What to do during 7 hour meeting?

[jenmm]

My supply is crappy at best. In 2 1/2 weeks, I have a meeting from 11 - 5:30 at work. I typically pump twice during my work day, so approximately every 3 1/2 to 4 hours. I won't be able to get to the lactation room during this meeting. It's on the other side of the building. And it takes me about 15 minutes to pump (because I usually use a Medela Pump in Style then). I don't want to compromise my supply.

WWYD???

I was thinking of taking my Avent Isis and slipping off to the bathroom a few times during the meeting. I don't want to get engourged, leak, or lose supply.

[GodStillTalks]

Surely there will be a lunch break during the meeting?

If not, your plan sounds good. They can't fuss at you for a few bathroom breaks during 7 hours.

[blackbirdmama*3]

I have pumped in the bathroom at a training before. It was in an EMS building. It was not the most convenient but it worked. I pumped at the counter, faced the wall and had a jacket covering me. I could not pump in a stall. Surely they will understand if you need to take a couple of breaks. Good luck mama!!

[jenmm]

No lunch break, it's a working lunch. Not looking forward to it at all.

[Kriket]

I pump under a nursing cover.

I know a lot of women wouldn't be comfortable with that, but going to the break room is like time out for me. Maybe you could just set up in a corner?

Engorgement is no fun. I went on a canoeing trip this summer and hand expressed into the water. omg my boobies hurt sooooo bad. Don't try to make it w/o pumping. I don't think one day would hurt your supply, but it will hurt you!

[kat1205]

There have to be potty breaks.

[CrazedChris]

Can you talk to whoever is in charge? They might be more understanding than you think. And there might be a few "streth you legs" breaks you can take dvantage of.

[meeshkasheeba]

I just went through this for a continuing ed class. I actually too my PISA and pumped in the bathroom. (It had an outlet) I guess I looked kinda rude because I just got up and left with my bag several times throughout the two days, but I got tons of milked, only leaked once and had no issues with supply. The one thing I did to save time was just rinse my pump parts. Good luck I know it is frustrating, but this is a short lived time in the long run.

[Ready2Bmommy]

Does your PIS have a battery pack? You could always go that route also. Your plan does sound like a good one. Take a break mama...you will NOT want to go all day without pumping...ouch!

GL!

[Carolina Kel]

This is the one time that I would advocate befriending the smokers. They usually seem to have breaks for their habits - I would just follow them out and do your thing wherever you can.

In all seriousness, pump right before the meeting, pump as soon as it's over, take a 10 minute break or two before things get too full and pump when you can. Is there a possibility of a close cubicle or empty room that you could steal instead of having to hike it to the bathroom? With a battery pack on your pump, you could easily pump in a quiet corner.

I would also speak to the presenter and make sure you seat yourself close to a door so you can discretely come and go.

Wear prints, bring some extra breast pads and relax

Best of luck mama!