Hi... I'm new here. I will be returning to work in about 8 weeks when my baby is about 12 weeks old. I nursed both my other boys and pumped at work also, but it's been about 3.5 yrs since I've had to do this.

I will have limited time to pump. I will be gone from baby 10 hours a day, 3 days a week (includes drive time). I'm a nurse and work on a busy floor at my hospital (about 35 min from home). I was lucky if I got to lunch before I went out on maternity leave and often got out of work late, so I'm trying to figure out how the heck I'm going to find time to pump AND get out of there on time (but that's a differnent issue).

So... my time is limited. I don't have a designated place to pump as my hosp no longer has a lactation room and it took a few min to get there anyway. I'm hoping I can figure that out when the time comes.

I'm hoping to pump 2 times a shift. Obviously I think I should be doing so 3x/shift for 10 hrs being away from baby, but I don't think that is going to be realialistic in the type of job I have. At least it's only 3x/week, not 5.

So... how long does it take from start to finish to pump? I have a PIS (almost 6 yrs old) that I got replacement tubing, etc for from the LC dept when I had the baby.

I was thinking of using 2 sets of breastshields and storage bottles while at work so I don't have to take time to clean or rinse them? I'm going to have to eat and pump also.

Any other suggestions?

I was thinking pump or feed at 6am, pump at 10am and 1:30pm and feed or pump at 4:30pm.

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It takes me about 10 minutes from start to finish to pump, if I turn my PIS to the "4" level. You may want to check out the laws in your state, because in IL, empolyers have to provide us a private place, other than a restroom, to pump. Another suggestion on the cleaing and rinsing - do you have a microwave close by? You could use the steam clean bags that Medela makes. Really, though, I just rinsed mine. 2 sets are a good idea. Good luck!!! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

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multiple sets of shields are a great idea. if you feel like maybe looking into another pump, you might wanna try the whisperwear, you wear inside your bra, and the collection bag hangs down. i loved my pis, but i'm just thinking maybe you could try to use the pis as much as possible, but have the whisperwear on for whenever patients make it impossible to get a few minutes for a break.

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Hey:
You can get an adaptor and pump while you drive. This will help you get in one or 2 more pumps.
It took me 20 minutes to thoroughly empty my breasts.
Congrats on your baby!
Judi

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I am away from my daughter for between 10 and 11 hrs per day (5x per week) including drive time. I pump 3x per day. If it gets crazy at work, sometimes I'll only get two sessions in. I feed at 6:30 AM, pump at 9, noon, and 3, then feed around 6 PM. I use the PIS, and mine is probably around 6 years old as well (I got it from a friend that barely used it, and I used the heck out of it 3 years ago for my son). I pump for anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes at a session, it just depends how much time I have right then, and how much milk I'm getting. Sometimes if I get a chance, I'll bump up the time a bit to get an extra letdown. I would say I average 15-20 minutes though. Sounds like your plan should work and the others had some great suggestions. Good luck!!

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I would also pump on the way in and then 2 more times at work. i wouldn't pump on the way home so you have lot's of milk for baby. i would also get 3 sets of parts so you can dump all your dirty stuff in a bag and wash it when you get home.

good luck!

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My Little Sweetie Pies
Kaitlyn, Mommy & Alexa
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i pump 15-30 min...and i pump both sides at the same time. i use the medela pump in style advanced

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Michelle (25) and Brad (28)

HOST OF TTC 2+ YEARS
HOST OF Alternative/Herbal/Non-Traditional

15-20 minutes once a day (I have oversupply)

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