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Question: I am breastfeeding my baby and plan to return to work when she is four months old. What do I need to know about pumping and storing while I'm at work so that my baby gets only my milk?
Answer:
First of all, congratulations for making the decision to continue breastfeeding after returning to work! Here are some helpful tips to consider:
Speak with your employer. Ask about locations where you can pump (a clean, private area) and rearranging your break/lunch schedule to accommodate your pumping sessions. You will need approximately 15-20 minutes from start to finish to express your milk, and will probably need to pump 2-3 times in an 8-hour day. Use a good pump that expresses milk efficiently, comfortably, and allows you to express from both breasts at the same time. This will cut pumping time in half and help make the most of your pumping sessions. Start pumping and storing your milk 2-3 weeks prior to your return, pumping around your baby's schedule, being careful not to interrupt her nursing routine. Store all the milk you express in the freezer in bottles or freezer bags made especially for storing mother's milk. Prepare the baby's bottles, your pump, and the necessary equipment the night before. If you don't have access to a refrigerator at work, take an insulated cooler and a clean, airtight container to store your milk until you get home. Leave about 16-20 ounces of breastmilk daily with your baby's caregiver for about the first week or two (until you figure out how much |
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the baby consumes while you are away). Explain to your caregiver that the container of breastmilk should never be heated in the microwave, but placed in warm water to warm to room or body temperature.
When you get to work, set up your "pumping station" so that it is ready to go when you are. After the pumping session, just rinse the pump parts in hot water and let them air dry. Take them home at the end of the day to wash them with hot soapy water. Providing breastmilk for your baby and working can be done successfully, with a little patience, planning, flexibility and commitment. Your baby is worth the effort! Good Luck! For more information on breastfeeding resources available in San Diego County (e.g. where to rent or purchase a breast pump), call the San Diego County Breastfeeding Coalition at (858) 966-5981 to request a free copy of the Breastfeeding Resource Guide.
Jo Ann Shaw is a registered dietitian and board certified lactation consultant. She is employed as a Breastfeeding Promotion Coordinator for SDSU Foundation WIC Program. She is the working mother of two breastfed children. |
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Jo Ann Shaw, RD, IBCLC
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Ask any mother returning to work after the birth of a baby about her toughest obstacles. Along with the apprehension over childcare, stands the worry of how to continue breastfeeding her baby. Meanwhile, employers wrestle with the dilemma of managing healthcare costs while attracting and keeping valuable employees. HealthShare Lactation Services, Inc. helps companies implement lactation programs that meet the mother's needs while producing significant company savings. HealthShare Lactation Services, Inc. is a national company with a local office in Carlsbad. HealthShare's corporate lactation specialists develop organized, detailed, professional lactation programs for any size company. Personal on-site consulting services are offered in addition to a unique "do-it-yourself" lactation program kit. Program materials include safety standards, policies, promotional materials, lactation room requirements, lactation education and breastfeeding resources. For more information, call (800) 887-5428 or visit www.hsls.com. |
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Birth Resource Network is a nonprofit association of independently practicing doulas in the San Diego area. Our mission is to: make services affordable for every woman who wants a doula; educate parents, the community and health care professionals as to the benefits of a doula; and provide on-going training to our members. A "doula" is a woman professionally trained to provide continuous emotional, physical, and informational support during childbirth. Most doulas have an independent or group practice and are hired directly by the parents. To learn more about doulas and Birth Resource Network, take a look at our website www.BirthResourceNetwork.org or phone our information line at (619) 525-7753. |
