Anyone here breastfeeding and teaching? (A pumping question)

Dawn - posted on 08/10/2011

I am still nursing my one year old morning and night, but last year I pumped and teaching kindergarten, there was no way to find any time during the day to pump. So, I pumped in the car. You can get one of those hands free pumping bras and an A/C adapter to plug the pump into. That could give you 2 more pumping sessions according to how far away your daycare/sitter is from work.

Jennifer - posted on 08/09/2011

Try increasing your supply by pumping for five extra minutes after your son nurses.

Kristi - posted on 08/09/2011

I just posted the same advice to someone else. For awhile, pump on the opposite side whenever you nurse. Also, consider pumping on your commute to and from work to squeeze out that little extra. I used a Medela pump in style and just stuck the pumps inside my bra while I drove. I plugged it into the lighter. It took some getting used to, but it was the best time saver ever and I got that little bit of extra milk that I needed and then some. My supply increased after that and I eliminated my night pumping session - hurray! :) You could also try pumping at the beginning and end of your lunch hour to take advantage of the let down from each session. Good luck! :)

Aicha - posted on 08/08/2011

wake up early and pump first thing when breast are full feed baby and then pump before you leave house to start your day drink more water try eating brewers yeast and oatmeal as well as anise seeds , fenegreek, fennel seeds and licorice root will help your milk supply there is a tea called mothers milk that helps

Melissa - posted on 08/05/2011

Congrats to you for pumping for your little one! I don't have much to add because, due to the complications with my son's birth, my milk supply was inadequate and I had to supplement with formula.

Definitely take the suggestions below and talk to your pediatrician and/or ob/gyn to get some advice on how to increase supply. However, also keep in mind that every drop counts so even if you have to supplement with formula, you are doing a great thing by giving him as much breastmilk as you can.

Wendy - posted on 01/24/2010

You know how students have 504 Plans? You are have the right, legally, to get support at work so you can pump more often (hopefully every 3-4 hours). I try to breastfeed around 6 or 6:30 and then at 8:45 before my 9 am class, and at 2:30 when classes end. But I also get 20 minutes of coverage before my lunch (which is actualy only 20 minutes itself) so I can pump 3 times a day. See if you can get coverage. Remind your administrator that you can do planning, etc. while pumping, but your baby needs that pumping time from you.

On that note, here's something I ound very useful: a free way to get your hands free while pumping:

http://babylovesyourmilk.com/hands-free-...



What I do when I fall behind (there are days when I get dehydrated or caught at the copier or whatever) is when I get home, I breastfeed on one side and pump the other, so I can get 2 oz. or so. It adds up. And since it's supply and demand, the best thing you can do is have the baby or the pump demand it often!

Oh, and with my older daughter, when she got to the point of sleeping thru the night, I would go to bed at 10 and set an alarm for 1.5 or 3 hours later (to finish a sleep-cycle or two) and I'd sneak down to the basement with a snack and pump while I watched a Friends episode on DVD (night-time TV stinks!). I even started to look forward to that time alone. And I built up a stock of milk.

It's so wonderful that you are working hard to be a good teacher and still be dedicated to your child (although as other posted, don't feel guilty if you decide to supplement. I like to pump to feel connected to my baby, so I think of it as being as much for me as for her!) You'll get though this year or so and be all the better at multi-tasking for it! Good luck!

Nicole - posted on 01/23/2010

Pumping once at night before you go to sleep should yield the 4 oz you need-- I just went back to work and have a 5 1/2 month old, and am pumping once in the late morning (10ish) at work, once at night, and have a part-time schedule so that I get home around 1:30 most days... which means my son usually only takes two bottles while I'm at work. Good luck-- you're doing GREAT!

Jennifer - posted on 01/23/2010

Don't feel guilty about supplementing with formula; ask your pediatrician for advice.

Mariah - posted on 01/22/2010

How far is your commute? I used to pump while I drove to work and back with one of those pumping hands free bras. Even when I fed my son right before I left, I felt like the pumping helped increase my milk supply. The other thing you can do is wake up once during the night to pump. I pumped during break and made my principal open up my classroom for the kids and supervise the first minute or so while I finished up...they have to give you time to pump.

Rhea - posted on 01/22/2010

I am no longer pumping at school but I was for about five months. What kept me going was constantly drinking mother's milk tea. It is an organic tea that helps keep up your milk supply. I only had one chance over lunch as well. Pumping after feeding everynight helps keep up the supply as well.

Sabrina - posted on 01/22/2010

I didn't pump before school, I would feed her and pump once during the day. And that seemed to work. But also the constant pumping during the night helped too.

Kimberly - posted on 01/22/2010

I mastered the art of pumping AND driving. I'd pump driving to work and home from work in order to add pumping times. You could also try increasing the number of times you pump over a weekend to increase your supply. If you pump every few hours during an entire weekend, your supply should increase. Try pumping before you go to bed each day too. That would give you a bit more saved up. I found that if my class had gym or something, I'd grab another quick 10 minute pump during the day in addition to lunch. The more frequently you pump, the more your supply will increase. Your baby's appetite will also increase as he grows, so you'll want your supply to keep up with his appetite. With my son, we ended up putting a bit of formula in his bottles along with breastmilk as he got older. Luckily with my daughter I was a cow and had more than enough for her. Good luck and keep us posted!

Tahisha - posted on 01/21/2010

I am having the same problem! Started teaching again and can only pump once a day! i have used formula severa times but luckily I froze a ton of milk! i pump about four times a day now, which isnt enough but Im going to keep on until I completely run dry. she'll be getting solids soon, so im trying not to stress it. good luck...its hard work

Cindi - posted on 01/21/2010

I hope you find a way to increase your supply. I also drink the Mother's Milk Tea, and it seems to work.



I pump twice a day- once at 10:45 (they make me take it unpaid because my lunch/prep are back to back :(

And once during my prep at 2.

Carol - posted on 01/21/2010

When I was pumping, I had no time at school (and no good place to pump, either). So, I pumped one side while feeding my son from the other in the early morning before going to school, did the opposite side (while feeding my son from the other) right after school, and then did the same around dinner time and in the evening, This provided three-four bottles for the next day. Although it was a little tricky to juggle a pump and my son at the same time, he got used to the sound of the pump and his sucking helped trigger my letdown and made me pump a lot. During school, I was very careful to drink a lot of fluids. The only issue was feeling like I was going to explode every day at the end of school (and there were meetings I had to get out of because I just couldn't do them after school without a pumping session first).

Good luck and hang in there.

Sarah - posted on 01/21/2010

I pumped from September - January at school. I pumped when I woke up, in the car on the way to school, on my planning period, at lunch, and on the way home from school. I also pumped before bed and usually one more pumping around dinnertime. My planning periods weren't at the same time (block scheduling with a different schedule every other day), but my body also adjusted. My daughter quit nursing when I went back to work (she was almost 5 months old), so I was exclusively pumping. There were days when I was stressed and didn't pump enough - that's when we gave her some formula. We would mix one ounce formula with 3 or 4 ounces of breast milk so she would get used to the taste. We had to know how much she would drink at one time so we wouldn't waste the breast milk though. Once you mix the two, you can't let it sit out for more than an hour once the baby drinks from it. This was all based on recommendations from her pediatrician. Now that she's 10 months old, I'm not pumping anymore and she is having no problems with formula (she takes soy because she would constantlys pit up the regular formula). I wanted to go for a year, but with the demands at work becoming higher and my stress levels, I knew that the best thing for the family was for me to stop. Good luck with your situation!

Melissa - posted on 01/21/2010

I have been in this situation in the past and am in it currently (I have a 3 yr old and an 8 month old). I find that when I am short, I pump at home after I nurse--I only get a couple ounces at a time, but by the time we go to bed I have made up the difference. I then pump on the weekends to try to build up enough milk for the coming Monday and Tuesday, then I don't have as much pressure during the rest of the week. It gets hard to pump enough milk as the baby gets older, but I have been able to do it by pumping after feeding at home whenever I get the chance. I also pump before school, at lunch and after school. Hope this is helpful.

Shelley - posted on 01/21/2010

you've had so many great responses that all i can add is i am so proud of how many teaching moms make breastfeeding work!

I pumped during all of my down time during my maternity leave and school vacations. during the school year i at oatmeal twice a day and pumped during my prep (8 am) and lunch (11 am) and right after school (2:30) and picked my son up at 4 from daycare. The daycare used the frozen milk I had stored during maternity leave and breaks and what i had pumped.

i did start adding a bit of rice cereal to the midday and bedtime bottles when my son was about 6 or 7 months. i was able to nurse until 11 months and then finish off frozen breastmilk in 1 month. important to date frozen milk and use the older ones first ~ my daycare required it was dated and within 3 weeks of the date.

bravo for you getting as far as you have! and yes, the more you stress the less you make (testing time at school almost did me in!).
congrats!

Cammie - posted on 01/20/2010

I would pump for a little while after I fed my baby (evenings and on weekends) and this increased my supply. The lactation specialist said it tricks your body into thinking you are feeding twins.

Cassie - posted on 01/20/2010

I was about in your same situation, but I pumped twice at work. I started adding an extra pumping session in during the night or before I nursed in the evening...or I'd nurse from one breast and pump from another. I also took fenugreek and blessed thistle. Luckily this happened at the end of the year, so I didn't have to work at it for too long until summer break came around.

Amanda - posted on 01/20/2010

Hi, I'm in the same boat you are. I pump before school, at lunch, and when I come home. It's hard to do sometimes. I only pump about 4 oz. at a time and my little one is 9 weeks old and now going through a growth spurt! One thing that helps me is still pumping on the weekend. That way I have some stored for the following week. I have found that when I stress about it, I pump less, so I have been trying to relax. I did buy some Mother's Milk tea, but I haven't tried it yet. I discussed the situation with my doctor and have some to the conclusion that if I have to supplement with formula, then so be it. I have done my best and will still breastfeed as much as I can as long as I can. Stressing only makes the situation worse. Good luck to you!

Jennifer - posted on 01/20/2010

Try Mother's Milk tea by Traditional Medicinals. I buy it and it helps "boost" your milk supply.

Melissa - posted on 01/20/2010

try pumping on one side while your nursing on the other side at the same time when your at home. It will increase your milk supply. It will also get you more ounces.

Spiri - posted on 01/20/2010

I will be going back to my 1st grade classroom Feb 1st. and I willl also be pumping milk for my 5mo. old daughter. I also pumped and worked with my other two children. My routine goes something like this I pump in the am when getting ready (6am), pump before students arrive (8:15-8:30am), pump while I eat lunch (11:10-11:20) pump during my prep time (1:30pm-1:40) and pump on the way home (3:40-3:50). Also remember that he will be beginning to eat some solid foods, so that might cut down on the amount he drinks. My daughter would rather eat and chew foods than drink milk. She drinks more in the morning and at night. Hope this helps, Good luck!

Skye - posted on 01/19/2010

I had my son May 29, and when I went back to school in late August I had some stored up (pumped then frozen, plus enough for the transition period for him to adjust from breastfeeding to bottle). I would feed him in the morning before I left, then, I pumped twice during the school day. My preps were all at the same time every day (10:30), and then I used the afternoon recess (12:30). However, my school ends at 2:30 and I immediately went home and fed him. For a long time I pumped before going to bed, to have more, but that was only when I was going to bed a few hours after he did since I fed him at his bedtime.

My admisitrator was really understanding and flexible for me. I arranged my classroom (elementary-1st grade) with a curtain on the door window and then something on my desk to make it hidden from the outside windows. It worked for me, although I'm glad to have weaned him and not have to pump anymore! I weaned him when he was about 11 months old (so I pumped from August until April, although later on in March/April I only pumped once per day as he was on enough solids and whole milk that he was fine).

Good luck! I hope everything works out for you.

Kayleen - posted on 01/19/2010

I try to make sure that I drink 2 liters of water before I pump at work which is about 5 hours after I pump and nurse at home. I also freeze milk that I pump over the weekend. It is easy to not pump when you are home but try to remember to start storing up. Good Luck!

Jamie - posted on 01/19/2010

I am a nursing mother who is also a teacher. I key to keeping up your milk is more pumping during the day. If you talked to your princpal about your situation, they would offer you a 15/20 minute period with coverage to pump. If you are a union teacher you are alotted 15 minute breaks every 3 hours of teaching. If pumping doesn't work out for you during the day, I suggest using formula to only supplement the 4 ozs you are short, or you can introduce more cereal and stage 1 foods.

Lane - posted on 01/19/2010

Fenugreek worked for me! It's all natural with no effects on the baby and really increases the milk supply (mine almost doubled). However, be ready because you will have to pump more often and it will take longer than now (more than likely). Mother's tead milk (mentioned in a post) also works well but is hard to find sometimes. Good luck! Don't give up...your body will adjust to almost anything.

Brandi - posted on 01/18/2010

I pumped mid-morning, during lunch, and immediately after school. I thought about pumping before I left the house, but my daughter always wanted a last minute nursing session right before we walked out the door. You might try adding a pumping session at the very end of the day as soon as students are out of your classroom, but before you go home. You might also try pumping one side while the baby nurses on the other side. Also, whenever I thought my supply was lessening, I monitored my stress levels and ate extra oatmeal and oat-based granola bars.

Hilary - posted on 01/18/2010

I pump at night and on the weekend to increase my supply and any time she eats solids.

Christy - posted on 01/18/2010

My son is 9 months and I am teaching. I do not make a lot of milk, however, I have been able to keep up without supplementing. Have you tired Mother's Milk herbal tea? I really like that. Fenugreek is also good. I did that also. I saw on tv that you can nurse your baby on one breast, feed him on the other side, when done go back and pump the first breast he fed. I think they called it the 3rd breast method. They said it would help in milk production. My first child I had to supplement, this time I have been very fortunate. I only get to pump twice a day. Once during planning and once after school.

Karen - posted on 01/18/2010

Talk to your principal. I only got 4 - 5 ounces per day with my first. With my second I talked to my principal and she made the accommodations for me. If that doesn't work, formula. I leave some with the sitter - just in case. Also, your son should start eating baby food soon, that will help with the missing milk.

Victoria - posted on 01/18/2010

lots of ideas for you!! When i was home, i'd pump one breast while baby was nursing the other. got more milk and increased supply too. I did this in addition to fenugreek and mother's milk tea... Good luck!!!

Robin - posted on 01/17/2010

I would wake up about one hour before I was going to wake my son and pump. I would make lunches, get breakfast, get dressed and then wake up son and nurse him before taking him to childcare. I would then pump three times at work, once during my moring break, at lunch, and after school before heading to childcare to pick him up. I would keep pumping at least twice a day during weekends and holidays from school. This seemed to help! Also I took a supplement that helped with my milk flow, called "Motherlove More Milk Plus." It was horrible tasting so I found it in a pill form, still gross but not so bad if you take with lots of water. It seemed to help my flow!

Erin - posted on 01/17/2010

I understand what you're going through. Been there twice and survived. I too pumped at lunch, but I would also pump before bed, as one mom suggested below. I was also a little die hard about it, occasionally I would find myself pumping one side in the middle of the night with my first when we both got up for the one late night feeding. This didn't last long and I didn't do it much if at all with my second. I remember taking advantage of the weekend and pumping and freezing as much as I could. I could never find any extra time at school.

Amanda - posted on 01/17/2010

I was told to do a super pump to help increase your supply, which is where you pump for 10 minutes (rest for 10 minutes) and continue this for one hour, so you'll end up pumping 3 times in one hour. I know it sounds like a lot of work, but if you want to increase your supply, trying anything is worth the trouble! Hope you're able to get more for your son!

Lindsay - posted on 01/17/2010

I am a teacher and had this same problem. I was a few ounces short. The stressing over it doesnt help either, it actually makes you produce less. So I would make up the extra ounces by mixing formula in with the breast milk bottles. And once she started cereal and veggies, I ended up having enough as she didnt nurse quite as much!!

Bek - posted on 01/17/2010

Make sure you are drinking 10 to 12 glasses of water besides any other liquids. My sisterr warned me about this. She said she dried up too early because she was not drinking enough water. I have also heard that brewer's yeast helps with milk production, but I would do some more research first. It can be found in tablets.

Mandy - posted on 01/17/2010

I felt the same way as Sarah. We planned our baby just right; she was born on June 5th, the last day of school. I loved being home with her over the summer and treid to pump as much as possible to freeze a supply for when I went back to work. I exclusively breastfed for 3 months, then started supplementing with Similac Advance, the premade kind. I pumped at lunch until Jan. My administrators were also very flexible and understanding and gave me10 more minutes ( an aide stayed with my students in the cafeteria and did flashcards with them) so I could get a sufficient supply. Like others have said, they are supposed to accomodated you.
Just last week, she had he last bag of frozen milk, it was kind of sad, but I am happy that I am still able to breast feed her at night and in the morning. I am hopefully going to keep doing this until she chooses to stop.
I hope I have been at least a little bit helpful to you. I am glad to have the chance to talk to other teacher moms. Its hard being successful at both, but both are so rewarding!

Abby - posted on 01/17/2010

I went back to work when my child was 6 wks, I breastfed until he was 10 mths. It was a challenge but worth it. My boss was understanding and supportive but I still just pumped once a day while at work. At first I wasn't getting enough but I had some stored up before I went back. Also, I noticed that if I pumped more often and after I fed him at home, especially at night before I went to sleep I produced more and it became easier to pump.

Jackie - posted on 01/17/2010

The school is supposed to allow you time to pump if you breastfeed. If you have two planning periods I would use that time to pump. Or you can use the planning period and your lunch.

Jeannine - posted on 01/17/2010

I would keep a hand pump for when I felt engorged, and would sneak an ounce out here and there. Also on the weekends. Do you have a planning period? I used mine, even though they were inconsistent, my body adjusted fairly well. Good luck, I know how frustrating it is-i did it for a year for three children.

Sarah - posted on 01/17/2010

Pumping at work was too cumbersome for me. I did it for a short while with both of my children, but could not continue to spare the time during the school day. I still wanted to continue nursing, so I nursed in the mornings and evenings and just had the babysitter supplement with formula during the day. It worked great for months and months. I nursed my son passed his first birthday! Good luck and congrats on doing what's best for you and your baby :)

Amy Jo - posted on 01/17/2010

I would try to pump after you nurse him to help your body produce more milk, then you may have to pump after his bedtime feeding. I think they told me about 2 min. after nothing is coming out will help the following week.

Shirl - posted on 01/17/2010

have u try to look for foods that helps to produce more milk? if you are familiar w/sea
shells,(and if u r not allergic w/shells) or veges that helps to produce milk.,be sure to buy fresh(no smells)sea shells...clean them(soak them first for 20-30mins.), cook by just sauteing in garlic, and a little thin sliced ginger... when they brown, put the shells... put 2 cups of water... cover n let it boil for jst a little while(not too long..).. include it to your diet, as your soup
eat the shell also.. (twice or thrice a wk.), or jst browse internet for other and better way.

Donna - posted on 01/16/2010

I had the same problem with my first child and I supplemented with formula. The 2nd and 3rd child I pumped on the weekends and froze the milk I also learned that eating oatmeal and drinking malt (as in malted oveltine) will help increase your milk.

Tiffanie - posted on 01/16/2010

Pump before you go to bed. He is also getting to the point where you can give him food with his meal. This may help you to stretch his feeding times out.

Jennifer - posted on 01/16/2010

Have you tried the supplement fenegreek?? It's natural & safe for baby...I use it & it has really helped my supply.

Catherine - posted on 01/16/2010

Been there, done that....Do you have a planning time that you could pump at?

Britt - posted on 01/16/2010

I have a 7 week old and do not go back to teaching for another 4 weeks, BUT, I wanted to start working on increasing supply and found that if I pump and pump and pump (like just let the pump keep on keepin' on) I produced a great deal more milk. Not necessarily fun at night (I am waking up pretty engorged) but my supply has almost doubled. Just an idea....