Returning to Work and Breastfeeding
Having a baby and returning to work can be very stressful. You may wonder how you can continue to breastfeed when you go back to work. The best advice is to plan ahead!
- Look for a child care provider who will support your wishes to breastfeed.
- Talk with your supervisor about the need to pump at work or even leave to nurse the baby. Consider flexible hours if possible or only returning to work part time.
- Think about ways to help your baby adjust to taking a bottle.
- Feel good about yourself for continuing to breastfeed when you return to work!
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Tell the person who will be keeping your baby how important it is to you to continue breastfeeding. Explain why breast milk is best for your baby, how it looks, how to store and defrost it. Make sure they understand that you do not want your baby to have formula. Breastfed babies eat frequently so they should not be expected to go as long between feedings as babies on formula. Agree ahead of time what the provider can substitute for breast milk if they run out (juice, water?)
Wait until at least 6 weeks after your baby is born before you return to work. Tell your boss before you have the baby that you intend to breastfeed. Explain that you will need to take a few breaks during the day to express milk. Ask if there is an office or vacant room with a locked door where you could pump without interruption. You may even want to pump in your car using a vehicle lighter adapter. You will need a small cooler to store the breast milk. Remind your employer that breastfed babies are healthier so their mothers take fewer sick days.
Wait until about 2 weeks before you start back to work to introduce the baby to a bottle. Allow someone else (the baby sitter!) to give the bottle since the baby is used to nursing when held by you. Nurse your baby just before you leave and as soon as your return. Enjoy the closeness of nursing in the evenings and at night. It will help you and your baby reconnect and unwind.
Be kind to yourself. You have done a wonderful job growing and birthing this new human being. Now you are giving your baby the precious gift of your breastmilk. Get plenty of rest. If you have to let go of something, let it be the laundry or the housework, anything but breastfeeding!! Continue to eat a healthy diet. Make sure you drink enough fluids every days. Ignore those who ask why you continue to breastfeed and listen to your heart!
For additional support breastfeeding try the following links:
La Leche League International at www.llli.org
CDC at www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding
www.breastfeedingresources.net