Pumping and working

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In a message dated 4/8/00 12:27:18 AM Pacific Daylight Time,

breastfeedingegroups writes:

<< But need to go back to work after this one. I get 12 weeks off and get

short-term disability. So happy for that too. My questions are what kind of

pump to get? Should I rent or buy? What happens if I can't get let-down at

work? What kind of legislation is in PA that will help me if I have any

problems at work? And I know there are more but can't think of them right

off. You guys are great!!! >>

Hi Jo Lynn:

welcome to the list from another mom on the go.

I nursed my son and even went on a few business trips without my son, and was

able to maintain breastfeeding for 2 years. (I now have a nursing toddler!)

What I did was invest in the Medela Pump In Style (and at this price it is an

investment). The new PIS models come with car adapter so you can pump

anywhere, and a manual cylinder pump. The advantage of having the electric

pump is under certain circumstances you have advantage of having your hands

free to read, etc while you are pumping.

However, if you want a good manual pump instead, buy the Avent ISIS pump --

several women on this group recommended it to me when I was recently looking

for a manual pump. I wish I had this one when I first started, it helps you

get an excellent let down, and you might be able to pump with just that one

and not need an electric pump.

Another important aspect of pumping away is keeping your milk fresh - the PIS

has a cooler, or you can always use a standard picnic cooler (what I took on

trips).

About let down at work. Some things to do before hand is get yourself ready

for let down, like drinking lots of fluids beforehand and getting relaxed.

One recommendation was to have a picture of baby or some of baby's clothes to

imagine the baby was there.

Do you know where you can express milk at work? Get that lined up before you

leave and maybe get it in writing.

I don't know about PA legislation, though a couple of places to ask are local

lactation consultants or the local La Leche League.

E-mail anytime with questions. This group is very helpful with " nursing on

the road "

Moos