Back To Work

Back to Work

The summer has come to a close. School is back in session and lots of moms are back to work. This blog is intended to support those of you hard working individuals who have two jobs. Working and breastfeeding is not easy, yet it can be done with a positive attitude and a few tips and tricks. Juggling breastfeeding and work can appear to be an impossible task, especially for first time moms. The change in your life is beyond fathom with the birth of your first child, then you throw working into the mix and you are bound for some teary eyed moments. It's normal to feel overwhelmed. Don't let that deter you. You can do it with the right advice and knowing and using your support system. There are several breastfeeding support systems set up in this town (see previous blog). It is crucial for most moms to use these resources. Continuing to protect and nourish your baby through breast milk after you return to work is a gift that will last a lifetime.

Milk Mentors is here to help you. We have come up with 10 simple steps to "work hard for your money" ...."so hard for it honey"..."she works hard for the money"....

Step one: During your pregnancy discuss your plans to breastfeed and your need to express milk with your employer. This discussion would also include where you will pump and how many times you will need to pump. The bathroom is not an ideal place to pump your milk. You will need a private area, preferably with a locking door, an electrical outlet, and a sink in the room or near by. You need approximately 20 minutes to pump every three hours. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is a bill that has passed both the Senate and the House and was signed into law March 23, 2010.

Here is the link: http://www.flbreastfeeding.org/HTMLobj-1323/US_Labor_Dept_Fact_Sheet.pdf Read this bill and know your rights!

Step two: Explore the option of a gradual return to work. Begin work midweek or part-time.

Step three: Try to arrange childcare close to your work. Be sure to find a caretaker that is supportive of breastfeeding. Being close to the caretaker can perhaps minimize the amount of pumping sessions required. Maybe caretaker can bring baby to you to feed, or you can go on your breaks to feed baby. Make it very clear that you do not want caretaker feeding baby right before you come home or right before you pick baby up. This is a good time to nurse baby at the breast.

Step four: Do a trial run or two. Wake up as you would if you were going to work. Time your morning routine to determine when you will need to pump. Be sure you are properly fit to your pump. Pumping should not hurt. If it does call Milk Mentors at 904.315.5813 or another lactation professional to help you find the right fit. If at any point you feel your pump is losing suction call Milk Mentors 904.315.5813 for a free pump evaluation.

Step five: Allow yourself a minimum of two weeks to prepare for your return to work. This will give you time to generate a milk surplus and get used to pumping and storing milk. Express your milk at least one time per day. Some may need to pump more frequently if they will be away from baby for long periods. A good rule of thumb is to have at least a 3 to 5 day supply before returning to work.

Step six: Use your weekends wisely! Weekends can be used to increase your supply. Take breastfeeding vacays. Shack up with your babe and breastfeed as much as possible!

Step seven: Relax! Make yourself comfortable before pumping. Drink a glass of water. Bring pictures of your baby or one of your baby's blankets. Your let-down, or flow of milk, can be inhibited with too much stress. Relaxation techniques for stressful days are key. Breathe!

Step eight: Always wash your hands before expressing your milk. It is recommended to wash pump attachments after each use. If you store your milk in a refrigerator you can just place pump attachments into fridge without washing (minus the tubing) in a Ziploc bag. Then when it comes time to pump again you just grab them and attach them to the pump. At the end of the day take it all home and wash thoroughly.

Step nine: Store your milk in appropriate amounts to minimize waste. Your baby’s age and weight will help you determine how many ounces to store together. Always label milk with date. Use The 5-5-5 Rule: milk is good for 5 hours at room temperature, 5 days in refrigerator, and 5 months in back of freezer. Once heated it is best to use in 2 to 3 hours. It is not recommended to chill and reheat due to potential bacterial growth. Never microwave breast milk. Microwaving a bottle can create hot spots in the milk. You can heat a cup of water in the microwave, then place bottle in the water to warm. You can also run bottle under hot water.

Step ten: Rely on your support team. Be assertive and ask for help when you need it. Let house cleaning and the dishes go while you settle in to your new schedule. If dad is feeling left out in the breastfeeding process, have him do bath time or just cozy up skin-to-skin with baby on his bare chest. Skin-to-skin is a wonderful way to bond! Attend support groups, spending time chatting with moms in the same situation helps you to get through the hard times and reach your breastfeeding goals.

Moms we would love you to chime in. What tips and tricks did you or do you use? What fueled you through stressful days? Who is your support group?

Happy Breastfeeding,

Shannon