Combining employment and breastfeeding requires some preparation and commitment, but working mothers say it's worth it. They tell us breastfeeding is simpler than bottle-feeding, and nothing is better at helping to maintain the bond between mother and child. Based on over 23 years of experience with thousands of nursing moms going back to work (and/or school), we offer the following check points.
- Plan ahead - Accommodate breastfeeding in your financial plans; consider where you and baby are in the breastfeeding learning curve and your baby's age (newborns breastfeed much more frequently than a six month old who can handle some solid food). It's also a good time to select your breast pump. A top quality double-electric pump designed for daily use.
- Practice your routine - To familiarize yourself with the process and help build up milk supply, start using your electric breast pump about one or two weeks before you return to work. Try to simulate what your pumping schedule will be at work.
- Find a daycare provider - This may seem to be more than obvious, but for a breastfeeding mother it is important. You don't want just anyone caring for your child and as a breastfeeding mother you want someone that is a supporter of breastfeeding. It is also important that you select a couple back ups just in case you ever need them.
- Your work situation - Look for aspects of your work that allow the flexibility needed for successful breastfeeding (part-time, job-sharing, work from home, for example). To ease your transition back to work, try to return midweek so that you have only a few days before the weekend. Plan to breastfeed at least once before you leave in the morning. If you can, 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. (Remember, if you are using a double-pumping kit, that’s just about 45 minutes out of your work day.)
- Approach & educate your employer - An employer who is convinced of the importance of breastfeeding is more likely to make the arrangements necessary to encourage it.
- Take care of yourself - Simplify your life at home, lower your housekeeping standards, ask for help with meals and cleaning, eat healthy foods, drink plenty of fluids (limiting your caffeine intake). And take every opportunity to breastfeed and cuddle with your baby.
- Maintain your milk supply - Frequency is the key. Nurse unrestrictedly throughout your evenings, nights, weekends, and days off. As long as you continue breastfeeding (even part-time), you will produce milk, although your supply might diminish if you do not express for missed feedings.
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