worried about going back to school..

[lisaalove]

Worried that when I go back to school it will end up being the end of us exclusively breastfeeding... I'm not ready for it to be the end though. I'll be in class for five hours and I don't know how or if I will get the time to pump and if I don't my supply will go and then we'll just be on formula. Anyone have any advice or positive stories?

 

[bdb84]

Is your class 5 hours long? Or do you get a break in between?

 

[lisaalove]

I'm unsure honestly and that's why I'm worried. I'm going to call my counselor tomorrow and double check.

 

[Tattoo]

Not exactly the same situation, but I'm a teacher and I went back to work when my first baby was almost five months. I kept her ebf until six months, and on my milk until she turned one. This is what my routine looked like at five months:

6:00am Feed on one side, pump the other
12:00pm Lunchtime at work. Pump both sides (if possible, sometimes I didn't respond well to the pupump)
4:30pmish At home. Feed on one side, pump the other.
Continue to feed on demand until bedtime.
7:00pm Bedtime. Feed, then pump both breasts

I was able to express enough milk for the next day, plus some for the freezer (by 7 months I was able to stop expressing at work, and by ten months I could stop expressing entirely). My lunchtime pumping session was only 15-20 minutes, because other people needed access to the stock cupboard (the only place with a lock!)

So. It is doable. If you want anymore of my anecdotal advice, I'm happy to help!

 

[lisaalove]

I have a freezer stash built up I just don't know how long it will last for and I plan on pumping as much as I can while I'm away from him because with my first I had supply issues and honestly I'm afraid that once I'm not ebf on demand my supply will dwindle not to mention he will be 5 weeks when I start school. Though it's only three days a week with driving that's almost 7 hours I'll be away from him. I'm just worried because I'm so happy it's been going well this time and I don't want to mess that up.

 

[staralfur]

I would assume that your class won't go 5 hours without a break, so I would just pump during the break. I used to pump during the 10 minute break I had in a 3 hour class and it was rushed, but it helped with engorgement and gave me a little bit of milk to take home for the next day. I successfully gave my LO breastmilk while going to school until she was 15 months old and started drinking cow's milk when I was gone instead. It's a bit tricky to get used to all of the pumping and figuring out when you can get it done, but you'll figure something out.

 

[44npregnant]

When I went back to work I only pumped one time a day during 10 hour period and it didn't effect me for a long time. I think as long as you keep it up at the other times that you would be okay. Good luck!

 

[luna_19]

You could get a hands free bra and pump in the car both ways as well as if there is a break. I would be really worried about plugged ducts /mastitis going so long between feeds