Returning to Work

If you plan to return to work after delivering your baby, you can still breastfeed. It will take some advance preparation, but it is an attainable goal.

Before you go out on maternity leave, discuss your decision to breastfeed your baby with your supervisor or human resources manager. Having their understanding and support will make the task much easier. If your employer is reluctant to work with you, remind them that breastfed babies are generally healthier babies. You may not have to take as many sick days to care for your infant than if the baby is formula fed. And, pumping can usually be accomplished during your "free" time, such as during breaks and lunches.

Find out if there is a private area you can use to pump. It should be a comfortable area with an electrical outlet (unnecessary if you rent a battery-operated breast pump). Tell your employer that you will need to pump for about twenty minutes 3 times during the work day. This can generally be done during break times and at lunch.

Look into the purchase or rental of a good-quality electric breast pump. I personally recommend Medela pumps, since I have had first-hand experience with them. A good quality purchased pump runs in the $200 range, while rentals are somewhat lower in cost. Compare the cost of renting to the cost of purchasing, especially if you plan to breastfeed for a long time. Pump models vary, but you will probably be best served by one that allows you to pump both breasts at the same time. This will save you a lot of time. Most pump rentals and pumps for sale come in a carrying case complete with a cooler section. If yours doesn't, you will need to keep a small cooler with ice to store your pumped milk. Check with your doctor, hospital, La Leche League or local pharmacies to see who rents pumps. Shop around, since each business often has different rental prices.

Also, invest in bags made especially for storing breast milk. These bags may seem expensive, but they will keep the milk safe from freezer burn if you plan to freeze milk. If you will only be pumping for the next day's supply, the pumps allow you to pump directly into a bottle. Use plastic bottles, since the antibodies in breastmilk cling to glass surfaces.

About two weeks before returning to work, try pumping your breasts in place of a feeding. Have someone other than Mom give this bottle to baby. (They can smell Mom, and will often refuse to take a bottle, knowing Mom has "the real stuff".) Continue regular bottle feedings several times during the week, so baby gets used to the bottle.

The day before returning to work, you will want to pump the next day's feedings. Breast milk can be refrigerated for short periods, and frozen for longer storage. Remember to use the oldest milk first. The plastic bags sold by Medela have room to write your name, date and time pumped.

Let your baby's caregiver know in advance that you plan to breastfeed. If possible, try to find a caregiver that is supportive and familiar with breastfeeding, so they will be able to help you with the process. Ask them not to feed baby anything at least one hour prior to your return, so you can breastfeed as soon as you get home. Some day care facilities offer a room to breastfeed in, so you can drop in on your lunch hour or nurse prior to taking baby home.

Helpful tips:

• Try to return to work half days for a week or two, to give you and baby a little adjustment time.
• Return to work Thursday or Friday to give yourself a "trial run", instead of returning on Monday and having to sweat out the details through the week.
• Nurse more frequently at night and on weekends to keep your milk supply up.
• Get plenty of rest to assure a plentiful milk supply.
• To promote letdown, keep a picture of baby nearby when you pump. Some women have even taped their baby's cries, since letdown often occurs when Mom hears baby crying.

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