Breastfeeding Tips for the Working Mother
Will I be able to continue breastfeeding after I go back to work? Should I even try to breastfeed? What kind of pump should I buy? How will I find the time to pump at work? Should I discuss this with my employer? Are there laws about breastfeeding employees? Will my childcare provider know about storing and handling breast milk? Will I be able to handle all of this? What will my co-workers think? Many of the questions going through a new mother's mind during her pregnancy also include feeding her baby after she goes back to work. Breast milk is best. As a mom, you want to give your baby the best. Caring for your baby in the best way possible shouldn't have to be a stress-filled subject during your pregnancy and postpartum months. Having a plan ready before the baby is born will help keep the transition from new mom to working mom flowing smoothly while maintaining the breastfeeding bond.
• Talk to your employer before your baby is born. Request that your employer provide break times and private space to express milk. Explore the possibilities of returning on a part time basis for 2 or 3 weeks, bringing the baby with you for a short time or choosing child care close to the workplace that would enable you to go feed the baby once or twice during the day with your employer. Explain the many benefits of breastfeeding your baby and the advantage of a 57% reduced absenteeism due to the health benefits of antibodies and immunoglobins in breastmilk, in addition to fewer, less expensive health insurance claims. (You may want to research your state laws concerning maternity leave and lactation accommodations.) Two weeks prior to your return from maternity leave, make a follow up phone call to ensure that arrangements have been made and that all terms of any agreements are understood by all parties involved.
• Contact your local lactation consultant and/or doula for informational support and group support. Purchase or rent a high quality electric pump that can pump both sides at the same time.
• Breastfeed exclusively for the first 4 to 6 weeks to establish good milk supply. Begin pumping two weeks prior to your return to work and have another caregiver introduce a feeding of pumped breast milk. Ideally, you want to have two or three days of milk stock piled for the child care provider. Give explicit written instructions on the storage, thawing and warming of breast milk. (Milk storage guidelines can be provided from your doctor or lactation consultant.) Don't be surprised if your baby prefers an eyedropper, spoon or sippy cup to a bottle nipple. If possible, leaving the baby with the child care provider for the same 3 to 4 hours each day the week prior to returning to work is a great way to begin easing into a back to work schedule (for both mom and baby).
• Try to adhere as closely as possible to your baby's schedule. Return to work in the middle of the week so you are closer to the weekend if starting back to work full time. Nurse your baby immediately before and after work. Tell your care provider not to feed your baby within two hours of your return so that the baby will be ready to nurse when you arrive. Make your own special "Do Not Disturb" sign for your private "pump station" at work. When you pump, take deep breaths and have a drink, snack, relaxing music and a picture of your baby at arm's reach.
• Try to return to work after the growth spurt that occurs between 5 to 6 weeks of age. Set up meal time and housework helpers with family and/ or friends. (A postpartum doula could really help during this time.) Allow time for your family to adjust to the new schedule. Eat nutritious foods, drink lots of water, get plenty of rest after work and designate lots of time to cuddle with the baby.
• Read. Read. Read. Check out these great books; The Womanly Art Of Breastfeeding by The La Leche League, The Breastfeeding Book by Martha & William Sears, Breastfeeding Pure & Simple by Gwen Gotsch, Nursing Mother, Working Mother by Gale Pryor. You also have loads of resources online.
And most importantly, remember that "You can do this!" Stay determined. Breastfeeding your baby as a working mother is as easy as looking forward to the weekends. Friday is always on the horizon.
