I pumped for nine months while working full time with my last child. Somewhere
I read (or heard) while I was pregnant that just before I fed my child, I
needed to check his diaper to make sure it was clean and change it if
necessary.  This became so routine with me that every time I heard the tape
rip off his diaper, my milk let down.  When I returned to work, I dutifully
pumped three times a day but couldn't get a let down with the pump for the
first 2 weeks or so.  I was very uptight about pumping at work and couldn't
seem to relax.  ( I had pumped before I returned to work, so I had a stock
pile of milk in my freezer to see me through).  So, I decided to "force" the
letdown myself.  I wrote on a 5x8 card my routine for pumping.  Everything
from locking my office door to unhooking my bra, so that I would have the
exact same routine everytime I pumped.  I also made sure that I put my do not
disturb sign on my office door so I wouldn't be interrupted.  I had the pic of
my baby and an article of clothing he had worn that I could smell.  Finally, I
brought a diaper to work and it was hearing that tape pull off the diaper that
triggered the let down.  Once I became more relaxed about all of it, the
letdowns happened.  I really think the key here is the relaxing.  Even though
I had an office with a locked door, it was very weird to be exposing my
breasts at work.  I tell all my moms who are returning to work this story and
not to give up.  The body is remarkable and will become accustomed to letting
down milk with the pump.  After a few more weeks, I would actually have a let
down just hearing my pump motor running.  After a month, I also decided to go
feed my baby at lunch so I would have 1 less pump session during the day AND I
got the chance to visit with my kids and "check up" on the nursery during the
day at unannounced times.  This helped my keep my supply up throughout the BF
relationship.  ( I was lucky enough to work very close to my kids' daycare - I
realize not all moms are this lucky.)  The only reason I didn't begin going to
the daycare to feed him from the beginning is because I was afraid my older
son wouldn't understand I was just visiting during the day and he would expect
to go home with me when I left.  But I explained the situation and my little 3
year old understood.  In fact, the older kids in the nursery ( from 3 to 6 yrs
old) got quite an education in breastfeeding...each day as I was coming or
going a few would stop me and ask me about feeding the baby.  Hopefully, they
will be future BF supporters!

Hope this helps with other moms who must work outside their home.

Amanda Copeland, IBCLC
Griffin, GA -  oh no, we're back to freezing temps again!