Pumping at work 😳🤱

I’m having the same concerns. After reviewing my work contract I noticed a provision that states they have to provide an area other than the bathroom for pumping! I hate the idea of having to sit in a gross bathroom while I pump. I agree with the Mama above. I’m sure management will have a solution for you! Good luck! I know this can be nerve-racking.

As the other two moms said, if the company is big enough, it’s required to provide the space. Ours has a fridge, a heater, couches and desks to make it very easy. It wasn’t bad for me, as my coworkers are very understanding. I blocked my calendar ahead of time so no one schedules meetings around that time. I actually got two sets of pump supplies (pump, parts, pump bras, drying rack, wipes, etc), and leave one set at work and one set home. So I don’t have to bring things back and force and always have extra.

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That’s smart to get 2! I never thought about that.

I have like 6. I hate washing 🙈 I rinse them with really hot water immediately after and then will wash when all are dirty.

I work for a small independently owned company so they've been super understanding about it. All my coworkers are guys but they've been really respectful and never bother me when I'm using the back room to pump. We only have one back room too with the only bathroom which especially made me feel bad at first but now after a few months it's just normal. I just tell them I'm going to the back and they're like aight, cool. But as stated above, most states have a law requiring all businesses give women adequate time and space to pump that's not in a bathroom. You'll get into a groove and it should be fine. Good luck momma!

When I was going back to work with my first kid, I found a really great book of advice called Work. Pump. Repeat. and now I give it to all my friends going back to work. It had lots of small but useful tips like: always keep a spare cardigan at work in case of spills/leaks, plus advice about bigger things like going on business trips while pumping. Good luck!!!

When i was going to college and breastfeeding i used to pump it in a stall in the womans bathroom and store in a lunchbox with a ice pack to keep it cold until i got home

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This is my concern.. I’m heading back to school in April and I’m kinda nervous.

I’ve had mixed reactions. Some of my co workers are very understanding and others not at all to the point I feel like I’m being harassed sometimes. They look at it as I’m getting multiple breaks and they sometimes don’t get one at all (I’m a nurse). Plus working 12 hour shifts means I will go on a pump break 3-4 times during the day. I try to get there early to pump before the start of the shift so I’m not having to go immediately after getting on the floor, but sometimes traffic doesn’t let me.

I’ve been pumping at work for almost six months- it does get annoying but having a pumping schedule makes it easier for you and your coworkers. You’ll be surprised how quickly it becomes routine. Keep extra pumping parts there if possible (I’ve forgotten mine at home a handful of times ugh)! People are very understanding, and if not, who cares you gotta feed that baby! Good luck mama :)

I bought a bag that is specially designed for breast pumps and keep all my supplies in it. Makes packing for work super easy and I don’t forget anything. I also keep snacks in it. Also makes set up and clean up faster and easier.

There is lots of great advice here!!! Find out what your state laws are (some very from state to state). In WI they have to provide a place to pump, other than a bathroom and must allow as much time/breaks as need to pump. I always tried to pump before work, and then every 2/3hra during my shift. PACK SNACKS! Keep extra pump parts handy, MAKE A SIGN ‘room occupied’ (or something like that). Don’t forget water. And maybe a special lunch tote for your milk to store in the fridge.

Hi momma! First of all, good for you for reaching out for support from "the village" of mommas! I think those are some great tips. Another tip I've heard recently was try to make pumping antime you look forward to by allowing yourself a guilty pleasure reserved only for pumping time. Things like watching a tv show (maybe on your phone) that you can only watch during pump sessions or reading a book or magazine or something. I know that's not quite what you were asking about, but I thought it might help with the anxiousness if you can reframe it as a time you could maybe look forward to. You're doing wonderful things and what a lucky baby you have to have a mom who cares so much! ❤️

My work is great about pumping/nursing. However, it was always a battle to get into the lactation room! I would say get into a schedule for pumping now, and keep it up when you go back. And if you can, avoid picking popular times to pump like around lunch time. That’s when our rooms were always booked! And get your pumping on your calendar early so you’re not scheduled for meetings at that time. I’ve also decided next time I am going to get a second pump to keep one at work so I don’t have to drag it around! And bring extra ice packs to keep it cold!

I just went back and our office thankfully has health suites set up that you can book. It’s weird at first, but I have just blocked the time on my calendar and tell people I have “mom time” scheduled. No one says a thing. It’s more getting used to having an extra “meeting” scheduled in your calendar.

Pumped at my desk while working, just because I wanted to get home faster. Had a good pump/nurse bra (my fave was the Rumina one, but everyone is different). Wore a loose, stretchy top and a blazer/cardigan, and nobody minded. I would tell them what the noise was, so they wouldn’t all whine, “Hey, what’s that noise?” If you do it on breaks instead and anyone gripes about you getting breaks, they suck. That’s probably harassment, and, plus, you are building a healthy baby and will likely need less sick-time off because of it.

When I worked they let me use the office. :) management should have an area for you if you just ask

Now granted, I work with a lot of nurses who are nursing moms do that helped me get used to it. I got a bag ready that would hold all my stuff. Splurging on a pump bag big enough to hold all the stuff you’ll need and your work things separately is not a bad idea. If you have trouble relaxing, get together a kit, with some lavender, headphones, quick videos/pics of baby. Will you be pressed for time? I was so I used a ziplock bag and just put my parts back in the fridge (yes they are cold to put back on!!) I ran into a couple co-workers who would say mean things about me being able to take all those “breaks.” Yup... hooked right up to my Milker!!! I never let it bother me. I’m doing what’s best for my baby, I never let it affect my work performance, and my right to do so is protected by law! Besides, for every woman who’s brave enough to show off her breastfeeding, there’s another woman who gets the courage from seeing it!!! I poured my milk in 4 oz bags and put it in a cooler in the break room.

Im super nervous about this too! I get 10 min breaks twice and an hour lunch. Im afraid its not enough time to pump. I dont wanna end up drying out because its so much easier to breastfeed in the middle of the night. At least now that baby still wakes up a couple times. I even debated not going back but its not an option financially :(

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That’s not enough time . Not sure what state you’re in but here in FL you can take as many pump breaks as you need for how ever long you need and how ever often you need. Minimum minimum when you get back you’ll need at least 20 mins to pump , and you should pump anywhere from every 2-3 hours...look in to the rules for your state and stick to them for your baby. Don’t worry about pissing odd your co workers . The laws on your side :-)

My 10mins breaks are now 30mins breaks. 20mins to pump and 10mins to clean up and put myself back together

I have to travel all day with 2 to 3 other coworkers in a van, male and female. It has worked out ok, but I did have to report a coworker for being inappropriate.

Get a tote bag or something big enough to carry all the stuff. Get a good hands free pumping bra. I pumped on my commute to work while driving then would park far away, unhook then drive in.

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While driving? That sounds so smart, was it difficult to maneuver driving while pumping?

I work at a hospital so we actually have lactation rooms with hospital pumps (bring your own connections) and sofa chairs. It also has cleaning supplies and a sink so you can sanitize everything. Even with all that, it is hard to pump. I haven't been super successful with machines so it takes a long time... I have no problems when it comes to breastfeeding and everyday I crave getting home to nurse!

Yes I agree, check with your state laws know your rights. Just keep trying to pump at work your body will adjust to your baby's feeding schedule, your baby may end up cycle feeding and just eat at night mainly not so much during the day. Instead of buying pumping bras I simply just cut a holes in a sports bra and put my parts in through that. I've used headbands, rubber bands, paper clips to hold them on so that I can work hands-free. If you use a lunch cooler, put the milk in the fridge, folks don't need to know what's in it and if they say anything breast milk isn't a biohazard. With the lunch bag you can use the frozen inserts, get a good electric double pump and the car adapter. I too have pumped while driving and on lunch breaks in parking lots. Any bit of breast milk is good for baby. And it doesn't work out for you that's okay too plenty of kids nowadays and in the past have survived on formula for combination of both. Baby needs your love and patience most of all.

It takes me 15 minutes per session. That’s my total pumping/clean up time. I work in a male dominated industry and not one of them has given me a hard time about it. I let someone know that I’m going so nobody wonders where I am. There is a law that they HAVE to provide you a quiet secure place that isn’t a bathroom to go pump. You’re going to do fine momma, I’ve been pumping at work 3x a day for the last 4 months. I’ve had no issues past the first two weeks of just feeling awkward about it.

Depending on what kind of pump you have, this could be an option: https://www.target.com/p/nuk-simply-natural-freemie-collection-cups/-/A-51848506?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&fndsrc=tgtao&CPNG=PLA_Baby%2BShopping&adgroup=SC_Baby&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=m&location=9007725&gclsrc=aw.ds&ds_rl=1246978&ds_rl=1248099&ds_rl=1241788&ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Baby+Shopping&adgroup=SC_Baby&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=m&location=9007725&gclid=Cj0KCQiA6JjgBRDbARIsANfu58HK3RIUrTnm2Rwdo8ktUvG4jO3RGkRvWbHEcE_-t6aPkNG68pGBK-gaArA_EALw_wcB

Mine set the locker room up for me and I put a sign on the door they got me 2 door jams and a table and chair

In SC each workplace has to have a “mommy area” for breastfeeding. I just used an office with a lock as it was not ready by the time I came back to work. But eventually as a manager I was able to get a nicer room with a glider and all for the other ladies that came after me.

My job created a lactation room for me before I left I can close the blinds and lock the door an has a mini fridge I can put my milk in while I’m there they really support breastfeeding mommies I thought about pumping on my way but not sure how I would do that and I pump every 3 hrs so would need to have a place during the day

We have a few lactation rooms at my job, they are equipped with couches, tables, refrigerator, sink, mirror etc. all you need to have a nice comfy/ private place to pump.

They have to give you a room to pump it’s now become the law and you definitely should build up your support system now before going back where do you live?

I work in home health care and pump in my car while driving. I mean I don't have to deal with any issues from Co workers b/c my office is my car, but if I want to park and pump i have to clock out

Luckily at my job, we have a room for mommies to go pump for their babies. I think it is very convenient for us breastfeeding mommies to have a room just for us to pump while at work.

My coworkers have actually all been very supportive of my pumping journey at work! Many of them even cheering me on and telling me that I’m doing such a great job! And I’ve been doing it for going on 10 months now. So seriously, shame on anyone “mooing” at a mom trying to provide food for her baby! That’s ridiculous! And who cares what anyone thinks about you pumping at work?? As for tips…ask if your company has a designated area for you to pump. And have a discussion with your manager telling them that you are planning on pumping. Any larger companies are required by law to have a designated area for pumping, as well as breaks to do so. Also figure out what times work best for you to be able to pump. I got a pump that is able to run off battery so that I would be able to pump on my way to work and on the way home, which has been great for me, in addition to pumping at work. And plan ahead on where you would store the milk. Whether it’s a fridge at work or a cooler that you bring.