How To Get Back Into The Swing Of Things At Work While Breastfeeding
Being able to be home with your baby for the first six weeks was probably one of the best times of your life. But sadly, for most mothers, it has to come to an end. Many mothers feel guilty and unprepared when this time comes. If you have recently had a baby, are breastfeeding and will need to go back to work after six weeks, you should continue reading this article for tips on how to make it go as smoothly as possible.
If you breastfeed, and want your baby to continue to get breast milk while you are working, you should start storing milk as early as you can. It can take a couple of weeks to have enough milk put away for times when you will not be around. Additionally, if you do breast feed, it is a bad idea to try to quit doing so when the baby will also be dealing with not having you by its side all the time. Once the date gets closer to when you will be going back to work, you should take inventory of exactly how much the baby is eating so that you know what you will need to send with them to daycare or the babysitter's. It is also a good idea to start feeding the baby from a bottle from time to time a few weeks before you begin working. This way your baby will get used to the bottle. You should also allow others to feed your baby, so they get used to the fact that mommy will not be the only one to feed them. Doing these things ahead of time will make the transition a lot easier for both you and your baby.
If you plan to continue breastfeeding while working, you will need to talk to your human resources and your supervisor at your job. Most companies are more than willing to work with new mothers and give them time in a private space to breast feed. With that said, there are some employers that are not so progressive. It is best that you find this out before you have your baby, so that you can be prepared. You may have to decide between breastfeeding and your job, and this is not a decision you want to make after the baby is born, as you will need to plan financially for this. Some mothers find that they have enough time during their breaks to pump, but again, this decision is yours and yours alone. If you have a partner, you will need to discuss your options with them of course, but do not allow anyone else to decide what is right for you and your baby. You will regret it if you do.
Now that you have read this article you know that it is possible to keep breastfeeding while you are working. Put these tips to use, so that you and your baby are prepared for the transition and you will find that it will go smoother than you had expected.