Thinking About Breastfeeding and Working Outside the Home?

Category: Home:Children/Parenting
Keywords: breastfeeding, working and pumping, working moms
Thinking about breastfeeding and working outside the home? The good news is that you can do both. If you're committed to trying to breastfeed your child while returning to work, there are many things you can do to improve your odds for success.

Nutrition and sleep are critical for any breastfeeding Mom. Lack of either can reduce your milk supply and frustrate both you and your child.

Another big factor that can affect your milk supply is hydration. Drink plenty of water and other fluids, but steer clear of beverages that baby doesn't like or that causes digestive upset and gas in the baby.

Most moms who successfully breastfeed and work outside the home, pump breast milk during the day. Successful pumping requires a good breast pump and practice. Talk to a lactation consultant before you buy or rent a breast pump.

Start to practice pumping well before you need to rely on it for supplying your child's needs, and don't be discouraged if your first attempts don't result in much milk.

Using a pump can take some getting used to. It may you time to adjust.

Things that help make pumping successful include:

• nurse as much as possible
• look for a private place to pump
• garner support from your coworkers and employer
• pump on a regular schedule
• keep extra pumping supplies on hand
• store pumped milk at work either in the employee refrigerator or an insulated bag

Breastmilk can be stored for up to six months frozen and up to 48 hours in the refrigerator.

Look for a support group, like La Leche League or an online community. Communicating with other nursing moms can go a long way towards being successful at breastfeeding and working outside the home.

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