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Mothers may find the following tips useful when planning to simultaneously work and breastfeed their infants:- Introduce a bottle of expressed milk prior to the end of your maternity leave to your baby. (There are many different theories on when is best to introduce a bottle to a breastfed baby. However, the consensus seems to be somewhere between 3-6 weeks after birth.)
- Begin pumping and freezing breast milk as soon as your milk supply is established to create an on-going supply in preparation for returning to work. (Pumping is often easiest in the morning when milk supply usually peaks.)
- Inform your employer prior to the end of your maternity leave that you plan to continue breastfeeding after you have returned to work. (This will give your employer the opportunity to learn how he or she can support your intentions and will also give you an opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have.)
- If it is possible for you to step away from your job during the day, look for a child care provider that can offer a quiet place for you to breastfeed your infant.
- Invest in an efficient and dependable breast pump. (This will allow you the opportunity to pump during the day in as little time as possible, thereby minimally disrupting your schedule and allowing you to keep your milk supply stable.)
- Invest in a small cooler, which will allow you to store your expressed milk during the day.
- Join a community breastfeeding support group, preferably one designed for working mothers. (Often, the issues you are experiencing with balancing breastfeeding and working are shared by others who may have developed helpful strategies for dealing with specific situations.)
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