Going Back To Work? Breastfeeding Does Not Have To End!

One of the most common non-clinical questions I get is about returning to work and breastfeeding. Many working moms are under the assumption that breastfeeding will be impossible once they go back. This is not the case at all. Whether you have a maternity leave of 5 weeks or 5 months, here are some general guidelines to make the transition easier...

• Introduce a bottle between 2 and 3 weeks of age
• About 1 month before your return to work, begin to build a bank of breast milk in your freezer by pumping
• When expressing milk at work, try your best to do so when they baby would typically be feeding so your supply stays on track with the baby's patterns
• Nurse during the times you are home--first thing in the morning before you leave, immediately upon return home, and weekends

I would also recommend having a lactation consultant on board to answer questions or discuss concerns you may have during the process.