Breastfeeding
and Returning to Work or School
Returning to work or school is no reason that your baby can not continue enjoy the benefits of breastfeeding. There are many options available to you.
- You could choose to pump your milk and leave it with the caregiver, and nurse when you are with your baby. By taking just a couple of breaks during the day to pump your milk, then giving it to the caregiver when you drop your baby off, you will be insuring your breastfeeding relationship, and your baby will continue to receive all of the benefits of your milk. When I worked full time with my second child, I took 2 - 3 short breaks during my day to pump. When I picked my son up at the caregiver, I would put the fresh milk in the refrigerator, and move any unused milk from that day into the freezer. That way he always had fresh milk, and if he drank more than I pumped - there was a good back up supply in the freezer. On Fridays the milk went into the freezer, and on Sunday I would pump some milk for the next day. Weekends were our time to nurse and help keep up the milk supply.
- Then there is the option of offering formula while you are away, and still nursing while you are together. This still allows you to keep a good nursing relationship, and your baby still gets the benefits of your milk. It is usually the best option for people who work places that there are no real breaks, and no opportunity to pump, or for those who have no desire to pump. Modern baby formulas are a good substitute for breastmilk, so don't feel bad about offering it to your baby. The only down-side to this option is that some babies refuse formula. They don't like the taste, so they don't drink it. In that case you may need to switch formulas until you find one your baby will drink.
Another way for your caregiver to help ease the transition for your baby is to feed age appropriate solid foods. That will help replace the need for breastmilk or formula while you are away. This is especially helpful when your baby hits the big growth spurts where it is hard to keep your supply up with his demand. One thing I recommend, in the earlier stages is that only the caregiver offer solid foods. This gives your body the nursing time it needs to keep up your milk supply, and helps the caregiver with your baby's demands.
Some other links to help
La Leche League - on Returning to Work
The Working Mom @ Breastfeeding.com
Helpful Hints - One working mom to another
Breastmilk collection and storage
And some Recommended Reading