#18 Advice From An Expert, Breastfeeding As A Working Mom
43m | Jan 27, 2021About Anna
- Anna is a registered nurse and mom of 3.
- She has breastfed all of her children, all while working on growing her business.
- She started her private practice lactation consulting company when her youngest was 7-8 months old.
- Helping others be successful breastfeeding brings her joy.
How likely is it that a mom will continue to breastfeed after going back to work?
- It seems like such a hassle!
- Researchers have found that if you return to work within 6 weeks, the chances are that the mother won’t even start breastfeeding.
- Any breastmilk that your baby can get is great, and they need all they can get.
- Research has also found that 80% of women who return to work full-time will stop breastfeeding within a month of returning back to work.
- It’s difficult and takes a lot of effort, but there is also a lack of support to help new mothers.
Are there any laws that support new moms with breastfeeding.
- There is! Through the US, there is a law that requires employers to provide sufficient break time to express milk, and a location (other than a bathroom) to do so.
- Different states have laws on top of this, but they at least have this law.
- This law applies to businesses with at least 50 employees, so this may not apply to some small businesses.
- Small businesses are usually pretty willing to work with you though.
- It’s worth talking to your manager and finding something that will work for you.
- Contact Anna if you want help talking to your employer or need a template for a letter.
- Be brave! Talk to your employer.
Tips and strategies for women that are going back to work?
- We are in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, so a lot of employers are moving to working from home.
- If you have this option, or you could get this option, take it!
- Be brave!
- If you need to go into the office, that’s okay too.
- Talk to your employer and make sure you have a place and time to pump.
- Organize all of your supplies and have a bag to put things in.
- Get a breast pump,
- Get a hands free pumping bra.
- You’ll want more storage bottles and containers.
- It’s better to pump more frequently for shorter periods of time.
- It’s better to take 3 10 minute breaks than 1 30 minute break.
- Spend time with your baby when you get home from work.
- Most people will be more than willing to help you out and work with you.
- Even if they aren’t supportive, be brave and strong because you are paving the way for future mothers.
- We have a tendency to think about worst case scenarios. You don’t know how things will turn out until you try though.
What can you do to maintain if not increase your milk supply?
- Breast milk supply is demand driven. The more you remove, the more your body will make (there are other factors, but this is a basic rule).
- In an ideal situation, you’ll be able to pump multiple times a day.
- You’ll also want to breastfeed more often when you're at home with your baby.
- You can also do a “power” pumping session before you head to work or in the evening when you’re home.
- Don’t hesitate to reach out to Anna and she can help you with your specific situation.
How can you best store breast milk?
- Breast milk is safe in a cooler bag for 24 hours.
- It’s safe at room temperature for up to 5 hours.
- It’s safe in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- And it’s safe in the freezer for up to 5 months.
What do you do if your child has a hard time taking a bottle?
- We usually try to avoid giving a baby a bottle at first because it’s important that they learn the skill of latching on and breastfeeding.
- Anna recommends starting to use a bottle occasionally at least two weeks before you go back to work.
- This is a good opportunity to let your partner help.
- Try different types of bottles and find something that your baby is okay with.
- Have someone else give them the bottle. If mom tries to give them the bottle they may refuse because they know that you can breastfeed them.
Can you go back to breastfeeding after using formula?
- Again, the more milk you use the more you produce, so if you stop breastfeeding, your milk will dry up.
- The most important thing is that you feed your baby.
- If you need to use formula, don’t feel bad about it.
- You do what’s best for you and your family.
Links:
Instagram:
@prenatalinsights - https://www.instagram.com/prenatalinsights/
Website:
blog post that will be published tomorrow: https://prenatalinsights.com/breastfeeding-and-returning-to-work-or-school/
Free Breastfeeding Support Group: https://mailchi.mp/prenatalinsights/breastfeeding-support-group
$10 Pumping and Storing Basics Online Course: https://prenatalinsights.com/product/pumping-storing-basics/
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