Can I continue to breastfeed once I return to work?
Yes, you can. If you live near work or have on-site or nearby
daycare, you may be able to take nursing breaks to feed your baby. If
that's not possible, you have two choices:
Option 1: You can keep up your milk supply by using a high-quality electric breast pump
to express milk during the workday. Your child's caregiver can give
your baby bottles of your expressed breast milk. (You can also supplement with formula if you can't produce enough milk.) You'll still be able to nurse your child whenever you're not at work.
The
U.S. Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), signed into law in
2010, requires employers to provide moms of babies younger than 12
months a reasonable break time for pumping and a private place to pump,
other than a bathroom. (Employers with fewer than 50 employees don't
have to comply if compliance would create "undue hardship.") For more
details, read this U.S. government fact sheet.
Option 2: If you can't or don't want to pump at work,
you can gradually replace daytime feedings with formula while you're
still at home but continue to nurse at night and in the morning.
Remember, though, that if you don't nurse or pump during the day, your
milk supply will diminish.
What are the advantages of pumping at work?
Pumping at work stimulates your milk production, so you'll have
plenty of milk available when you nurse. Your baby will have the health
and nutritional advantages of breast milk even when you're not there.
What's more, pumping can be a wonderful way to feel connected to your
baby during the workday.
You'll save money by not buying formula
(or not as much of it). And you may avoid missed workdays, because
breastfed babies are half as likely to get sick in their first year as
those on formula.
One of the best things about continuing to
breastfeed is coming home to a baby who wants to nurse. You get to
snuggle right away, re-establish your bond, and nurture your baby in a
way no one else can.
To make sure your baby will want to nurse
when you get home, ask your caregiver not to feed him during the last
hour of the workday, or to feed him just enough to take the edge off any
hunger. Then you and your baby can look forward to a warm reunion every
day.
How can I successfully manage pumping at work?
You'll need:
- A breast pump,
preferably a fully automatic electric pump with a double collection kit
so you can pump both breasts at the same time as efficiently as
possible
- Bottles or bags to collect and store your milk (storage bottles often come with the breast pump)
- Access to a refrigerator or a small cooler to keep the milk cold until you get it home (most pumps come with a cooler pack)
- Breast pads to protect your clothes if you leak
- A
hands-free pumping bra. While not required, many moms love these
because they enable you to pump while leaving your hands free to type,
make phone calls, and so on. (You can also try making your own
hands-free pumping bra by attaching rubber bands to the clasps on a
regular nursing bra or cutting holes in an old jogging bra.)
- A
place to pump. Ideally, you'll have access to a private room at work
where you can pump, such as an office, a conference room, or even a
large, clean closet with a chair, countertop, and electric outlet. Try
to find a room with a door that locks so you don't have to worry about
anyone intruding on your privacy.In fact, the U.S. Fair Labor Standards
Act now requires employers to provide break time and a private
spot for moms to express their milk, other than a restroom, where
co-workers can't observe or intrude. (Some exemptions apply for
businesses that employ fewer than 50 people.) Ask the building manager
or human resources staff for suggestions, and enlist the support of a
co-worker or supervisor if necessary.
- Preparation. It's a good
idea to get used to pumping a week or two before returning to work so
you'll know what to expect and how it feels. You'll be much more
confident pumping at work if you already know that you can produce
enough milk to fill a storage bag or bottle. Plus, it's reassuring to
have a stash of breast milk in the freezer when you head off to work.
Your
milk supply may vary daily. To maximize your milk flow, try to pump at
the same time and place each day. Stress and fatigue are your biggest
enemies, so try to relax. To get in the mood during pumping breaks, some
moms like to have a picture of their baby handy, an article of baby
clothing, or even a recording of their baby's babbles and coos. And
remember, you're still a nursing mom, so eat well and drink plenty of
water while at work.
How often should I pump?
Pumping every two to three hours is ideal. This timetable should provide
all the milk your baby will need while you're gone and allow you to
keep up your milk supply so that you can continue to nurse your baby in
the morning and evening and on weekends. If this isn't possible, just do
the best you can.
How do I store breast milk at work?
Pump and store milk either in glass or plastic bottles or in plastic
milk collection bags. Leave room at the top of each bottle or bag for
expansion if you'll be freezing the milk. Label the bottles or bags with
the date so you can use the oldest ones first. Store them in the
office refrigerator or a cooler while at work. (Fresh milk will keep in
an insulated cooler bag, with ice packs, for up to 24 hours.) Tote the
milk home in an insulated cooler with an ice pack.
Should I tell others that I'm pumping?
Support is the key to success. If you know other moms who pump at work,
it's a good idea to ask them for encouragement and advice. Otherwise,
you don't have to tell your co-workers what you're doing on your breaks
if you feel uncomfortable, but you should tell your supervisor.
While
your boss is probably required to allow you to pump, it's not a bad
idea to reassure her that pumping won't interfere with your work. You
may even find that you're more productive, given the demands on your
time.
How can I keep my breasts from leaking at work?
During the first weeks that you're back at work, your breasts will probably feel very full at feeding times and may leak milk. Pumping regularly – say, during your morning break, lunch break, and afternoon break – will often help prevent leaking.
Some
moms leak no matter what, though. If this is the case for you, use
breast pads in your bra to protect your clothes from stains and avoid
embarrassing wet spots.
What if I have to travel for work?
Traveling – even frequent business trips without your baby – doesn't mean you have to stop breastfeeding.
