Returning to work can be a very difficult thing for a breastfeeding mother. However, planning and preparing ahead of time for the situation can help make the transition easier and smoother for both mother and baby. If you are a breastfeeding mother and you are planning on returning to the workplace while continuing to breastfeed, know that it is possible and that you are more than able to do so.
An important step before returning to work is to enlist the support of your child’s new caregiver. You can do this by informing your care provider that you are breastfeeding and would like to continue to do so. Let them know if you do not want them to give your child supplemental formula, and make sure that you provide them with plenty of pumped breast milk to feed to your baby. You should also ensure that your new care provider is aware of how to properly store breast milk.
Another key step is to purchase a breast pump. Research your options and consider your needs. You may want to consider investing in a high quality double electric pump instead of a cheaper manual single pump. This is because a double electric pump is far more efficient time-wise and will allow to quickly expel your breast milk and then return to work. After you purchase your pump, learn how to use it before returning to work. This is a good time to create a small stockpile of frozen milk for emergency purposes.
Make sure that your employer is aware of your need to pump. Try to arrange work breaks that are about three hours apart and find a private place where you can go to pump. Know that you will probably need to pump at least two times throughout the work day to keep up your milk supply. Some women may need to pump as many as four times a day. Discuss your options with your employer to find out what arrangements will work best for both of you.
Another important preparation is your work clothing. You will likely struggle with leaking during the workday but by making certain wardrobe choices you can keep from drawing attention to yourself. Choose fabrics like cotton instead of silk, as this will better mask any leaking. You should also look into printed fabrics instead of something in white. Try to wear a loose jacket, sweater or blazer over your other clothes, as these can easily hide any leaks. You may also find it helpful to keep a spare shirt at work or in your car so that you can change if you need to. By making these preparations ahead of time, you can help ease the difficulty of your transition back to the workplace as a breastfeeding mother.