Breastfeeding And Returning To Work

a plastic bag and put the date in the bag. Put it in a cooler to take it home. You can add the same day milk together if you need to. How do I keep up a good milk supply? Breast milk is best for your baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that women breastfeed their infants at least for the first year of life. In fact, moms in every line of work are breastfeeding their babies. It is a good idea to buy an electric pump.Start expressing and storing your milk about two weeks before you return to work. What law protects a mother's right to pump while at work? The United States government passed Under the Fair Labor Standards Act through the Affordable Care Act, a law stating that you are entitled to a break, in order to express your breast milk. Additionally, employers are now federally mandated to provide a clean quiet room to pump and a reasonable amount of time for moms to pump. If you have a problem with this, you can file a complaint to the United States Department of Labor at 1-866-487-9243. Use a do not disturb sign on the door at work while pumping. Please make sure all you new moms also call your insurance companies to make sure if you are entitled to a free breast pump through the Affordable Care Act.Many of my patients do not even know about this. It is important that a mom learns to express her milk by hand. Even if you buy an electric pump, you need to learn how to express by hand in case your electric pump does not work. To hand express, first, wash your hands. Use a clean container with a wide opening to collect milk. Place a warm washcloth or heating pad to help your milk flow. Massage your breast to increase the amount of milk that comes out. Place one hand under your breast for support. Repeat this on the other side. Women vary with the amount of breast milk that they get. So, don't compare yourself to your friends. When should you return to work? Try to take as much time off for maternity leave from your job. Breastfeed often, while at home to help increase your supply.Talk to your boss and discuss a pumping room when you return. Make sure your caregiver gives a bottle to your baby while you are home to make sure your baby will take this bottle while you are at work. Try to start back midweek so you will have a shorter week the first week back. What is the best way to talk to your employee? Ask coworkers how they handled pumping at work. If you need to, talk to human resources for advice on how to talk to your boss about pumping at work.Schedule a meeting with your boss before you return. Explain your desires and goals about breastfeeding your baby and pumping. Ask your boss where the pump room is at work. Store your milk in a cooler and bring it home for the next day. Double pump 15-20 minutes at a time. If you can, buy a small refrigerator in your office to store your breastmilk. What tips can I give my caregiver? Give your caregivers special instructions. Your baby will probably eat every 2-3 hours while you are at work. How do you store breast milk?Put your breast milk in every 3-4 hours at work. I recommend my patients stay consistent over the weekend. Try to breastfeed your baby before you go to work and when you get home and all nig Pump along. When you are home, it is important to breastfeed your baby in a relaxed, quiet atmosphere. Wear clothing that is easy to pump atwork. If needed, bring an extra shirtjust in case you need to change. In conclusion, breastfeeding moms who work have some challenges however, moms can pumpsuccessfully while at work.Take as muchtime as you need for your maternity leave.This way, you will allow your milk supply to become strong beforereturning to work.