Q&A: Pumping and return to work

Jennifer writes:

I just returned to work full time and I am pumping breast milk for my twins. This is my second set of twins and I was not supported with the first set to breastfeed, however this time I have more support. I am having issues with pumping breast milk. It takes 30mins to an hour. Once the milk starts flowing, I am able to get anywhere from 8 to 16ozs. But It takes such a long time I am out of the office and my coworkers are not as supportive. How can I get the milk to start flowing faster? I am afraid that my supply will go down.

Congratulations on your second set of twins – and on pumping milk for them. It’s not always easy to let down to a pump, and the added pressure of worrying how long it will take is probably making it even harder to relax!

Here are some tips for pumping at work:

  1. For long-term pumping, especially to keep up with the feeding demands of twins, be sure you are using a great pump. Most women do well with a consumer-grade double electric pump (such as Hygeia EnJoye, Ameda Purely Yours, or Medela Pump in Style). For some women, renting a hospital-grade pump can boost their pumping efficiency.
  2. Double up. If you are not already doing so, pump both breasts at the same time. A hands-free pumping bra
    can help hold the pump in place to free up your hands to adjust the suction, do breast compressions, read a magazine, or even get in some extra work.
  3. Be prepared. Have a set of pumping supplies ready to go when it’s time to pump. Consider buying a second set of pump parts so you can keep one at work and one at home.
  4. Before you start pumping, take a minute to massage your breasts. Breast massage can help get the milk flowing at the beginning of the pumping session.
  5. Breathe. It’s hard to let down when you’re stressed. Once the pump is set up, close your eyes and take a deep breath.  You might also want to bring in a baby blanket or outfit to smell, a photo to look at, or a recording of your babies’ babbling to help you get in the milk mood.

Your employer or coworkers might also benefit from some education about the benefits of breastfeeding for the workplace. Lactation support decreases health costs and absenteeism and increases employee morale and productivity.

Here are some other great resources:

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3 Comments

  1. @npres (via twitter) on June 7, 2011 at 9:53 pm

    Back2work tip: Buy mini fridge for $85, put it under your desk, store bottles etc. there during the day. Saves time on washing:)



  2. Sandy on June 30, 2011 at 6:35 am

    When I had to pump at work, I spent a few minutes before leaving my desk to get the hoses hooked up in my bag. Then I found some paperwork or other work-related item to take with me.
    When I got to my room, I did the massage mentioned and looked at my pictures. That did help. I closed my eyes and really imagined nursing.
    If you don’t have a ‘hands-free’ system, you might be able to make one. I took two rubberband hair ties (the circular ones). Lay them with a slight overlap and then with the rubber band underneath, pull one side through the loop and make it so they are “hooked” together. See this webpage:
    http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/hands-free-pumping.html
    Then I hooked the top rubberband onto my clip on my nursing bra. Once the pumping started and my milk started flowing, I could use one arm to sort of hold the bottles up and the other arm was sort of “free” to grab the paperwork I brought or flip through pages in the reading I had.
    Maybe if you can convince them that you are actually doing a little work-related reading they will be supportive. Or maybe you can agree to take a shorter lunch or something. Hang in there — it is worth it. Your babies will thank you.



  3. Hannah @A Mother in Israel on August 11, 2011 at 11:14 pm

    Recently hand expression has been found to be very useful. After you finish pumping, use hand expression to get out the last few drops. There are good videos demonstrating hand expression. You can also try this between pumpings. Even if it’s over the sink in the bathroom and you don’t save the milk, it will still help your supply in the long run.
    30 minutes is way too long in my opinion.
    You can also try adding a pumping session at home, even if it’s only for a few minutes, by hand or machine. Not an easy thing to do with twins I know!