Fitting Your Lifestyle

It is a big decision to choose whether or not to breastfeed and to choose the right way to do it that will fit your lifestyle. Myself, I am a stay-at-home Mom who can devote all of her time to the care of my son. Most mothers this day and age it really isn't an option to stay home. Even working from home moms might have difficulty meeting the demands of exclusive breastfeeding. But a fair in-between might work for you.

Unfortunately, the work field isn't generally designed for the working mom's needs in mind. Many workplaces do not have a break area where a mother can quietly and comfortably pump, and I'm not suggesting women use the employee restroom. You wouldn't eat YOUR lunch there, so why would you prepare your child's there? Many workplaces also will not easily accommodate for the time needed to pump. Generally once every two hours you'd need an averagely 15 minute break. In an 8 hour shift you'd need roughly 3 breaks totaling around 45 minutes or more. When deciding whether or not to breastfeed while working, talk to your employer about what accommodations can be made.

Then you'd need to acquire the right pump for the job. A double pump hospital grade should do the job in no time. Moms who won't be pumping as often can use a manual or lesser grade. Build up your milk supply before returning to work. To do this pump once every 2 hours round the clock for about two days, then start pumping at a scheduled routine. Example: Nurse in morning, then begin 2 hour pump routine as you would at work while feeding your child stored milk as he/she would from a caretaker, then at your return from work time continue feedings as normal. Of course, you'd need to adjust that to fit your needs. Some mothers may need to supplement with formula if their at work milk supply is low. With each growth spurt your child has, you may need to pump around the clock again to build up the milk supply. Babies do this naturally for you when they nurse practically all day and sleep the rest of the time.

Pumping tips:

Attempt to express hind milk from both breasts for maximum nutritional value and calories.

Massage and compression may help express hind milk or increase flow.

Sometimes warm compress may help with initial letdown or take a nice relaxing shower/bath.

Relaxing and breathing help, just like Lamaze, helps letdown sometimes.

Thinking of your child or looking at a picture is supposed to help, so keep a pic handy.

You'll express different amounts at different times, do not stress out on a low pump.

Your nutrition and health is very important, it effects content and quality of milk. Rest and exercise are also very important, though anyone taking care of a mobile infant/toddler gets plenty of the latter and not enough of the former.

Try to minimize your daily stresses and your pump sessions will be more productive.

Keep hydrated and snack healthy and often.