Am I Able To Continue Breastfeeding My Child After Going Back To Work?

Breastfeeding and returning to work undoubtedly equal the two elements of being a new mom that every woman dreads, especially when they are placed together. Every new mom can appreciate just how beneficial breastfeeding can be for mom and baby, which is obviously why so many women choose to do it, but there are logistical problems, such as it being physically impossible for mom to be with baby 24 hours a day for the first six months or so after birth. Breastfeeding and returning to work do not mix so you will find that you need to find a solution that suits you both and there are ways that allow you to do just that.

Returning to work is always an anxious time for mom because being away from your baby, especially if it is your first, can be a little daunting. However, you can make sure that your baby is taken care of nutritionally. Breastfeeding can be made possible so you are able to combine breastfeeding and returning to work well.

Before discussing how you can do this, you should know a few things about your ability to produce milk. You may be worried that you will not produce enough milk when you return to work. This is a common fear because new moms will obviously not be used to only breastfeeding for part of the day. You do not need to worry though. Providing that you breastfeed regularly and thus the need is still there, you will still produce enough milk.

So now your mind is at rest, how can you combine breastfeeding and returning to work? Well, the easiest way is to use one of the many breast pumps available. Not only will using breast pumps make it easier to produce more milk but it will also provide you with an adequate supply to feed your little one when you are at work, thus enabling you to combine breastfeeding and returning to work relatively easily.

When you first start using breast pumps, you might find that you can express very little milk. Do not worry if this is the case because it is entirely normal but within a few days and with a little practice, you will find that you can express a good amount within ten minutes or so. You should try to express milk as often as you would feed your baby to ensure that production is steady. As soon as you have expressed the milk into sterilized containers, you should refrigerate or freeze it to preserve it. It will keep for up to eight days chilled and up to three months frozen.

By expressing milk using breast pumps, you can ensure that there is enough for your baby to breastfeed even when you are at work. Baby can still get all of the nutrients and the benefits of breast milk without the need for you to be there. It is a little strange to begin with but you will soon get used to it and combine breastfeeding and returning to work to suit both of you.

You May Also Be Interested In: