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Back
to Work--and Still Breastfeeding
Valuable tips for returning to work without weaning.
Weaning
is no longer a given for moms returning to the workplace. The American
Academy of Pediatrics recommends that baby receive breast milk through
the first year. More and more moms and workplaces are coming together
to help this happen. Increasingly, employers are willing to accommodate
breastfeeding moms, providing them with the opportunity and support
necessary to return to work without giving up breastfeeding.
If you're returning to work before your baby's first birthday but
want to continue to breastfeed, consider these steps:
Before you go
back to work:
Talk to your
employer. Sit down and explain what your needs will be and see if
you can come to solutions together. If you'll need flexibility in
your schedule, a private place in which to use a breast pump, or storage
for pumped breast milk, be sure to give your boss enough time to make
these arrangements happen.
Secure your equipment.
Purchase a double-pumping kit with your electric breast pump to reduce
the amount of time you'll need to express milk at work. Practice with
the pump before returning to work so you'll be comfortable with it.
Bank your milk.
By pumping ahead of your return, you can lay down a good supply in
the freezer and reduce some of the stress of your first days back.
Breast milk keeps five to seven days in the refrigerator and six months
in the freezer. Be sure to label your supply with a date.
Choose a caregiver
who will support your desire to continue nursing. Your choice of caregiver
is important to the success of your breastfeeding efforts. You'll
want to be sure this person knows that you want to breastfeed just
before leaving for work and as soon as you return. The caregiver should
arrange baby's other feedings to accommodate your nursing.
When you return to work:
Return to work midweek. That means fewer days to the weekend and this
can reduce the stress of the first few days.
Stake out your
place to pump. Even if you've made previous arrangements with your
boss, you might need to let the rest of the office, or at least your
immediate colleagues, know what your space and supplies are for. You'll
need a private area that is quiet, clean, and comfortable. There should
be a sink nearby for hand washing and cleaning the breast pump. A
small refrigerator for storage is ideal, but a small ice chest or
thermos will do.
Bring a picture
of your baby to work. Sometimes looking at your baby's picture and
imagining him nursing can help the pumping process.
Drink plenty
of fluids and eat a nutritious diet.
Give yourself
time to rest when you get home from work.
If you're worried about the transition or you've already returned
to work and are having problems, consult a lactation professional.
While many moms only turn to lactation consultants in the early weeks
of breastfeeding, professional advice can be very helpful for the
back-to-work transition.
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
