Breastfeeding
Concerns About Returning to Work

Breastfeeding is a wonderful gift for your baby; it brings you closer together and provides the perfect nourishment. As an expectant mom, returning to work might be the furthest thing from your mind, but it’s never too early to think about a successful plan for continuing to breastfeed your baby when it is time to return to work.

While there may be challenges, it’s worth it. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies breastfeed exclusively until they are 6 months old, and that they continue to receive some breast milk until they are at least a year old. However, it’s important to remember that even breastfeeding for 6 weeks offers health advantages for your newborn.

Open the Lines of Communication
It’s best to approach your boss about pumping while you are pregnant. If you’ve already given birth, broach the subject as soon as possible prior to returning to work. You’ll want to ask your employer about possible arrangements to meet your pumping needs – don’t be afraid to offer solutions that you think make sense.

When you speak to your employer:

• Be straightforward; try not to be embarrassed or make jokes.
• Give the level of information you think your boss wants to hear.
• Mention the benefits of breastfeeding if you think it will help or if your employer is interested.
• Work out a plan for where you will pump (you’ll need access to an electrical outlet and running water), when and how long you will pump, and how you will work it into your schedule to avoid disruption of your work.
• Be flexible.
• Breastfed babies are sick less often than bottle-fed babies, so parents miss less work.
• Employers invest in the future work force by supporting breastfeeding; studies show breastfed babies may have higher IQ’s and do better in school.

Formulating a Plan
In a perfect world, you would be able to breastfeed your baby at least once during the workday. Possibly you have on-site child care or child care that is close enough to your office so you can leave to breastfeed. Maybe your baby’s caregiver can bring the baby to you.

Of course, perfection is not always possible. You may need to pump your breasts while you are at work. If this is the case, take a realistic look at your environment and do what you can to make the most of it.

• How many times during your work day can you pump? Ideally, you will be able to pump as many times as your baby would breastfeed – and you’ll know this by the pattern and schedule your baby has been on during the time you’ve been away from work. Generally, sessions will last 10 to 15 minutes.
• Where can you pump? Does the area have electricity and privacy? A sink and refrigerator are handy too.
• How can you rearrange your work schedule to pump your breasts with the least amount of disruption?

If you are unable to pump at work, breastfeed when you are with your baby and let the caregiver give the baby stored breastmilk or formula when you’re not there. Don’t worry; your breasts will adjust and make only the amount of milk that your baby consumes. In the meantime, however, you may need to temporarily wear breast shells or pads in your bra to manage the possible leakage of milk.

While you are making your plan, it is a good idea to talk to a lactation consultant. Lactation consultants offer advice and support, and can be found at many hospitals, specialty stores that offer breastfeeding supplies, and even in some physician offices.

Making it Work at Home
To make your return to work less stressful and more harmonious, the entire family will need to help. Tell your family members about your plans and ask for their assistance.

• Work out who shopps or cooks.
• Divide household chores such as laundry, cleaning, child care and errands.
• Make your first day back at work a Thursday or Friday to help ease the transition.
• Preparation and organization are essential. Each night:
  o Load the diaper bag with everything but milk.
  o Get everyone’s clothes ready.
  o Set the breakfast table.
  o Start preparation for the next day’s dinner.
• Use time-saving conveniences such as crock pots and rice cookers to make meals.
• Communicate often with your family to be sure everyone is making a smooth transition and is keeping up their part in the process.

Practicalities of Pumping

Choosing a Breast Pump
A variety of pumps are available for purchase or rental. In general, the factors to consider include ease of use, speed of pumping, and portability. Usually, models that are more expensive will be quicker and easier to use. Some women prefer a pump that allows them to pump both breasts at a time. It is not recommended to borrow or purchase a used breast pump.

Getting Started
Begin practicing pumping a week or two before you go back to work. At first, you may not get much milk, but after a few days your production will increase. Pump after your first morning feeding when your milk volume is usually higher.

Time Savers
Special bras or accessory straps are available to allow for hands-free pumping. This time-saving strategy allows you to do other activities while pumping.

Having several sets of pumping attachments saves time required to wash equipment following pumping. Microwave steam bags are convenient and quick alternatives to sterilize pump attachments.

Milk Storage
After you pump, put the milk in a plastic or glass bottle with a lid and write the date and number of ounces on it (milk expands when it freezes). Then, place it in a refrigerator, cooler or freezer. Never thaw or warm breast milk in the microwave. Instead, slowly swirl the container in warm water or thaw it in the refrigerator for a day.

Breast Milk Storage Guidelines:

• Room temperature: 4-8 hrs.
• Back of a refrigerator: 3 Days
• Back of a freezer: 3 Months

Going back to work and leaving your baby may be difficult, but as with most challenges, time and planning help. If you continue to breastfeed or feed your baby breast milk, you can be assured you are providing the best possible source of, and giving your little one a good start on a lifetime of good nutrition.

Editorial provided by Nancy Hurst, R.N., Ph.D., a certified lactation consultant and assistant director of the Lactation Program and Mother’s Own Milk Bank at Texas Children’s Hospital. She is also an assistant professor of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine.

REFERENCES
Texas Children’s Hospital Lactation Program
Takes calls and schedules visits regardless of whether your child is a Texas Children’s patient
832-824-6120

International Lactation Consultant Association www.ilca.org