experts
How
can I go back to work? My baby breastfeeds all day!
Q: I'm a first-time new mom. My precious
baby is 3 weeks old and I have to go back to work when she's 6 weeks
old. I've been trying to nurse my daughter, but it's not going well
at all! She eats a little bit then goes to sleep. As soon as I put
her down she wakes up and wants to nurse again. I can't get anything
done and I don't get to sleep very much. I'm really afraid that I
won't be able to keep this up when I go back to work. Will it hurt
her health too much if I change her over to a bottle?
A: The situation you're describing sounds very difficult. The fear
of what life will be like after you go back to work is undoubtedly
an added pressure. You are to be commended for continuing to this
point! I can see how you would feel like giving up, but there are
so many benefits from nursing that I encourage you to consider the
following suggestions before deciding. Even in your situation, it's
quite possible to turn nursing into a wonderful experience for you
and your daughter.
Your
daughter has fallen into a common pattern of "nibble nursing."
Because of this she never gets really full. It's only natural that
she wakes up when you put her down because she's still hungry.
If
your daughter is nibbling frequently, you in turn may be producing
less milk--not enough to satisfy her. In order to increase your milk
supply, you'll need to begin pumping your breast milk after each daytime
feeding. (You need to get as much rest as possible, so I don't recommend
pumping at night.) When you pump, you're sending a signal to your
body that it needs to make more milk to keep up with your baby's needs.
Miraculously, your body starts to produce more milk to meet the demand.
In
order to break the pattern of nibble nursing, it's important that
you don't feed your baby more often than every hour and a half to
two hours. By forcing her to wait when she's hungry, she'll be determined
to eat more when she has the chance. As a result, she'll get full
and be able to sleep for a longer period. When she wakes up she'll
again be hungry and eat until she gets full. You can easily see how
the habit of nibbling can be broken.
If
you don't yet make enough milk to satisfy her needs, you can use the
milk you've pumped to supplement breastfeeding. Preferably, have someone
else give her a bottle immediately after nursing, to "top her
off."
It's
very difficult for most mothers to hear their babies cry. If your
daughter is used to eating on demand, she won't like being forced
to wait. If she becomes fussy before the appropriate time for nursing,
you may need to physically leave the house so you can maintain your
commitment to not nursing her until the hour and a half is up. An
additional benefit of waiting at least an hour and a half between
the start time of every feeding is that it allows your body the time
necessary to produce high-quality milk.
I
understand how overwhelming the situation feels right now. Whenever
your daughter takes a nap, do the same. You may feel as if napping
is being lazy, but it's not! It's very important for you to sleep
when the baby is sleeping. By doing so, you will have a more positive
outlook on your situation and you'll be able to produce more milk
to meet your daughter's needs.
Keep
in mind that this situation is only temporary. In most cases of this
nature the resolution is quick and positive!
Your
should know:
The
information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes
only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical
advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose
or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your
pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any
questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's
condition.
Rebornne Baby. American Baby
