Expressing at work - is it realistic? really?

[Bibbo]

Am planning ahead a bit here. DC2 due in July, will be going back to work on a part time basis after 14wks and full time after 26wks. DH is going to give up work to be a SAHD.

I fully intend to bf - feel quite strongly about it actually - but the return to work thing is making me worry a bit. Am slightly at the thought of bringing the portable dairy into the office. and not at all sure where I can find a private corner to do it.

Any tips for successful expressing at work?

I went back a bit later than you - DS2 was 9 months, so obviously feeding a bit less than a 6 month old, but I had no problems with expressing at work.

I had a bag with all the "dairy" stuff in it and used the first aid room, which conveniently also had a little fridge in it. I'm not always office based, so I also had an insulated bag with me to keep the milk in if I was out and about.

After a couple of months my supply regulated with the effect that I don't need to express anymore at work (I work part-time) but on days when I'm at home, I still have plenty of milk when DS2 wants it. And despite being 16 months, that's quite a lot.

I don't know what the differences will be with your DC2 being a bit littler when you go back, but I'm sure someone will be along in a minute who can help!

Employers are strongly encouraged to provide a safe place for mothers to express (and that doesn't mean the ladies loo!) and have a fridge to store your milk.

Realistically getting to grips with the pump early on after baby has been born is a good idea, that way you build a freezer stash and get your body used to a pump.

A double electric is probably the easiest & quickest way to go. If you get a pump with a sealed pump motor you can also sell on afterwards as there is no risk of cross contamination - though that means Medela is off the cards as their pump motors are open and can get mould growing in the motor.

If you plan on buying a pump 2nd hand, again avoid Medela for the above reasons, but with other brands like Ameda and Ardo with closed pump motors (maybe others too but check before purchase) you can buy new collection kits (the tubes/breast shields/bottles) so that it's as new.

You can also get pumping bras/tops that hold the breast shields in place so you don't have to hold them but you can knock up something similar with two hairbands. I used to just clip my bras back up over the breast shields!

This is a good site with lots of information on how to pump, store milk and bottle fed a bf baby.

HTH

Fantastically helpful, thank you. Had forgotten all about the kellymom website.

Am going to talk to my boss before I leave to see what advice she has about it. maybe I can persuade her to let me get one of those mini fridges? and can definitely see sense in investing in a good pump.

And will keep up resolve not to bow to pressure to do it in the loo!

Just check the mini fridge will get cold enough (if you mean those 6 can sized fridges?) as some only keep XC below room temperature.

Some pumps come with cool bags and ice packs too (or as an optional extra) so have a scout around and read reviews before committing.

I'd get a hand pump to keep in your desk drawer too (or learn how to hand express - ask your MW to show you) in case you forget the pump one day/run out of battery power/blow a fuse.

I went back to work when DS was 5 weeks, he is now 12 weeks. I express 3 times a day, it takes 10-15 mins including washing the pump parts. I get in to work for 8.30, express 4-5oz. I then express again at lunchtime, usually 5oz. I try to express again at 3.30, and usually get 4oz. This means I only take one break out of work time, which I can make up (but usually don't...!). DS usually only has around 6-10 oz while I'm at work, and breastfeeds a lot more when I'm home, the remaining milk goes in the freezer. I'm happy with this reverse cycling, as I get to spend lots of time with him, but I don't sleep a lot. Also, has caused a bit of excess supply which is tough, so i block feed too, and we always get covered in milk, forget muslins, just keep a huge towel by the bed!

We got him on the bottle at 2 weeks, he took it straight away, we were very lucky. He now happily takes the bottle from me, and has been known to have it straight from the fridge! He has never had trouble switching although very much gets comfort from breastfeeding (as any baby does).

There is legislation which means your workplace have the duty to provide you with space to express. My pump has a battery pack so wouldn't need a plug socket. I know people recommend against open system, but I got the medela pump in style. It does the trick, and DS doesn't seem to mind a bit of dust in his milk. Maybe you'd need to do more research on this.

We bought the whole medela kit. It cost loads, but my husband was adamant if he were looking after the baby he wanted it all to work together. The steriliser is ok, and bottle warmer fine, but double the price of everything else on the market!

I get home in the evening, put two bottles in the fridge with the date on (masking tape), and one bottle emptied in a freezer bag. I then wash the bottles I bring home and the ones DH has used in the day, sterilise and pack away for the next day. I only bring the pump home at weekends or if I've been/will be out of the office, otherwise it's locked in my desk.

It has taken so much planning and organisation and I thought about it for months before DS was born. I feel so happy that my boy is able to get breastmilk full time even though I can't be with him always, and I get the hugest sense of fulfilment from it. My husband loves it too as no formula to mix! Good luck Bib!