Need Pumping Advice- starting to stress . . .

not that I should be stressing already, but I am. I am due July 26th and will be going back to work after 6/8 weeks. I am trying to figure out the most cost efficient yet time efficient way to go about pumping. Since I am a middle school teacher, I am a bit nervous about having to pump during the work day to begin with since we teach 42 minute periods and have a lunch a prep and a professional period (my schedule currently gives me 42 minutes around 10 and 2- 42 minute back to back slots starting at around 12- this generally does not change from year to year.)

Should I rent a hospital quality pump due to supposed time efficiency? Should I buy one, since renting becomes just as $$ as buying after awhile?

I really want to feed breast milk exclusively and just feel overwhelmed by the whole buying/renting/supply storing right now . . .

Re: Need Pumping Advice- starting to stress . . .

I can't help you with your schedule, but I highly recommend buying your own pump.

Yes, it is expensive, but like you said, renting becomes expensive too.

Good luck!

Re: Need Pumping Advice- starting to stress . . .

I'm a little confused about your schedule. How much time will you have to pump and how many hours will you be going between pumping sessions?

I have the Medela PISA (double electric pump). I pump for 15 minutes at a time every 3-4 hours.

Re: Need Pumping Advice- starting to stress . . .

I'm a big advocate of renting a pump for the first month to make sure that it will work for you before you spend $$$$. Most rentals from a pharmacy are less than $100 for a month. Much better than the $300 a pump costs (although they are coming down in price).

There is no need to stress. SweetCin is a teacher who pumped when she was working. Send her an FM and I'm sure she'll be able to offer advice on how to make it work.

Re: Need Pumping Advice- starting to stress . . .

I pumped for all 3 of my kids and I am an Elem teacher. You should not have a problem with your schedule at all. I would BF in the am before work and then try and pump quick before the students came in. Then I would lock my door and pump for my lunch and prep.

I had the Medela Pump in Style (recommended for working moms) and it was great. Super quick. I also had a special bra that I would put on that made the pump hands free so that I was able to do work while pumping. I know that sounds weird..but it worked.


I agree with the previous poster though. Don't buy one untill you know that BF is going to work for you.

If you have any questions please fell free to FM or ask me. I've BTDT and would be happy to help you with any questions you may have.

Re: Need Pumping Advice- starting to stress . . .

I teach middle school and don't have my own classroom. My work day starts at 7:25. I have my first break from 9:55-10:40. Then my next break comes from 12:10 - 1:40. My day ends at 2:25. I will be returning to work at 6 or 8 weeks depending on how I give birth.

I think the one concern I have is that if I rent for a month, I want to have time to become used to the pump that I may end up purchasing and there is no way I will be purchasing a hospital quality pump.

Are the pumps that are sold in the stores at all comparable to hospital quality ones? I was reading that the hospital quality ones are way faster. I am concerned if I buy a store quality one that it will take longer and that I will run out of time in between classes when trying to pump during the work day.

Re: Need Pumping Advice- starting to stress . . .

Re: Need Pumping Advice- starting to stress . . .

FYI, I rented first and my insurance company paid for it. HTH

Re: Need Pumping Advice- starting to stress . . .

Re: Need Pumping Advice- starting to stress . . .

Re: Need Pumping Advice- starting to stress . . .

I've used the pump in the hospital & the Medela PIS. I'd say they are very comparable.

If this helps with your planning, it generally takes about 10-15 minutes to empty a breast.

I think if you are truly committed to BF'ing/pumping, then buying a pump now is fine.

I just answered a post about how I doubled my milk supply, going back to work...I'll try to find the post. I know there were probably a lot of helpful hints on it.