Thread: Dropping Two Pumps?

I'm starting training for a a new fulltime job on Monday (woohoo!), and I'm going to need to drop two pumps per workday. I'll only be able to get a pump in on my lunch break.

I'll be training during days, but once I get into working I'll be doing a late swing shift (4pm to midnight), so my pump will be at about 8pm.

I should also mention that I'm already a chronic low-supply Mama - we have to supplement as is.

Is this going to really affect my supply to the point where I might virtually dry up? Have any of you had success with only feeding/pumping every four hours for a work day or other reasons?

Not to be the bearer of bad news, but with my other babies, it was always my stupid work schedule and the lack of time to pump that caused my milk to dry up very quickly. Luckily with this baby I work at a resort that's kind of on the slow-paced side, so I can go pump every two hours (and my longest shift is only seven hours), so my supply hasn't been affected. Legally, if your workplace employs more than fifty people then they have to provide you with a safe environment (not a restroom) to pump in whenever you need it. They aren't required to pay you for the time that you pump, but they have to let you do it whenever you need. Isn't there any way that you can pump more than once during a shift?

*sigh* I'm not sure if you want to hear my answer! I found that dropping pump sessions did reduce my supply when I did pump. However, I have not had any issues with the feedings where I actually nurse. So I guess for me I didn't "dry" up totally, in fact we are still going strong three - four times a day when I can actually nurse DD. HTH

I echo the other mama's... I doubt you will dry up, but it will effect your supply. BUT.... you are at an advantage being on a late swing!! Not sure what his sleeping habits are like, but that should give you most of his awake hours to nurse, nurse nurse!!! If you can I would see what you COULD do about slipping away for another pump or two if you can...more will help for sure! But I think your hours will work to your advantage!

ETA: Since I know you are using some herbs... I had really good results from nettle. It had an impact on my letdown... it came faster and stronger both for the pump and baby. It is something to consider!

I'd like to offer some hope. Teagan NEVER took bottles so I pretty much gave up pumping except to get about 2 ounces for my DCP to *try* and give her. I went 8 hours on a regular basis without pumping and never had a problem. We just made up for it when we were together. Its possible!

Long/boring/highly personal story short, I really can't pump more often at new job. Unless I wanted to pay over 200 bucks/month for parking, I have to take the light rail. And if I pump, in order to get stuff done, I'd have to stay so late I couldn't take the light rail. Blech.

Thanks for the hope...and honesty! Like most Mamas, I produce dramatically less in the evening so I think nursing constantly at day should keep things sorta close to status quo.

And Joee, that is interesting. I actually have some dried nettle/lemongrass in the cupboard. Geez, what a Portland thing to say about having rando herbs just lying around.

Originally Posted by sweetsriracha

Long/boring/highly personal story short, I really can't pump more often at new job. Unless I wanted to pay over 200 bucks/month for parking, I have to take the light rail. And if I pump, in order to get stuff done, I'd have to stay so late I couldn't take the light rail. Blech.

Thanks for the hope...and honesty! Like most Mamas, I produce dramatically less in the evening so I think nursing constantly at day should keep things sorta close to status quo.

And Joee, that is interesting. I actually have some dried nettle/lemongrass in the cupboard. Geez, what a Portland thing to say about having rando herbs just lying around.

The urge to BF and Co Sleep and baby wear and eat low carb and take herbs and do Yoga ? That's not Crunchy! It's just a California thing!!! Location Location!!!