How do I work and breastfeed?

Combining working and breastfeeding has always been a major concern for expectant and nursing mothers. Women sometimes decide not to nurse their infants due to their need to return back to work soon after the birth. Others immediately want to start supplementation too soon because their primary concern is that of returning to work.

New mothers must take this opportunity during post partum leave to learn to be a new mother, recuperate from childbirth, and enjoy the growth and development of their baby. Be patient with yourself and your child, work can wait, it really can and in time you will be able to take on the additional role of a working and nursing mother.

Two great tips that a working mother should know are as follows:

1. Start pumping and storing milk when you feel full, especially in the first few weeks after birth. If your breast feel full after feeding your baby, express for comfort and store your milk in the freezer for future use. As time progresses you will find that you are not expressing as often. You then may consider selecting a convenient time to express milk. Morning time is the best because of your higher prolactin levels, which can make your breast feel fuller.
2. Introduce a bottle to your baby two to three weeks after both you and your baby are nursing well without complications. A baby needs to learn how to do both. A bottle of breastmilk can be given 2-3 times infrequently a week or a particular feeding each day. Trust me this is important. A baby changes orally between 6-8 weeks of age and suckling changes from a reflexive to a preferential. The introduction or reintroduction may be difficult after this time frame.

Two to three weeks before returning back to work is a great time to discuss the specifics of her returning back to work.

As experienced corporate lactation consultants, our goal is to assist you in achieving your personal goals. We feel that this can be appropriately achieving by providing you with a personal assessment. Each mother has specific considerations regarding her work, family, child-care provider, supplementation, breast pumps, storage, etc.

Our success rate is very good and well beyond the national goal for nursing a baby. These mothers have the additional hurdle of working and continuing to nurse. Our goal is to assist mothers to achieve their own personal goals. Many mothers nurse beyond their goals, our percentages are as follows:

• 27% of the mothers counseled nurse and express over a year

• 90% of the mothers' counseled nurse and express up to 6 months.

Call us at 1-888-862-TIPS and make an appointment for a personal returning back to work phone consultation or an office visit. Call us 3-4 weeks prior to working to set up an appointment. Select three days and three time that are convenient for you.

Working and breastfeeding can be accomplished. Remember that your milk is important and there can never be a price on the health of your baby.

It can work, we can help.