Making it Work at Work
Not every mother can stay home with their child for the duration of the time that they would like to continue breastfeeding.
A return to work, however, does not have to result in formula feeding. As a first time mother I was skeptical about the ability to continue breastfeeding while working full-time. Despite my initial skepticism and reluctance I managed to continue feeding my child for well over one year while working full-time. The following are some of the things I learned.
Breastpumps
Of the utmost importance is a good quality pump. I recommend a double electric. I use a Medela but you should do your own research to determine the best pump for you. Some pumps can do more harm than good so it’s important to find one that works for you. Your pump will allow you to empty both breasts in about 15 minutes. Production varies but I can easily meet my infant child’s needs by pumping 2x during an eight hour shift. A good pump will cost in the range of $300.00-$400.00 which is much less than the cost of formula over the long term. If you use the pump for more than one child your cost compared to formula becomes even less and a good quality pump can be sold used (the new user just buys new parts but uses the “body” of the pump) for 25% or more of the original price. In addition your child gets the benefit of milk designed especially for him or her.
Location
Try to arrange a private room or office that you can use with an electrical outlet and a “do not disturb” sign. I find it helps to either read or have a photo of my baby to look at while pumping so that I am more relaxed.
Frequency
I recommend pumping or nursing right before you leave home and soon after you return. If your child is very young and nursing frequently during the day you may want to pump on each of your breaks and lunch. As your child gets older and once solids are introduced your pumping frequency can be reduced.
Bottles
Breastfed babies often reject the bottle and this can cause real problems for a working mother. If the baby is not feeding during the day they may reverse their schedule so that their frequent feeds are at night when you need your precious sleep. In order to ensure that your baby is used to taking a bottle you may want to consider introducing a bottle at about 4 weeks if your child is not having problems with nursing. I discovered with my first child that it is not enough to give the baby a bottle on one occasion and assume that they will accept the bottle on an ongoing basis. I found success with my second child by continuing to give a bottle once daily from the time of introduction until my return to work . An older baby can be given milk in a cup and once solids are introduced the need for the baby to have breastmilk while you are away is moderated.
A few other suggestions
-You may want to consider trying to reduce either the number of hours or the number of days that you work.
-To ensure that you have adequate milk stored for when you return you can pump and freeze milk by pumping prior to your return to work. Any time that your breasts feel full but your baby does not seem to be hungry is an opportunity to pump and freeze some milk.
-When you are not working you should nurse your baby to help maintain your supply as the pump can sometimes fail to maintain your supply the same way the baby does.
-Since I rotate in my frozen milk I freeze my morning production and refridgerate my afternoon production for the following day except on Friday when I freeze all of my pumped milk.
-get some support whether by joining an internet group for pumping/working moms, talking to a lactation consultant or attending La Leche meetings.
Colleen is a working mother of two beautiful girls. After maternity leaves of 9 and 12 weeks she provided pumped breastmilk to her babies. Her husband is enjoying parental leave.
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