Question for working Moms who pump

I'm half way thru my maternity leave and I am almost exclusively pumping for my DD (sometimes I try to breastfeed her in between pumps to help keep my supply up but it's always a short feed of like 10 min or so because she can't keep up with the flow and comes on and off the breast). Before I went out I told my boss that I'd be willing to do some work here and there if I could get paid for it so that I might have a little extra cash. So the opportunity has finally presented itself and I was asked to help out on Friday and next Tuesday. I'm a lawyer and I was asked to cover depositions, so basically this means I will go to another firm's offices and sit in a room where a witness gives testimony in front of a court reporter. It will start at 10am, probably go until about 1pm, then an hour lunch break, then back on from probably 2pm to 5pm or later if needed. I won't be at my own office so I won't have a private space to pump. I am wondering how the heck I handle this. Do I go to my car to pump during the lunch break? Do I use my double electric or should I get a manual pump? What about before and after - does anyone pump hands free while they drive? If so do you just wear a nursing cover? What if I get pulled over (lol)? I thought I'd have another month and a half to figure this all out so I'm totally unprepared!

Re: Question for working Moms who pump

Is there a way to find out if the other office has a private space for using the pump?
When I went to clients' offices it was kind of stressful in that respect, most of them had a place for me to pump but one client in particular was doing construction on their office and I had to pump in my car.
I would not recommend pumping while driving.

Question for working Moms who pump

If it starts at 10 I would get there at 930 and pump in the car (use your double electric no need for the manual)...then pump at lunch in the car and again at 5pm. That gives you about 4 hour stretches which is probably longer then you go at home but it should be ok.
I wouldn't pump and drive just put the cover on and pump in the back seat In the parking lot

Message edited 5/8/2013 11:12:19 AM.

Re: Question for working Moms who pump

I pumped anywhere and every where. I have a great hands free bra (simple wishes) and a nursing cover. And yes I pumped while driving to and from work for over a year. and Yes I did get puled over once, and yes the state trooper knew what I was doing and still gave me a speeding ticket with screaming twins, melting down wife, and barking dogs in the van.

I would pump in the car with the double electric over lunch unless there is a spot in the office.

Re: Question for working Moms who pump

I'm a consultant and frequently meet my clients at their facilities so I have been in your shoes.
If I'm close to the customer/client and trust them, I'll ask a woman in reception if their facility has a lactation room for guests to use.
If I'm not close to the customer, I usually excuse myself to my car and pump a few times while I'm there, keeping the milk stored in a cooler. I cover myself, but usually am protected because I find a far off spot in a parking lot/parking garage.
I have pumped while driving - technically it's not illegal but it's certainly not the safest thing to do. I would pull over when setting everything up, then drive while pumping and pull over again to put everything away.
If I'm in the city and don't have my car, I find a nice hotel and ask for a lounge area where I can pump. It's not the easiest thing to do, but some hotels/convention centers are surprisingly accommodating.

Re: Question for working Moms who pump

I pump in my car when I have to, but it's always parked. If I'm at a client for a long time, I've been able to pump in a private place. I generally approach a secretary or another woman and ask if they have a private room I can use.

Re: Question for working Moms who pump

JB1122 I have been there and pumped in more courthouses/offices as a result of depositions and conferences. What I have done is tried to pump before heading in (whether thats at home or the parking lot depending on your morning) and then I try and scope out the bathroom. If it looks decent I have pumped in bathrooms. Sometimes if I was at a dep in the city I would pump in the bathroom no matter what because I didn't drive/took the train. If however you were able to drive, I would bring the cover sit in the backseat and pump. Good luck just know it will work out!