Pumping/Return to Work

[ladybug480]

So I'll be going back to work full time on 2/23 and I'm trying to sort out the logistics of pumping. My plan is to pump 3x per day at work to keep my supply up, but I can't figure out the best way to clean the pump parts between sessions. I know that the pump parts can go into the fridge without being washed, but it makes me feel weird, like they're going to grow mold or something. But I'm also not a big fan of trying to thoroughly wash and dry the pieces in the bathroom. Before checking out the other boards, I thought I'd check and see what you ladies were doing with your parts (ha) between sessions.

[gustierx]

I'm going back next week and also planning to use the Medela wipes and probably store the parts in a cooler with an ice pack. Hoping that pumping twice will be enough because I don't think I'll have any more time than that.

[nbateman5]

Rinse then fridge like I do at home

[path75]

Feb 10, 2015 19:52:06 GMT -5 gustierx said:

I'm going back next week and also planning to use the Medela wipes and probably store the parts in a cooler with an ice pack. Hoping that pumping twice will be enough because I don't think I'll have any more time than that.

This is all I can manage. I am back to work and didnt have a stash since he feeds every 2 hours. I can only pump 3-3.5 ounces per session so at times I am supplementing what I can't pump. Good luck.

[mlee116]

Ditto using the wipes or just rinsing them with tap water and storing in the fridge, although the ice pack idea is good too. I used large freezer bags to store them, which I washed along with the parts so I could get a few uses out of each bag.

I think this time I'm going to steal calvinfoster's idea of washing all the parts at work before I leave each day so I can leave them at work!

[erien22846]

With my DS I brought two sets of parts with me to work every day and just washed them when I got home. This time I think I'm going to do the rinse and store or store in the cooler between feedings so I only dirty one set of parts per day. I'm also hoping to leave my pump at work through the week. I bought a manual pump so if I need to pump at home (for example, first thing in the morning) I can use that. I seriously hate washing pump parts and lugging my pump home every night. It'd be awesome if I could leave it set up at work through the week.

Those who store parts in a fridge between pumps, is it a communal fridge? Or a more private fridge not used by your entire office? Just curious.

[mlee116]

erien22846, ours is a communal fridge. No one really uses our fridge at work, but at my last job, I would put the freezer bag with the parts in a plastic grocery bag & tie it so it wasn't super obvious.

[nolanova85]

I go back next week and am trying to plot out my plan as well. I currently pump 5-6 times a day and am hoping to pump at least twice during a normal work day. We have a communal fridge, but my HR also said I could put a mini fridge in my cube if I would prefer that for privacy (I will likely do so). While at home, I just put my used parts in the fridge in a freezer bag and then wash/sanitize once a day, so I'm planning on a similar approach at work.

My office has a room with lock one floor down (as dictated by ACA), so I know where I'll pump. Thewhen is the question. I'm hoping for once in the morning, once in the afternoon. We utilize outlook shared calendars, so I'm planning to mark off 30 minutes, twice a day so that I don't get meeting requests during those times. I can take my phone/laptop to still be on email while pumping. I could also forward my phones, but likely won't as DH has told me before that he can hear the pump through the phone.

[colliebabe]

The water at my work (school) is not drinkable so I don't want to rinse the parts in it. I have the quick wipes but I also just put the parts in the fridge sometimes, especially if I am running short on time. Then I clean it all when I get home.

[ainslie325]

Feb 11, 2015 21:45:22 GMT -5 colliebabe said:

The water at my work (school) is not drinkable so I don't want to rinse the parts in it. I have the quick wipes but I also just put the parts in the fridge sometimes, especially if I am running short on time. Then I clean it all when I get home.

Side question for colliebabe--What do the kids drink?

I would take the same approach I do at home; refrigerate parts after pumping in a ziplock (concealed in an opaque bag of it weirds you out for coworkers to see them) then wash with soap at the end of the day (at work or home). There really isn't any need to rinse the pump parts after use if you put them in the fridge directly after pumping. At worst, you'll get a little milk in the bag. If expressed breastmilk can sit out for five plus hours, the tiny amount on your pump parts can sit for five minutes as you put things away.

[colliebabe]

ainslie325 The water bubblers are ok, but the sinks actually have signs that say "not for drinking." Sketchy. Our school is so old - we need a new one ASAP.

[ainslie325]

Feb 12, 2015 8:29:58 GMT -5 colliebabe said:

ainslie325 The water bubblers are ok, but the sinks actually have signs that say "not for drinking." Sketchy. Our school is so old - we need a new one ASAP.

That's awful!  Another aside: I love that you called them "bubblers." I'm from Massachusetts and now live (and teach) in Chicago, where bubblers are "water fountains" and I now drink "pop," not soda.  I'm like an alien.

[ThePregosaurus]

What kind of bag do all of you put your pumps in? I don't really want to buy one of the expensive breast pump specific bags but I do see the perks to those. I just feel like a regular tote bag might be kind of a mess. So what's everyone using?

[pooky08]

I keep looking at those nice pump bags on Etsy. I'm not even a bag or purse girl, so I don't know why they appeal to me.

[nbateman5]

Feb 14, 2015 0:25:28 GMT -5 ThePregosaurus said:

What kind of bag do all of you put your pumps in? I don't really want to buy one of the expensive breast pump specific bags but I do see the perks to those. I just feel like a regular tote bag might be kind of a mess. So what's everyone using?

Using a 31 organizing tote it has side pockets that are perfect for holding little bottles of milk if it doesn't need to be refrigerated and can fit my pump and other accessories and zips.

Eta: Just googled it and it turns out the new model doesn't have the outside pockets but it may still work if you use a small cooler inside

[pooky08]

@txaggie08 my birthday is in two and a half weeks, and my husband is looking for gift ideas, so...