Suggestions from La Leche League for Making Your Return to Work Easier

Leaving your baby to return to work is hard, regardless of the feeding method chosen. Here are some suggestions for making your return to work go more easily.

•Spend the early weeks after birth breastfeeding as frequently as your baby wants- the more you nurse, the better established your milk supply will be and the easier it will be to express milk when you return to work.

•Determine which kind of pump works best for you - many mothers prefer double electric pumps while some mothers prefer a manual pump.

•About 2 weeks prior to your return, start pumping and freezing breastmilk. Most mothers find it is best to pump in the morning, after the baby's first feed. Pump an additional time later in the day. The goal is to collect enough milk to meet your baby's needs during your first day back to work. Don't be alarmed if you are able to pump only a few ounces at a time - this is normal if you are nursing your baby throughout the day.

•Freeze your milk in 2-ounce bags and date each bag.

•Explain to your childcare provider that you baby is used to being close to you. Ask her to give your baby lots of hands-on attention.

•Let your employer know you plan to express when you return to work.

•Educate your employer about the important health choice you have made and the relatively minor accommodations required in the workplace. Breastfed babies are half as likely to get sick in the first year as formula-fed babies, which means you will miss less time from work.

•When you are back at work, pump once for every 3 hours you are away from your baby. For example, if you drop the baby off at 8am and pick him up at 5:30 this will be a 9 hour separation and you should pump at least 3 times. With practice, you should be able to express milk in about 15 -20 minutes. Arrange to split your lunch hour into three 20-minute breaks so you can pump three times a day.

•Make the first week back to work a short one by returning late in the week, for example on a Thursday.

•Continue to nurse often throughout the weekends to maintain your supply.

•Have weekly conferences with family members to see how everyone is dealing with this new phase and to resolve difficulties.

•Attend La Leche League meetings and learn more about working and breastfeeding. We provide support and encouragement and will assist you if you run into difficulties. Call 236-1120 for more information.

Support for Working Mothers

Getting the support, information and encouragement needed to be a working mother is essential. Learn as much as you can about breastfeeding while you are pregnant. Attend breastfeeding support meetings, visit with a lactation consultant and talk to your healthcare provider.

La Leche League of Bermuda, a registered charity, has assisted thousands of working mothers over the past two decades. Learn more about their services, which are provided free of charge by trained and accredited breastfeeding consultants. Call 236-1120 for further information.

A breast feeding booklet from the World Health Organisation is available online at http://www.who.dk/Nutrition/main.htm.