About this topic
Breastfeeding is best for your baby. Breast milk has the right amount of nutrients to keep your baby healthy and strong. Breast milk gives antibodies that protect your baby from illness that formulas cannot offer. Going back to work may be hard for a breastfeeding mother. There are many things to think about before going back to work. There is your employer, coworkers, and your privacy. ‚
General
Many new mothers ask if they will be able to keep breastfeeding when they return to work. There are many ways you can continue to breastfeed, even while going back to work. First, be sure to tell your employer of your plans. Then, your employer may do some adjustments in your schedule or working place to make breastfeeding your baby easier. You may also try these things so you can continue to breastfeed your baby when you return to work. ‚
- Use a breast pump to express milk while you are at work. Many women choose a pump that will pump both breasts at the same time to make pumping easier and faster.
- Store the breast milk inside a cool container. You may use a refrigerator or cooler. If both are not possible, you may store the milk at room temperature for 4 to 6 hours.
- Wear shirts that give easier access to your breasts to make pumping easier.
- Bring a shawl or cover to give you privacy if you need to feed or pump in a common area.
- Keep yourself relaxed in order to express your milk more easily.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Use breast pads to protect your clothes from milk leaks. Bring an extra shirt or sweater in case your breasts leak. Use shirts with patterns to cover stains.
- Get lots of rest when needed.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day to prevent fluid loss.
What foods are good to eat?
A breastfeeding mother should eat well-balanced meals which have: ‚
- Low-fat or fat-free dairy products
- Milk
- Lean meats and poultry
- Tofu
- Fruits and vegetables
- Wheat products
- Oatmeal
- Brown rice
What foods should be limited or avoided?
A breastfeeding mother should avoid these foods: ‚
- Fish having high levels of mercury such as mackerel, swordfish, tuna, and shark
- Gas-producing food like cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage
- Beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol)
- Caffeine
Will there be any other care needed?
Explore your options. You may think about these options when you go back to work: ‚
- Bring your baby to work ¢ ˆ ’ Ask your employer if you may bring your child to work.
- On-site or nearby daycare centers ¢ ˆ ’ Look for daycare providers near your office. You may be able to breastfeed your baby during your break times.
- Part-time work will give you time to adjust to working and breastfeeding.
- Flexibility for keeping up your milk supply at work ¢ ˆ ’ Having a place to pump and store your milk is important. You may need to pump on breaks and at lunch time.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Family Physicians ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/pregnancy-newborns/caring-for-newborns/breastfeeding-formula/breastfeeding-and-returning-to-work.html ‚
American Academy of Pediatrics ‚
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/breastfeeding/Pages/Returning-to-Work.aspx ‚
La Leche League International ‚
http://www.llli.org/law/lawemployment.html ‚
Womens Health ‚
http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/government-in-action/business-case-for-breastfeeding/employee%27s-guide-to-breastfeeding-and-working.pdf ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚