Pumping at work (especially if you are a teacher)

I am going back to work in 2 weeks. I still have not bought a pump still using the Medela Symphony. I am wondering if it is worth it at this point to buy one. Is it impossible to pump at work especially if you are a teacher? I don't want to buy a pump and then stop after I start working again.

Message edited 12/30/2009 11:59:00 AM.

Re: Pumping at work (especially if you are a teacher)

I pumped at work! I had the medela PIS backpack. I was not the first teacher to pump at work. My principal gave us an office we could use at specific times that we needed to. I used to pump at lunch and would bring something to read while I pumped. I would also sometimes pump at prep. I pumped from March- June and then Sept- Dec.

Re: Pumping at work (especially if you are a teacher)

TEachers that I know at work pump at lunch and during prep....put some construction paper over the window of their door, locked it and pumped away.

Re: Pumping at work (especially if you are a teacher)

I pumped at work for about 7 weeks. It got really hard for me after a while between DS eating more and my supply decreasing. It does work for a lot of people but that was my experience. I did have an office that I went into to pump since pumping in my classroom wasn't an option since my room is always used.

Re: Pumping at work (especially if you are a teacher)

I pump on lunch and prep. I put a construction paper, "do not enter" sign on my door and I have been fine.

Re: Pumping at work (especially if you are a teacher)

Re: Pumping at work (especially if you are a teacher)

I pumped at work for about 6 weeks. I used a hand pump because I didn't want to lug the electric pump.

It is doable- I pumped at lunch only. In my school the kids stay in the room and the teachers travel, so the only time my room was empty was at lunch. It wasn't too bad- I had only one near mishap. But I don't know if I could have done it much longer than the six weeks.

Re: Pumping at work (especially if you are a teacher)

I didn't pump at work. I teach first grade and pretty much use 1/2 my lunch to get things done and then my entire prep to get things done. I have to make sure I get all of my work done @ work so I can be out the door at 3:30 to get home to dd. I know teachers do it, but I couldn't.

Re: Pumping at work (especially if you are a teacher)

Kathleen why dont you rent a pump and see how that goes before you invest in a pump

Re: Pumping at work (especially if you are a teacher)

I pump at work everyday. The big difference is that I am a School Psychologist and have my own office which makes it much easier. A lot of the teachers pump in my building too. Good Luck!

Re: Pumping at work (especially if you are a teacher)

Forgot to add that I also pumped after the morning feeding and I got A LOT at that time. I used to pump 10 oz from just one side, but I also didn't have a supply issue. I know some women don't have as much success with pumping as I did. I also pumped about 5-6 oz from each side during lunch and if I pumped on my prep would get a little bit less. It is certainly do-able but I would discuss a place you could use with your principal.

Re: Pumping at work (especially if you are a teacher)

I pump on my lunch break in a room that was re-purposed this year for nursing mothers
I do not find it difficult to pump at work, I usually grade while I pump.

Re: Pumping at work (especially if you are a teacher)

I teach first. I pumped at lunch & at my late afternoon prep from March-Je, and then Sept-Dec. I locked my door, pulled down the shades & used a pocket chart to block my chair. I didn't have handsfree, but still managed to get grading done at the same time.

Re: Pumping at work (especially if you are a teacher)

K, as you know I pumped the entire school year w/ Gracelyn (first in the psych office until I got walked in on) & then in my class w/ the door locked & paper over the door.

Now w/ DS we're in our new unit & the only place I can pump is locked in our classroom's bathroom--it's not bad though; I read, do work. Definitely invest in the halter bra top so you have your hands free. I have it not so bad though b/c my kids leave at 1, so I pump once they're dismissed. Not sure what I would do if I taught until 240; probably on my lunch.

Re: Pumping at work (especially if you are a teacher)

Re: Pumping at work (especially if you are a teacher)

where are you then storing it? in the work refrigerator??

Re: Pumping at work (especially if you are a teacher)

I stored it in the cooler bag with a cooler pack. Our work fridge is kinda gross so I didn't want it in there and I didn't want to forget it. When I got home I would either put it in the fridge or the freezer.