W/r/t how long pumping takes...

I tend to be a slow pumper, since I usually try to get at least two let-downs. Also, once I'm there and set up, I would usually rather pump longer (since I can work while I'm actually pumping) than come again sooner.

I did read somewhere, though, that if you're having trouble keeping up with your baby, it's actually much better to have more frequent shorter pumping breaks - that even if it doesn't feel like you're pumping much, just doing a 10 minute pump the times you want to be pumping will trigger your body to produce more and at those times. This did match my experience. Sometimes when adding in a new pumping session I would just pump 2 oz in 10 minutes, at first! But after a couple of days it would bump up.

My favorite web site for breastfeeding information is KellyMom. There is also a forum there to ask questions. They can help you tweak your pumping to optimize your output and efficiency.

A few things that come to mind that speed things up for me:

1. I keep my breast shields in the refrigerator (or cooler bag) after each pumping session. There is no need to wash them in between pumping sessions. The milk on them is still good per storing recommendations. I put them in a ziploc bag.

2. I do not sterilize. Unless your infant is premature or there are other concerns, there is no need to sterilize. Once your infant begins putting things in his or her mouth (toys, hands, dirt), it's not really doing anything anyways.

3. I pump while driving. I use a hands free bustier (Simple Wishes). I get everything set up and the pump turned on before starting to drive. When I'm done pumping, I turn the machine off and wait until parked to undo everything. I get one or two extra sessions in a day with pumping in the car.

These are the biggest time savers for me. It is better to pump more frequently to maintain and increase your supply rather than longer less frequent pumping sessions.

Ha! I used to pump while driving and everyone thought I was crazy. Well maybe I'm still crazy but at least I'm not alone!

I got pulled over for speeding once while pumping-got out of that ticket "I'm sorry officer, I can't shut off the car"...

Ha! Me too! He was more embarassed than I was!!!

We're not crazy just efficient. It's hands free!

Hi everyone,

I am a writer for The D.O. magazine doing a story on physicians who are also moms (work-life balance issues, etc.). I am interested in talking to any osteopathic physicians or medical students who are expecting or who are the mother of little ones. Would want to talk about challenges (like pumping at work, etc.), advice you'd lend, how you keep a good balance between work and home.

If interested, you can contact me offline at jacquelyngoetz@yahoo.com, or reply to this post, and I will follow up with you.

Thanks in advance and good luck to all of you!
Jacquie Goetz