Working & Breastfeeding
Many mothers may be contemplating returning to work and wish to continue to breastfeed. If you are breastfeeding there is no need to stop. Many mothers have worked full time and successfully breastfed their babies until well past 12 months.
Some work places provide a private area where you can express breast milk during the day. You will need to store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to return home. If you don't feel comfortable expressing at work, breastfeed your baby at home - you can probably fit in 3 - 4 feeds - early morning, after work and before bed - and provide a bottle of infant formula for baby's carer.
If your baby is well established on solids you can easily continue to breastfeed. Provide solids and a bottle of formula for the carer and breastfeed when you are home. e.g. before work, after work and before bed. Your breastmilk supply will adjust to suit. You will need to continue the same routine at weekends or on the days that you don't go to work.
Of course you may have a crèche at or near your work so you can breastfeed your baby during the day.
Make sure that you eat properly and get plenty of rest. It is necessary to prioritise things, so leave those chores undone and spend as much time with your baby- with a bit of luck someone will offer to do the chores for you!
Talk things over with your child health nurse a few weeks prior to starting work and ask her to help you to work out a plan of action.
Remember that you are a mum who works - not Superwoman!
