Pumping at Work

Alexis - posted on 03/19/2009

I'm a preschool thu 5th grade Spanish teacher and currently pump at work. I usually pump twice a day during my planning period in the morning and after my last class in the afternoon. As far as locations to pump, I just sit at my desk (it is in the corner hidden from the door) and use a nursing wrap to cover the pump. During those rare times a student walks in, they just think I am typing at my computer with a shawl. I keep the milk and pump in an insulated lunch bag until I get home in the evening.

Gabriela - posted on 03/18/2009

I teach 3rd grade and I pumped for almost 6 months. I pumped in my classroom during lunch and prep. I bought a hands free bra so I'd pump while I ate lunch, and at prep graded papers and worked on lesson plans while I pumped. My principal was very supportive so she instructed that no one go into my classroom under any circumstance during these 2 times. If we had a training at another location she would call ahead of time and make arrangements with them. As most everyone else mentioned I'd feed then pump b4 going to work. Then feed as soon as I picked up baby, then pump again. I was able to breastfeed my lil for 14 months until he self weaned.

Autumn - posted on 03/18/2009

I have been back at work for almost 2 months and that is my biggest challenge! I love knowing that I am still giving her what she needs and that is why I continue! My administration is extemly understanding when I am 10 minutes late for a meeting. I don't have any tips but just pump when you can and don't be too hard on yourself!

Teresa - posted on 03/16/2009

I am a K-8 music teacher.  I pumped for a whole year after I went back to work, and it was HARD!  I would get my daughter up at 6:00 to feed her and then put her back to bed so I could get ready to go.  My schedule is different every single day, so I had to be very flexible with my times.  Depending on what day it was, I would either pump first thing at 8:00 before my first class and then at the beginning of my break at 11:15, or on my first break at either 9:15 or 10:15, again, depending on the day.  Every day I would pump again during lunch, usually around 12:15, and right after school at 3:30. Then I would feed her when I got home between 4:30 and 5:00.

At first I pumped in the little library inside the teacher's lounge, but I got kicked out of there because people "had to use the phone."  After that, I just pumped in my classroom and discovered I could actually get some work done at the same time, albeit one-handed.  I put a sign up over the window in the door that said "STOP!  Please knock, and I will be with you in a few minutes," and locked the door.  For the most part, students, teachers, and parents alike were pretty good about doing just that.

Time Saving Tips: 

Keep a picture of your cutie in your bag.  It will help you relax and let down faster therefore letting you get done faster in general.

Keep a cooler in your bag with the frozen insert so you don't have to trek all the way down to the lounge to put the milk in the fridge/freezer. The milk will be fine, even at room temp, for up to eight hours.

Get some of the special wipes for doing a quickie cleaning of the parts when you are done, or since you are currently pumping in the bathroom, just do a quick rinse with hot water.  Don't worry about cleaning with soap and hot water until you get home.

I didn't actually get one, but my cousin recommended getting one of the special bras designed for hands-free dual pumping.  Personally, I don't think it would have worked right for me.

Do what you have to do for your son.  It is worth it.

Sarah - posted on 03/16/2009

My daughter is 4 months old and I pump at school. It works out b/c my kids have restroom breaks at 9:30 and 12:30 (I feed her before at 6:30am and again when I get home at 3:30pm)  I think the hardest thing was learning to relax. If I get stressed or tense I can hardly pump a thing. Sometimes I take a picture of her with me and that seems to help also.

Tana - posted on 03/16/2009

When I pumped while breastfeeding my kids, I went to a room in the nurse's office and used a 'hands-free' bustier to help hold the breastshields in place. Kind of goofy looking, but it kept me from dropping things and could get work done at the same time. It's available at www.selfexpressions.com and it's called the easy expressions bustier.

Jennifer - posted on 03/15/2009

You can do it!  You can!  I have a 3 year old and a 1 year old, and I pumped at school until each of them turned 1.  For me, I just decided that I was going to do it and didn't leave room for me to doubt that I could.  It just became a habit, and everyone knew where I was going during planning and afternoon recess time.  Well, the adults did, anyway,  My third graders knew I was going to work on my "project."  LOL.  As far as tips...I could get papers graded while pumping, because I figured out how to sit and hold one side of the pump with one hand and rest the other against my knee.  I also got really good at typing one-handed on my laptop, which meant I could take care of emails, writing newsletters, etc. 

Go easy on yourself.  I found that the time it did take away from work meant I was only that much more productive when I wasn't pumping.  Remind yourself that it is the best possible way to feed your baby, and that you can do it.  Take it one day at a time.

Jennifer - posted on 03/15/2009

You can do it!  You can!  I have a 3 year old and a 1 year old, and I pumped at school until each of them turned 1.  For me, I just decided that I was going to do it and didn't leave room for me to doubt that I could.  It just became a habit, and everyone knew where I was going during planning and afternoon recess time.  Well, the adults did, anyway,  My third graders knew I was going to work on my "project."  LOL.  As far as tips...I could get papers graded while pumping, because I figured out how to sit and hold one side of the pump with one hand and rest the other against my knee.  I also got really good at typing one-handed on my laptop, which meant I could take care of emails, writing newsletters, etc. 

Go easy on yourself.  I found that the time it did take away from work meant I was only that much more productive when I wasn't pumping.  Remind yourself that it is the best possible way to feed your baby, and that you can do it.  Take it one day at a time.

Sarah - posted on 03/15/2009

Quoting Kelly:

Sarah are you pumping in the restroom?

yes i am there is no where else at school to go....every room is being used including the ATS room inside my class room, it is a office for a reading spec. the bathroom is the one in the office that the principal and sec use, it is a single stall so I can lock the door. I wish I could be more comfortable but it works. 

Shelly - posted on 03/15/2009

I found it very difficult....which is why I ended up stopping. I never felt like I got anything done, and I was at a new school, where I felt like I really needed to interact with the other teachers over lunch to get to know people. I pumped all summer when I was off work and lasted about 3 months into the year. That was about 6 years ago. I am pregnant with my 2nd right now and am due the 1st week in June. We'll see how long I last this time~ Sorry....wish I had better tips!

Kelly - posted on 03/15/2009

Sarah are you pumping in the restroom?

Sarah - posted on 03/14/2009

I pump right after I feed him in the morning, at 7 so I can get on a schedule, then at 10:15 for recess, then again either at lunch (noon) or on my prep (1) then I either race home and try to beat the bottle or pump around 4. I feel like there was never enough time in the day as it was...now I have to spend 10/15 mins. in the bathroom. But I am determined, its good for him and being a teacher we are right in between poor and too rich for any assistance... 

Monica - posted on 03/14/2009

I am not currently in your situation but was not long ago. I would pump as soon as the kids got off to lunch and then hurry and eat. I took advantage of pe, art music and library time.

Kelly - posted on 03/14/2009

I pump during my planning everyday.. I basically don't get anything done during the day.  I get to school at 7:00 and try to do some things then, otherwise I has to get done at home.  I think pumping is the hardest part of being a BF and working mom.  I wish I had some tips.. would like to see what others are doing.  BTW, my son is 7 months old and the pumping and lack of work time during the day hasn't gotten easier.

Brandi - posted on 03/14/2009

I pumped for 3 mos when I first went back to teaching.  I would pump during my planning time, at lunch and right after school.   Luckily my school schedule was perfect for pumping.  I would feed baby right before I left in the morning at 5:30, I had planning at 9:15, lunch at 12:50, and got out of school at 4:00.   I cleaned out my bottom drawer in my desk and had everything I needed there.  It was definately time consuming.   I had to tell myself you are doing this for the baby.  The first couple of days were a big adjustment, but after a while, it was a time for me to sit and relax all by myself.  I have since given up and did start to slack towards the end due to the time it did take up, so my babysitter would mix bottles with half breast milk, half formula.