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Making Breastfeeding Work at Work
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Making Breastfeeding Work at Work
By Irene Zoppi, international board certified lactation consultant, Medela clinical education specialist
Nursing moms know that breastfeeding offers proven health benefits for their babies and themselves. From the first latch to the last, breastfeeding also provides a unique bonding experience and a sense of accomplishment. But breastfeeding can also raise feelings of frustration for a new mom once she returns to work and has less time to be with her baby. As a result, the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation of breastfeeding for at least 12 months can sometimes feel challenging, especially during those first few days back at the office. In fact, 32 percent of working moms will quit breastfeeding just seven weeks after returning to work, according to a study by Medela and the National Women’s Health Resource Center. So it’s critical to arm oneself with information and support from lactation professionals in order to minimize any difficulties. Below are some tips to help you transition smoothly back to work and make it well past seven weeks, all the way to your personal breastfeeding goal.
- Communicate: Let your boss know that breastfeeding is important for you and for the health of your baby. Remind your boss that the healthier your baby is, the fewer days you will need to take off due to baby’s health. Seek out other pumping mothers at your office to form a support network and learn what worked for them. Talk to human resources ahead of time. Ask if you can ease back into your routine by scheduling your first day back in the office for mid-week and working a few hours or a few days per week in the beginning. Remember, you’re a new mom and it is acceptable to feel tired.
- Choose the right gear: Look for a pump that incorporates technology based on human lactation research and mimics the way baby nurses—first with fast, light sucks to stimulate let-down; then with slower, stronger sucks after let-down has occurred. This will result in more milk in less time, and the faster the pumping session, the quicker you get back to work.
- Get in the flow: Start using your breastpump one or two weeks before you return to work and try to simulate what your pumping schedule will be like at work. Aim for three 15-minute breaks during your day to pump, and breastfeed in the morning and evenings as much as possible to increase your supply.
- Be efficient: Look for ways to speed up and make the most of your pumping sessions. For instance, if you have a private office you may want to invest in a pump with hands-free accessories and a rechargeable battery. These features will allow you to multi-task without plugging into the wall and holding bottles and breastshields. And choose clothes that are conducive to quick pumping. A button-up shirt with a nursing bra or a nursing camisole under a jacket allows easy access. Click here to learn more about how to choose the right nursing apparel.
- Stay positive: When things don’t go quite as you planned, seek support from friends, family or a lactation consultant. And remind yourself why you’re doing it. Breastfeeding helps keep both you and baby healthy. By providing baby with breastmilk you reduce her risk of infection, diarrhea, diabetes, SIDS, and many other infant health issues. Not to mention, you will lose weight faster and reduce postpartum bleeding, as well as lessen the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
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