After a month of full-time work, I’ve been forced to find ways to cope. Like other working mothers, my days are packed and I wish I had more time with my baby. A month ago, I wasn’t sure I could handle it, but it’s getting more comfortable. Here are a few tips that I want to share- the things I didn’t start out with and have discovered along the way.
Use a hands-free pumping device.
It has revolutionized my pumping experience. The first time I tried one, it was awkward to put on, and in the time it took to get it secured with the pump parts in the right place, I could have been done pumping. So I didn’t start using one consistently until a few weeks ago. After using it a few times, I was able to put it on in seconds. It helps me pump within my allotted break time since I can pump and eat at the same time. I can also read books, write emails, and blog. (Yes, I am pumping as I write this). And I noticed a surprising result: I get more milk. Apparently, the milk flows better when I can sit back and relax. Some people find these a waste of money because they can rig up their own version like this one (I haven’t tried this, so let me know if it works for you). Here are a couple examples of hands-free pumping bras that I know of, at Easy Expressions and Simple Wishes.
Don’t waste time washing the pieces after each use.
I made this mistake at first, and it was cutting into my work time. Instead, between pump uses, you can just grab all the pieces, stuff them into a clean bag and put them in the refrigerator or insulated bag with your ice packs. (I do a quick rinse first so the milk doesn’t get stuck in the hard-to-clean places). I only do a full washing with soap and hot water at the end of the day, and I leave all the parts in my office until the weekend.
Enjoy it.
Pumping is the only time I have to myself during the day. That’s why I can’t bring myself to be productive during this time. No going online and paying bills, scheduling appointments, or catching up on my job-related work. I often look forward to the days when I don’t have to pump, I can socialize with my coworkers on breaks, and not worry about lactation accommodations at conferences and special events. But for now, I enjoy these few minutes to get away and breathe. I may even find myself missing it some day.
For a great collection of posts on working and breastfeeding from other bloggers, check out the September Carnival of Breastfeeding on working and breastfeeding. Scroll down to the bottom of the post for the links.
What suggestions or questions do you have about pumping at work?
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Since I have to work while I pump, I can’t just relax, but the hands free pumping lets me be productive so I don’t have to take work home. That way I have more time with my children in the evenings. I too, am pumping as I type 
I also store my parts in the fridge between pumpings. I have a mini fridge in my classroom that I use for my milk and breastpump parts. I just put the ‘horn’ on the next bottle and pop it in the fridge so it’s ready when I need to pump again. This is my second go at pumping as a full time working mom, and while I wish I was home, I can proudly say my daughter never had formula, and so far so good for my son. It really makes me feel good about myself 