You are still breastfeeding and know you have to go back to work soon, and you’re probably feeling some sort of anxiety. You might be wondering how you’ll fit pumping sessions into your schedule and are concerned about maintaining your milk supply. BUT! With just a little planning, commitment, and our tips, you’ll be more ready to get back to work and to earn that extra “cha-ching” !
Here are some tips that might be useful for all you beautiful mamacitas out there!
1. Know your rights.
First of all, know your rights as a pumping mom at work. Make sure to educate yourself on your protected rights, as this is important so that you can take a stand if your rights are not being respected. Your company should provide you with a reasonable break time to pump for up to one year after the birth of your baby and also a private place for you to pump that isn’t a bathroom.
2. Trust your breast pump.
You first need to extract the milk with a breast pump to give your baby a bottle of breastmilk. Usually, the best time to do this is to do right after your first nursing session of the day because that is when your milk supply is at its highest.
After you’ve finish pumping, store your milk in the fridge or freezer. It can be stored for 5 days in the refrigerator and 5 months in the freezer. According to experts, it is recommended to pump at least once a day, several days per week, just to build up your supply for when you go back to work.
3. Start giving your baby a bottle.
Not introducing your baby to a bottle until you return to work is a mistake you make. You will find that your baby won’t take the bottle. To avoid this from happening, get your child accustomed to a bottle as early as possible. When breastfeeding is firmly established. Experts recommend introducing one filled with pumped breast milk at the age of 3 weeks.
Take note not to give your child a bottle earlier than this as your baby won’t take the bottle from you or even your milk.
4. Ease back into work.
For most of working moms out there, the first week back is the hardest. Speak to your boss about ways to make the adjustment smoother.
5. Schedule your nursing and pumping times.
If you’re at work, try to pump at times you would usually nurse your baby. Plan on pumping two sessions per day, three sessions if you can manage your time well. If you work eight hours a day, it is suggested for you to nurse before and after your work, and also the times you usually nurse your little ones.
Be patient and flexible. When you return to work, make sure to have honest conversations with your boss and colleagues so that they understand and are clear about your breastfeeding needs.
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