Thread by @KimLundeen1

1/9

Here it is! My #tweetorial on my experience of pumping during MS3 rotations.

Read on for tips to successfully pumping as a medical student (applies to residents too!).

#medthread #medstudenttwitter #MedTwitter #mamainmedicine

2/9

My baby was born in May; took @TheUSMLE Step 1 in Aug (applied for extra break time to pump); then started rotations.

I pumped all of MS3 - you can too if it’s important to you. It helped me feel I was taking care of my baby when we were apart.

Easy? No. Worth it? Yes.

3/9

First - You do NOT need to ask for permission. Pumping is your RIGHT. Wasn't a big deal for me as an MS3.

Let your team know up front when you will need to step out to pump, and how long you will be gone (don’t underestimate your time).

eoaa.umn.edu/sites/eoaa.dl.…

4/9

Must-have gear:
- cordless breast pump (I used Spectra S1)
- pumping bra (💕@Kindredbravely)
- multiple sets of pump parts (+/- a dishwasher)
- wet bag (@SarahWellsBags) to store pump parts and milk in fridge (check doctor's lounge, nurse's break room)

5/9

Before your rotation, find the lactation rooms at your hospital/clinic. If it's not public info, reach out and ask your on-site rotation coordinator.

@UMNMedicalSchool has a great website for this (med.umn.edu/residents-fell…), maybe other schools/residency programs do too.

6/9

Controversial tip - Take advantage of transportation time to pump (if driving).

I pumped in the car on my way to and from rotations.

This is less awkward if you have an in-bra pump like @Elvie, Willow, or @Freemie (wouldn’t it be nice if insurance covered those…).

7/9

When else to pump?

On inpatient rotations, I stepped out after morning rounds, before noon conference.

I asked to present my patients toward the beginning (we mostly did table rounds). Afternoons are more flexible.

8/9

On outpatient rotations, lunch time may be the most flexible time to pump.

You can also sit out a patient or two in order to pump mid-morning and mid-afternoon, if that works better for you.

Residents - ask to build pumping time into your schedule! Advocate for yourself.

9/9

While you're pumping:
- do practice questions (#UWorld)
- read up on your patients (@UpToDate)
- scroll through baby photos on your phone (helps w/ letdown!)
- facetime your baby or check in with daycare/nanny/caregiver
- have a good cry (yep, that was me, it's ok!)

Also I feel the need to acknowledge my privilege here.

Med school is expensive.

Babies are expensive.

Breastfeeding/pumping, while seemingly "free" (only if you think nothing of the woman's time and energy) is a LOT easier if you have the right gear that I referenced.