Can I Continue to Breastfeed If I Return to Work?

Breastfeeding is not without its challenges. While maternity leave, on average, is around six weeks long, it also takes that long to really get adjusted to breastfeeding. It seems that no sooner than you get used to it, you must return to work. There are some women that, knowing they must return to work, don't even begin breastfeeding! Rest assured that you can work 9 to 5 while continuing to provide your baby with the benefits of breast milk.

It is essential that you get baby adjusted to drinking from a bottle before you return to work. If he is only used to your breast, he may find it difficult to take a bottle from someone else, such as the nanny or a daycare worker. Try using a bottle filled with expressed milk at least several weeks before you return. It may take that long to get him adjusted. It is wise to let someone else try with the bottle first, such as Daddy. Baby may get confused if he smells the milk on Mommy, yet she is using a bottle.

You have three options while baby is at daycare: you can give him expressed milk in a bottle, formula, or a combination of both. Some women find it hard to keep up with the pumping while at work. The trick is to pump consistently, as if you were feeding your baby at work. That will keep up your supply. Be sure your employers are aware that you will need to take a little break every few hours to pump. Mothers are entitled, legally, to certain rights. Contact your local La Leche League or your company's HR department if your employer is giving you grief for pumping breaks.

There are many wonderful choices when buying a breast pump. Although some automatic ones (such as the Medela model) are expensive, you may want to splurge if you are planning on doing a lot of pumping. Handheld, manual pumps are great for occasional pumping. Be sure to pump in your spare time as well, if you feel a bit engorged and baby has already eaten. Saving your milk by freezing will ensure he has plenty to drink while you are not around. Start freezing milk several weeks before you return to work.

Although it takes a lot of time and commitment to deal with bottles, pumping, and storage, you and your baby will benefit greatly from it. Once you are in the habit of pumping and storing at work, things will go much smoother. Remember that any length of time breastfeeding is beneficial to your child, so don't beat yourself up if you find you can't do it for the recommended year. The fact that you are trying at all speaks volumes about the concern you have for your infant. Even if you only breastfeed during your maternity leave, your baby will thrive from it. However, it is possible to continue while working.