Returning to work and breastfeeding can be a stressful scenario. 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 to 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.
- Plan to have a lactation consultant on board to answer questions or discuss concerns you may have during the process.
