How To Continue Breastfeeding After You Return To Work

11 March 2015

Jaime Allen

If you need to return to work before your new baby is weaned from the breast, you may wonder if it is possible to work and breastfeed your baby too. It all depends on the type of work you do and your ability to maintain an adequate milk supply. Here are some of the things that will need to fall into place for your plan to work smoothly.

The Workplace

You'll need to pump milk every few hours while you're at work, or your milk supply will begin to diminish. If that happens, it will be necessary to supplement your baby's diet with formula to meet your baby's nutritional demands. If you want to keep your baby on breast milk for as long as possible, you'll have to be diligent about doing what it takes to maintain your milk supply.

That means your workplace must supply you with a private place where you can plug in your breast pump and extract your milk throughout the day. It's a good idea to consult with a lactation specialist about this procedure. The specialist will advise you on how frequently you should pump your breasts to maintain a supply that is appropriate for your baby's age. The specialist will also help you understand your rights in the workplace as a breastfeeding mother, so you will know if your employer is treating you fairly.

The Caregiver

You'll also need to find a caregiver who is on board with feeding your baby breast milk and is committed to helping the process work. Whether you have someone come to your home, or you use a day care, the caregiver must understand that your baby will not be drinking formula. Since you pump your breasts, you'll have a supply of breast milk you can stock in your refrigerator or take to the day care center. The caregiver will then feed your baby breast milk from a bottle during the day while you are at work.

You should establish a schedule with them, so your baby will be hungry and ready to nurse from your breast when you return home from work, so you can bond and empty your breasts completely. Even though you'll pump milk while you are away from home, you'll still continue to breastfeed your child as usual before you leave in the mornings, when you come home in the evenings, and during the night if needed.

The Process

There are several breast pumps on the market, and you'll want to buy one that is easy to use and efficient, so you can extract your breast milk quickly. Electric models are best for this since hand pumps are slower and more difficult to use. The lactation specialist can help you select a good pump. You may be able to rent one if you can't afford to buy one. The specialist can also give you tips for keeping up your milk supply, since you may be under stress and eat a less nutritious diet once you return to work.

It's probably a good idea to practice your routine for a few weeks before you go back to work. Get used to pumping your breasts on a set schedule, and get your baby used to bottle feeding. If you already have a pattern established for you and your baby, it will be easier on both of you when you return to the workplace.

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