It is often when a mom returns to work that she ends up giving up breastfeeding.  Continuing to breastfeed after you return to work can be difficult and requires a lot of commitment but it can be done.  If providing breast milk to your baby is important to you it is worth the extra effort.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of life with continued breastfeeding through one year of life (and longer if mutually agreeable).  For moms who work and have to leave their babies at daycare it can be difficult to follow these recommendations.  It is often easier just to switch to formula.  If continuing to breastfeed is important to you what can you do to make the transition back to work successful?  Here are a few tips:

  • Discuss your intentions with your manager before you go out on maternity leave.  By having a plan in place prior to the arrival of the baby your return to work will be easier.  Be sure to discuss specifics including how often you will need to pump, where you can pump (a private, quiet room is ideal), and any other issues/concerns that either you or your manager has.  It wouldn’t hurt to write it all down and have both of you sign it (kind of like a contract).
  • If you will be unable to pump at work talk to your pediatrician and a lactation consultant about your best options for continuing to breastfeed.  Perhaps you can pump more at night, or do some sort of alternating between formula and breast milk.
  • Invest in a good pump.  Talk to a lactation consultant and friends who have used a pump for recommendations.  You will likely need to drop a few bucks but it will be a good investment.  Some hospitals do rent breast pumps so call your hospital or talk to your  doctor to find out.
  • Be sure you have all the necessary supplies likes storage bags, bottles, and breast pump cleaning supplies.  By purchasing this stuff prior to the baby’s arrival it is just one less thing to worry about later.  Again, ask for recommendations from other moms, lactation consultants or your pediatrician.
  • Line up a support network.
  • Choose a childcare provider that will be open to your continuing to breastfeed and will not supplement your child’s diet with formula unless you ask for that.
  • Talk to other moms about the problems they ran into and how they were able to overcome them.

Continuing to breastfeed after you return to work is possible and since breast milk is the best form of nutrition for your baby it is something worth trying.  Talking to a lactation consultant, other moms, and your pediatrician about your concerns can be helpful.  Planning ahead is key to a successful transition, and remember planning begins before the baby arrives.

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