Lifestyle Issues and Going Back to Work

Worried about being tied down?
Many mothers shy away from breastfeeding because they are planning to go back to school or work, or simply want to know that they can go out without the baby if they need or want to. They worry about planning for feeding when away from the baby. That’s where breast pumps come in! You can go back to school or back to work or just out shopping with a friend. Depending on your milk supply and how long you will be gone, you can express milk for your baby before you go, or take time to pump while you are away.

Your body will respond to changes in demand, so you will need to pump when you are away from the baby if you want to keep up your supply. Some mothers find that it works best for them, after their milk supply is well-established, to nurse mornings, evenings and during the night, and to feed with breast milk substitutes during the day. Believe it or not, your body will respond to this schedule, producing very little milk during the day and just what your baby needs when you are home. It’s OK to alternate breast milk with formula; combination feedings generally won’t upset the baby. Remember, there is no one right way to do this – with help, every mother and baby can work out what is right for them.

Going Back To Work

For a new mom and novice breast feeder, going back to work can seem like a huge hurdle. However, if you follow a few simple steps, you will find that after a couple of weeks back on the job, you'll be asking yourself, “What was I so worried about - the feeding part is easy!” In many ways, proving breast milk for your baby while you are away is much easier than managing breast milk substitute. Here are some suggestions to smooth the way.

• Make sure you have the right equipment for pumping, transporting, and storing your milk.
  
• Talk to your workplace about time and place to pump, or becoming a breastfeeding friendly workplace. You will need about 20 minutes for each pumping session. Tell your boss that studies have shown breastfeeding mothers have a higher rate of productivity, partly due to less time off for pediatrician visits!
  
• Assemble your mobile dairy unit pump, bottles or bags for storage, cooler, ice packs, and a picture of your baby. (If you stare at the picture and imagine yourself nursing while you pump, you can increase your yield by up to 2oz. per breast!).
  
• Start using a breast pump when the baby is three to four weeks old. Determine the time of day when you seem to have the most milk, and begin pumping whatever is left after feeding your baby at that time. Have someone, other than you, give your baby a bottle of breast milk three or four times a week, and pump a replacement for that bottle at the same time. This way, baby will get bottle practice, and you will get pumping practice, without interrupting your milk production.
  
• When you start back to work, nurse your baby right before you leave for work. Ask your care giver to try to avoid feeding the baby just before you are due back, so that you can get in a good nursing as soon as you get there. If you are picking baby up, try to nurse before driving home. Then, nurse often when at home.
  
• If you have questions or problems as you begin, contact your local La Leche leader, lactation consultant, or the nearest midwife.

Congratulations on your excellent decision to continue giving your baby your perfect milk!