Planning
Your Return to Work
The
idea of going back to work and continuing to breastfeed seems overwhealming
to many new mothers. With some advance planning and the right equipment
to collect your milk while you are at work, a smooth transition
can be made. Before you go on maternity leave start by discussing
your interest in continuing to breastfeed once you return to work
with your employer. Find out if your company has a lactation program
to help you be successful. After your baby is born start planning
for your return several weeks before your actual return to work
date.
Select
a Caregiver
Choosing
the person who will care for your baby while you are at work is an
important decision. You will want to select someone who supports your
commitment to breastfeeding. And don't wait until the last minute
to start investigating your choices. You will need to find a primary
person as well as several back-ups---just in case.
Breastfeeding
& Returning to Work
-
Take
full advantage of your maternity leave to establish a good supply
of milk before going back to work.
-
Once
your milk is well-established and your baby is nursing well (at
about 4 to 6 weeks), introduce a bottle.
-
Purchase
or rent a high-quality automatic electric breastpump to use in collecting
your milk.
-
Use
a double-pumping kit with your electric breastpump. By emptying
both breasts simultaneously, most mothers can complete a pumping
session is just 10 to 15 minutes which easily fits into a break
period or lunch time. Double pumping increases your prolactin levels
which helps maintain milk supply.
-
Breast
milk availability works on a supply and demand basis. Maintaining
a good milk supply depends on the regular breast emptying provided
by baby or by pumping.
-
To
familiarize yourself with the process and help build up milk supply,
start using your electric breastpump about one to two weeks before
you return to work.
-
Many
new mothers find it easier to return midweek so that they have only
a few days of work the first week back before the weekend.
-
Plan
to breastfeed at least once before you leave in the morning. If
you can, go to your go home or to your daycare facility at lunch
time to breastfeed, or have your baby brought to you.
-
If
breastfeeding during the lunch hour is not possible, plan to pump
two to three times during the day at work.
-
Breastfeed
as soon as you can after you return home of reach the daycare facility,
during the evening, before bed, and on weekends as often as possible.
-
Depending
on your baby's age and the amount of time you spend away from him
or her, you might be able to reduce the number of pumping sessions
at work to one or two times a day.
-
If
your company does not make a special room available for mothers
who are breastpumping , find a spot that is as private and comfortable
as possible. Bring along a picture of your baby, something to drink
and perhaps a small snack. If you have difficulty letting down,
take a few deep breaths, listen to some soothing music or imagine
you baby nursing.
-
You
can store the milk you pump each day so that it is available for
your baby the following day while you are at work. If a refrigerator
is not available, use an insulated bag with multiple ice packs to
keep the milk cold until you can get home.
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Copyright 2000-07 Babies
'n Business, LLC.
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Information sheets and instructional illustrations courtesy of
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