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Momma2015
Mommax2
Member since 12/12 6655 total posts
Name:
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Pumping at Work- how long/how much?
I just started back to work this week and I'm super stressed about pumping enough for my DD. She generally eats about 5 oz. every three hours so I need to leave 15 oz. with whoever is watching her (right now it's family, though she will be at daycare part time come September). I have a small stash that I was pumping at the end of my leave, but it's not all that much.
I'm a receptionist and I generally get a 15 minute break in the morning and an hour for lunch in the afternoon. I've been using both my break and lunch to pump since I can't leave the desk without someone there. I've been taking a longer break (30-35 minutes) and my co-workers are okay with it, but as soon as someone is out- that won't fly! And that starts tomorrow- one co-worker will be out tomorrow and Friday, another will be out all next week. 
But this seems to be the only way I get enough milk. I pump for 30- 35 minutes and get about 7/8 oz. Then I pump at lunch and get 4 oz. and then I pump a little when I get home since she has generally just eaten and get 3/4 oz. This JUST covers the next day's meals for her and it's stressing me out so badly.
I've been trying everything- teas, lactation cookies, tons of water, power pumping at night, nothing seems to be helping me produce more. But then again, I don't think my production is the problem. I make a lot of milk, maybe it's just my pump? I use the spectra 9 and I'm wondering if it would be worth it spend the money on the spectra s2? Does anyone have any experience with both or either. I need to be able to pump faster! Please help!
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Posted 6/29/16 12:52 PM  |
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evrythng4areason
And then there were 4
Member since 1/10 5224 total posts
Name:
Kayla
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Pumping at Work- how long/how much?
They have to let you pump-it's protected by law. It sounds like you need to take an additional break.
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| Posted 6/29/16 2:01 PM |
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evrythng4areason
And then there were 4
Member since 1/10 5224 total posts
Name:
Kayla
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Pumping at Work- how long/how much?
Double post
Message edited 6/29/2016 2:11:00 PM.
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| Posted 6/29/16 2:01 PM |
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Momma2015
Mommax2
Member since 12/12 6655 total posts
Name:
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Re: Pumping at Work- how long/how much?
Posted by evrythng4areason
They have to let you pump-it's protected by law. It sounds like you need to take an additional break.
Really? I mean I knew they had to give me a place to pump, I didn't know how much time I was entitled to though. I feel like I'm taking so much time out to do it.
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| Posted 6/29/16 3:15 PM |
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jlm2008
LIF Adult
Member since 1/10 5092 total posts
Name:
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Re: Pumping at Work- how long/how much?
Posted by evrythng4areason
They have to let you pump-it's protected by law. It sounds like you need to take an additional break.
This. You don't have to use your lunch/break for this. You are entitled to additional breaks for pumping.
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| Posted 6/29/16 4:23 PM |
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Summergrl14
LIF Adolescent
Member since 4/16 625 total posts
Name:
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Pumping at Work- how long/how much?
I would see if you can add in one more 15-20 minute pump after lunch before you go home. I pumped 3x at work and would only pump for about 15-20 each time.
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| Posted 6/29/16 4:57 PM |
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evrythng4areason
And then there were 4
Member since 1/10 5224 total posts
Name:
Kayla
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Re: Pumping at Work- how long/how much?
Posted by Momma2015
Posted by evrythng4areason
They have to let you pump-it's protected by law. It sounds like you need to take an additional break.
Really? I mean I knew they had to give me a place to pump, I didn't know how much time I was entitled to though. I feel like I'm taking so much time out to do it.
Yes they have to give you time. Although if it's in addition to your other breaks I believe they can make you stay a bit later-so if you pump during lunch and then an addition 30-45 minutes throughout the day they could technically make you stay an extra 30-45 minutes, but I don't think most people would.
During the day I kept the tubes connected to the pump, and just did a quick rinse of the other parts-I kept them connected though if that makes sense. Also realize that as time passes you'll most likely be a bit more efficient at pumping.
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| Posted 6/29/16 7:53 PM |
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PitterPatter11
Baby Boy is Here!
Member since 5/11 7619 total posts
Name:
Momma <3
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Pumping at Work- how long/how much?
My advice, pump in the am before work while you're getting ready. I could always get like 10+ ounces and then I didn't feel as much pressure during the day. At work, I was only able to pump 6-8 ounces. I would also pump over the weekends first thing in the morning to have extra for the week if I needed it.
Message edited 6/29/2016 8:19:27 PM.
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| Posted 6/29/16 8:17 PM |
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Momma2015
Mommax2
Member since 12/12 6655 total posts
Name:
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Re: Pumping at Work- how long/how much?
Posted by PitterPatter11
My advice, pump in the am before work while you're getting ready. I could always get like 10+ ounces and then I didn't feel as much pressure during the day. At work, I was only able to pump 6-8 ounces. I would also pump over the weekends first thing in the morning to have extra for the week if I needed it.
I nurse DD in the morning when I'm getting ready to eliminate an extra AM bottle so that won't work for me. I am going to try pumping a bit extra this weekend. I covered the week fine enough with pumping at work and I think I only dipped into my stash the first day but it's just so stressful. I'm going to see about maybe asking for another 15 minutes break and then pumping more frequently for a shorter period of time. Maybe that would work out better.
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| Posted 6/30/16 8:45 AM |
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PitterPatter11
Baby Boy is Here!
Member since 5/11 7619 total posts
Name:
Momma <3
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Re: Pumping at Work- how long/how much?
Posted by Momma2015
Posted by PitterPatter11
My advice, pump in the am before work while you're getting ready. I could always get like 10+ ounces and then I didn't feel as much pressure during the day. At work, I was only able to pump 6-8 ounces. I would also pump over the weekends first thing in the morning to have extra for the week if I needed it.
I nurse DD in the morning when I'm getting ready to eliminate an extra AM bottle so that won't work for me. I am going to try pumping a bit extra this weekend. I covered the week fine enough with pumping at work and I think I only dipped into my stash the first day but it's just so stressful. I'm going to see about maybe asking for another 15 minutes break and then pumping more frequently for a shorter period of time. Maybe that would work out better.
I would pump from 5:30-5:45 and then would nurse my DS at 6:20 without issue. The morning pump did not mean an added bottle.
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| Posted 6/30/16 9:02 AM |
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Momma2015
Mommax2
Member since 12/12 6655 total posts
Name:
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Re: Pumping at Work- how long/how much?
Posted by PitterPatter11
Posted by Momma2015
Posted by PitterPatter11
My advice, pump in the am before work while you're getting ready. I could always get like 10+ ounces and then I didn't feel as much pressure during the day. At work, I was only able to pump 6-8 ounces. I would also pump over the weekends first thing in the morning to have extra for the week if I needed it.
I nurse DD in the morning when I'm getting ready to eliminate an extra AM bottle so that won't work for me. I am going to try pumping a bit extra this weekend. I covered the week fine enough with pumping at work and I think I only dipped into my stash the first day but it's just so stressful. I'm going to see about maybe asking for another 15 minutes break and then pumping more frequently for a shorter period of time. Maybe that would work out better.
I would pump from 5:30-5:45 and then would nurse my DS at 6:20 without issue. The morning pump did not mean an added bottle.
Really? I feel like if I pump right before I feed her- at least a major pump when I get a lot of milk- she fusses and doesn't seem satisfied. 
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| Posted 6/30/16 9:06 AM |
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PitterPatter11
Baby Boy is Here!
Member since 5/11 7619 total posts
Name:
Momma <3
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Pumping at Work- how long/how much?
In the am, I never pumped til empty. I was always very full then.
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| Posted 6/30/16 9:31 AM |
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Summergrl14
LIF Adolescent
Member since 4/16 625 total posts
Name:
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Re: Pumping at Work- how long/how much?
Posted by Momma2015
Posted by PitterPatter11
Posted by Momma2015
Posted by PitterPatter11
My advice, pump in the am before work while you're getting ready. I could always get like 10+ ounces and then I didn't feel as much pressure during the day. At work, I was only able to pump 6-8 ounces. I would also pump over the weekends first thing in the morning to have extra for the week if I needed it.
I nurse DD in the morning when I'm getting ready to eliminate an extra AM bottle so that won't work for me. I am going to try pumping a bit extra this weekend. I covered the week fine enough with pumping at work and I think I only dipped into my stash the first day but it's just so stressful. I'm going to see about maybe asking for another 15 minutes break and then pumping more frequently for a shorter period of time. Maybe that would work out better.
I would pump from 5:30-5:45 and then would nurse my DS at 6:20 without issue. The morning pump did not mean an added bottle.
Really? I feel like if I pump right before I feed her- at least a major pump when I get a lot of milk- she fusses and doesn't seem satisfied.
I think this totally depends on how much a particular person is producing and their kid. I personally could never pump in the morning even though I would usually wake up very full because my DD only wanted to nurse if I was very full. The few times I tried pumping before she woke up she refused to nurse because I wasn't as full and she had to work harder.
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| Posted 6/30/16 10:24 AM |
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Momma2015
Mommax2
Member since 12/12 6655 total posts
Name:
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Re: Pumping at Work- how long/how much?
Posted by PitterPatter11
In the am, I never pumped til empty. I was always very full then.
I feel like no matter how long I pump at any hour of the day, I'm not empty. I could pump for 40 minutes straight and still have a slow but steady flow coming out. But I guess like a pp mentioned baby doesn't want to work that hard! Once they are emptier, she fusses, so I start thinking maybe I am empty and so I give my boob a squeeze and more comes out! 
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| Posted 6/30/16 11:08 AM |
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MrsB12614
LIF Adult
Member since 4/14 1986 total posts
Name:
Mrs
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Pumping at Work- how long/how much?
By law you are entitled to pump at work and they need to make reasonable accommodations for you to do so.
http://www.labor.ny.gov/formsdocs/wp/ls702.pdf
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| Posted 6/30/16 11:42 AM |
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cowgirlkate
Twins times TWO!
Member since 1/11 1197 total posts
Name:
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Re: Pumping at Work- how long/how much?
As long as you have a good pump, it should only take about 15-20 mins to empty them completely. Are you getting good suction? Hang in there, mama!
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| Posted 7/2/16 9:08 PM |
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petvet
LIF Adult
Member since 5/08 1238 total posts
Name:
Meredith
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Re: Pumping at Work- how long/how much?
I only got 2 10 minute breaks in a full day (10 hrs ) of work. I would feed baby in the morning then pump afterwards before work. Pumped 4- 5 oz in morning, at lunch break and in the afternoon. Try to have extra sets to eliminate the need to wash parts as part of your break too. Pump before work after feeding baby ( or pump one side before feeding baby and Feed with the other side when they get up. On weekends I always pumped on the morning and once sleeping all night pumped right before my bed too! Good luc, it's stressful and in most jobs s 30-40 minute break isn't feasible.
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| Posted 7/3/16 10:43 PM |
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Momma2015
Mommax2
Member since 12/12 6655 total posts
Name:
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Re: Pumping at Work- how long/how much?
Posted by cowgirlkate
As long as you have a good pump, it should only take about 15-20 mins to empty them completely. Are you getting good suction? Hang in there, mama!
I thought so? I mean the flow starts right away and it looks right, feels right. I've tried high settings and low settings and in the middle settings and it's always the same. It just takes so long. I wonder if I should invest in the spectra s2? I could leave it at work then and maybe since it's a hospital grade pump it would work faster.
I'm currently using the spectra 9. It seems to work a little better if I'm only pumping one side, but that's not feasible. I also tried ordering new parts- the rubber thing? I don't know the name of it- and it helped a little but it's still slow.
ETA: And while my boobs soften and feel empty, there's always still a flow- no matter how long I pump. I've pumped for an hour straight and there's always still more milk.
Message edited 7/5/2016 8:42:51 AM.
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| Posted 7/5/16 8:41 AM |
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nycgirl
Angels!
Member since 3/09 7721 total posts
Name:
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Re: Pumping at Work- how long/how much?
Have you considered supplementing?
At my job there was no way any mama made it through without supplementing at least (breaks were not at fixed times and were 15 minutes max).
With the heat and a growing baby, I found it less stressful to have a formula bottle for baby and pump the other 2.
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| Posted 7/5/16 9:08 AM |
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Momma2015
Mommax2
Member since 12/12 6655 total posts
Name:
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Re: Pumping at Work- how long/how much?
Posted by nycgirl
Have you considered supplementing?
At my job there was no way any mama made it through without supplementing at least (breaks were not at fixed times and were 15 minutes max).
With the heat and a growing baby, I found it less stressful to have a formula bottle for baby and pump the other 2.
She has had formula as well, but rarely- usually times where I've been drinking and she's with my ILs- they're not really into the whole breastfeeding thing and don't see it as a big deal for her to get formula. And I mean I know it's not- as long as she's getting fed, but it's important to me to keep her almost solely on breast milk for at least another month. She's doing so well on it and I LOVE nursing her! I do send her to whoever is watching her (my family is rotating for the summer) with formula as well just in case there's not enough breast milk, but so far no one has had to use it. My freezer stash is running low though since I had to dip into it twice last week on top of pumping. I was able to pump an extra 12 oz this weekend so I'm hoping to continue that trend in the weeks to come.
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| Posted 7/5/16 9:22 AM |
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gforce
My other love!
Member since 5/08 1744 total posts
Name:
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Pumping at Work- how long/how much?
I pump in the morning and get 10 ounces, then I only pump once at work and get another 10oz. I send him to day care with 3 4oz bottles. he eats food as well, he gets two meals.
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| Posted 7/5/16 10:20 AM |
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shapla79
Where Does The Time Go?
Member since 11/07 4619 total posts
Name:
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Re: Pumping at Work- how long/how much?
I own the s9, s2, and s1 (crazy I know). I def get more milk and faster with the s1 and s2. The s9 doesn't have an option to control the speed of the cycle, which makes all the difference (for me at least). If you can get your hands on the s2, you should give it a try. I keep the s9 for when I go out in the city and can't take a large bag with me.
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| Posted 7/5/16 12:53 PM |
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Momma2015
Mommax2
Member since 12/12 6655 total posts
Name:
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Re: Pumping at Work- how long/how much?
Posted by shapla79
I own the s9, s2, and s1 (crazy I know). I def get more milk and faster with the s1 and s2. The s9 doesn't have an option to control the speed of the cycle, which makes all the difference (for me at least). If you can get your hands on the s2, you should give it a try. I keep the s9 for when I go out in the city and can't take a large bag with me.
Ahh thank you! I've been trying to find someone who has the s9 as well to see if there really is a difference and it's worth it. I think I'm gonna go for it. If it makes it quicker and less stressful for me, it's worth it. Plus, I can leave it at work and keep my s9 for travel/home.
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| Posted 7/5/16 1:06 PM |
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shapla79
Where Does The Time Go?
Member since 11/07 4619 total posts
Name:
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Re: Pumping at Work- how long/how much?
Posted by Momma2015
Posted by shapla79
I own the s9, s2, and s1 (crazy I know). I def get more milk and faster with the s1 and s2. The s9 doesn't have an option to control the speed of the cycle, which makes all the difference (for me at least). If you can get your hands on the s2, you should give it a try. I keep the s9 for when I go out in the city and can't take a large bag with me.
Ahh thank you! I've been trying to find someone who has the s9 as well to see if there really is a difference and it's worth it. I think I'm gonna go for it. If it makes it quicker and less stressful for me, it's worth it. Plus, I can leave it at work and keep my s9 for travel/home.
No problem. I use an s1 (rechargeable version of the s2) at work, and it makes pumping at work much more manageable! Good luck.
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| Posted 7/5/16 4:46 PM |
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