Message edited 12/7/2009 11:14:08 AM.

Message edited 12/7/2009 11:14:17 AM.

Re: BF moms who work outside the home

Awesome that your job has a lactation room!

I think that's a great start. At 9 months, your daughter should be taking less feedings (of milk as she'll be on solids), and you have a few months to go - so I think you have a good amt.

I returned to work PT when my son was almost 16wks. At that point at had probably about 150-200oz in the freezer. I continued to pump at least 2x a day even on days I was home with him and just returned FT last week. I now have 500 oz + in the freezer but honestly - there's no way I need that much.

I have it in the event there's an issue that makes me stop sooner than expected (or desired). Right now my one nipple is actually bleeding so I'm trying to repair it - which could make my supply go down. In situations like this, I have enough to get us by.

But, like I said, I think what you have is plenty since you'll have more when it comes time to return to work.

Message edited 9/22/2008 11:11:40 AM.

Re: BF moms who work outside the home

I've been back at work for 6 months now, and I didn't have the freezer stash you have when I went back. I'm only working 3x per week, but I pump enough at work to feed her. I have tapped into the freezer stash, but only when AF is in town and my output dips to seriously low levels and when I realized the dates were set to expire and I didn't want to throw out milk.

Re: BF moms who work outside the home

I pumped full time for Molly- while working full time. What you will want to do is to start pumping in the morning following her feeding. It might take you a few times before you really get any milk, but pumping for 10-20 minutes will start to let your body know "hey- mom needs more milk in the morning".
I would also rec'd pumping one additional time when you know the baby does not need the milk or has just finished nursing.

You will want to freeze the milk in 2-3oz portions. There is nothing worse than throwing out unused breast milk. I used the zip lock type breast milk bags. lay them flat so you can fit more into your freezer and put a few of them into a larger regular zip lock bag.

You should find out if you need to bring your pump to work or if they have the large rental type pumps that you just need to bring your tubes and supplies for.

You will want to have a solid freezer supplier before going back to work. It gives you peace of mind. it is stressful enough and sometimes the stress can cause your milk production to go down. Eating oatmeal can help increase production if that happens.
Also, your AF will make your milk production decrease a bit. So having a stash always helps.

If you need any help with pumping schedules at work, how to make it work, etc.. please let me know.

Message edited 12/7/2009 11:14:30 AM.