By Dr. Emily Schank, Pediatric Associates

While the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding as the sole source of nutrition for the first six months of a baby’s life, most working mothers head back to the office long before they reach that milestone.

Thanks to the Break Time for Nursing Mothers law, many women returning to work after having a baby can expect their employer to provide breaks and a functional space for them to express breast milk until their child’s first birthday. That said, returning to work after having a baby can be a challenging transition for any mom, especially those who plan to continue breastfeeding.

Fortunately, many working moms find they can successfully keep breastfeeding by planning ahead and seeking support from their family and employer.

If you’re planning to continue breastfeeding your baby, consider the following tips to help you succeed:

• Ask your supervisor before you return to work where you can go to express milk. Knowing what to expect makes it easier to plan for what you’ll need.
• Talk to other coworkers who have pumped milk at the office. Their experience can help inform you on what to expect.
• Find out if your company offers a lactation support program.
• Make sure you have a way to store breastmilk properly. If you don’t have access to a fridge at work, you’ll want to invest in buying a storage container system that can keep your milk cold. If you can use the fridge at work, label your containers and place them in the back of the fridge where it’s coldest.
• Take a picture of your baby with you to work. Some moms find that looking at a picture of their baby helps them express milk.
• Keep a bottle of water with you during the day to stay hydrated. Make sure you can refill it when necessary.
• Consider using a child care facility that’s close to your job. Talk to your employer about visiting your baby during lunch or other breaks to breastfeed. Many child care facilities have a designated area for breastfeeding moms.
• Make sure your baby can take a bottle before you head back to work. Ask another adult to help bottle train your baby – your baby is more likely to take a bottle from someone other than you.

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About CHKD Medical Group

Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters has been the region’s most trusted name in pediatric care for more than 50 years. As members of CHKD Health System, our pediatricians work closely with CHKD’s full range of pediatric specialists and surgeons. They also share a commitment to quality, excellence and child-centered care. With 18 practices in 29 locations throughout the region, a CHKD pediatrician is never far.