Pumping at School (2) - What pump do you use?

Jocelyn - posted on 03/07/2009

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I used the double breast pump by Medela. It is an investment! It lasted through all four kids and then some! It was worth it - because you can also use it in the car! When you go back to work, use a room in the nurse's office to pump or an empty closet area where you will not be disturbed. Have a cover over yourself in case someone accidentally walk's in. Try the pump for at least 1 -2 weeks ahead of the time you go back to work so that you can freeze some breast milk (every other time you pump). I pumped 3 times a day so it was worth the time and effort! It takes about 15-20 minutes at a time. Good Luck!!

Deanna - posted on 03/07/2009

Quoting Ilana:
I even used it in the car a few times on the way to work.

I did that once, too!  I was running late one day and had no other choice.  I used the Medela Pump in Style. It worked well.  You want something that will get the job done quickish (as in, a fifteen minute recess) so I would spend some money and get a good pump.

Sara - posted on 03/07/2009

Medula Punp in Style... this is our second time around with it, last baby was almost 3 years ago and it still works great.  So I felt it a good investment.  Been pumping over 3 months at work and only have a chance at lunch break, takes me about 15 min. with set up and clean up too (the microwave steamer bags by Medula are also great!).  Also have done it in the car on the commute home a few times (battery pack charger that takes 10 AA, great for emergency pumps!) and you can purchase a lighter adapter too. Good luck:)

Molly - posted on 03/04/2009

I use a Medela Pump in Style, it is a dual pump and pretty quiet. I have been pumping at work for 3 months now. The hardest part is finding those times in a busy day. Try and work it into the schedule of your day and find friends who can cover for you if need be.

Kelly - posted on 03/04/2009

I used a Medela Pump in Style. I liked the idea that it looked like a briefcase. It comes with an insulated place to store the milk while you're driving home, which is good, but I kep my milk in a personal fridge in my classroom. It worked really well, and in my case I was done pumping in about 10 minutes.

The most important thing was to "get in the mood." I surrounded myself with pictures of the baby, and of course closed the room and windows. I would also lay his blankets over my lap for spills, but it was like smelling him, too. I never did it without this, so I'm not sure if it made an impact on how much milk I produced, but it made me feel good about it. I felt like I was with him, and knew every time I pumped it was for his benefit.

Good luck!

Alexis - posted on 03/04/2009

I like the Medela Harmony manual pump. It is small and fits perfectly inside an insulated lunchbox. I pump during my planning period and at the end of the school day while sitting at my desk (it is in a corner of the room not visible unless you enter the room). I also use a nusring wrap in case someone (usually a student) walks in unannounced.

Melody - posted on 03/01/2009

As is the case with many others who have responded, I use the Medela Pump in Style. I only have one 9-minute break between 7:30AM and 12:47PM, yet this pump is able to get the job done. And I just lock my classroom door and pump there, since time is so limited.

Beth - posted on 03/01/2009

I like the Purely Yours pump by Ameda.  It's a dual pump and it's not too loud...although I do get to pump privately in a small room in the nurse's office. 

User - posted on 03/01/2009

I'm at the high school level. I used the Medela Pump in Style. Nice backpack, looked like a chunky briefcase as I carried it into school. With our block scheduling, on some days I had 20 minutes to pump, some days I had my entire planning period. You'll definitely want one with dual pumps. It's worth the money to buy one that's fast and powerful, since we don't get the breaks during school that other moms in the workplace might. Also, let your building principal know you'll be pumping, and they may be able to help you out schedule-wise. Mine changed which lunch block my students were supposed to take, so I wouldn't have to wait so long to pump. Especially important if you are one who gets engorged quickly.

Renee - posted on 03/01/2009

Medela pump in style for me too.  If you can I'd see if there is an office or other private place where you could pump during the day, it makes it much more pleasant!

Leslie - posted on 02/28/2009

I pumped on my lunch hour with a medela double pump. I rented one from the hospital, because it was cost effective compared to what I could afford to buy, and was much more efficient and quick.

Laura - posted on 02/28/2009

When I was pumping I had the best experience with the Medela Pump in style.  You can also by additional equipment online.  It work out the best for me.  Good Luck!

Ilana - posted on 02/27/2009

The medela pump in style was great. I had to pump exclusively because my daughter was a terrible nurser. I even used it in the car a few times on the way to work. It is a little noisy, but it comes in a neat backpack, and is VERY easy to use.

Cassie - posted on 02/27/2009

I used the Medela Pump in Style.  It worked great for me.  Luckily I had an office that was mostly private and had no problems with pumping "in public."

Eve - posted on 02/27/2009

I used an electric, dual pump. It was around $100. It worked well for me but I know some people who have trouble pumping. It was not too noisy, but if you are in a bathroom with more then one stall people will probably hear it.  I was never embarassed by it because everyone I worked with knew I breastfed. I always found it hardest to find enough time to relax enough, for long enough, to get enough milk. Luckily I only worked half a day. I am by no means a supporter of formula but don't be disappointed with yourself if you have to resort to using it in order to have enough for your baby to eat while you are at work. Good luck!