Pump, Store and Feed Breast
Milk All From One Bottle!
Because it should be this easy!
Useful Tips For New Working Mothers Who Continue Breastfeeding
Give your office the once over before your go back. Go look at the space you will be using and make sure it has a convenient electrical outlet if you will
be using an electric breast pump. If you work in a facility with little privacy, you may need to pump in your car or the bathroom. This may limit your
ability to use an electrical pump. No matter what, always be sure to follow universal sanitary precautions.
Secure a safe storage place for your breast milk at the office. Make sure there is a refrigerator for storing your milk and a sink for washing your hands
and pump supplies. If you choose to store in a community refrigerator be sure to label your containers and keep them in a sanitary, sealed bag. You can
also store breast milk in a cooler if necessary.
Establish a good breast milk supply. Early breastfeeding is the time when the milk supply is set. Breastfeed frequently to help increase your production.
At this time it's advised that you avoid frequent bottles when you and baby are together. However, as you get closer to your go-back-to-work date begin
offering small bottle feeds to help your baby get used to bottle-feeding.
Make sure you have enough storage bottles before you leave for work each day. Make it a habit to check your bag each morning before you head off
for work. Remember to bring your breast milk storage bottles with you to transport your breast milk back home. And make sure you have a cooler
packed with ice packs to transport your breast milk home as well. Make sure to return ice packs to the freezer at night and retrieve them again in the morning.
Take care of your body. Going back to work adds additional stress and taps your already exhausted new mommy body. So be even more diligent about treating
your body well. Get plenty of rest and eat healthy food. Make sure you are drinking lots and lots of fluids.
Try breastfeeding exclusively whenever you and your child are together. You may even want to consider providing extra nursing time at night, days off,
on weekends and before and after work to help you keep a good milk supply. If you think your supply is starting to get low, nurse more frequently
whenever you are home.
Check your wardrobe. Two piece outfits or clothes that fasten in the front will be more convenient for working mothers who are pumping at work.
Patterned washable clothing can hide wet areas if your milk leaks. In fact, some breastfeeding mothers always keep a cardigan or jacket nearby.
It is also helpful to invest in some tops or tanks that are especially designed for nursing mothers.
Don't try to do it all. Prioritize. Remember to focus on the things that really need to be done. In other words, don't try to be Super Mom!
(She's not really real!) Don't hesitate to accept some help from family and friends. In fact, ask for it if your need it.
