is with me. Most days she drinks 10-12 oz while I'm gone. And most days I pump at least 12, usually more. So I always have a little extra. I also have a freezer stash that I built up while I was home, but I've only needed it twice. And those were days when I got stuck late at work. Try to watch videos of your little one while pumping, or at least look at pictures. Also try to do breast compressions while pumping. That makes a huge difference for me. And try not to stress. If need be, Mother's Milk tea and lactation cookies can help to boost supply for some people.
Good luck! I hope this helps :)
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