Breast milk - pumping and storing

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Milk - human; Human milk; Milk - breast; Breast pump information

Breastfeeding or pumping on a regular schedule, along with drinking plenty of fluids and eating healthy, will help you maintain your supply of breast milk.

The first step is to establish your milk supply and breastfeeding skills before returning to work. Your baby also needs time to develop his or her breastfeeding skills.

TIPS TO MAINTAIN YOUR MILK SUPPLY

Once you and your baby have a steady breastfeeding pattern, introduce your baby to bottle feeding (with pumped breast milk). This allows plenty of time to establish good feeding habits. Do not start before your baby is 3 - 4 weeks old.

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Two weeks before you return to work, buy or rent a breast pump. Start building up a supply of frozen milk.

It is best if you only breastfeed when you are with your baby in the evening and on weekends. Other members of the family will need to help in the home to give you time to breastfeed.

After returning to work, you will need to express milk 2 to 3 times a day, every 2 to 3 hours.

• An ideal workplace will provide a private room for breastfeeding moms, with a comfortable chair and an electric breast pump for use by all nursing mothers.
• If possible, arrange to nurse your baby at lunch time.

If you can only get one break a day and you are unable to pump a full day's worth in one pumping, you may need to give your baby a supplemental bottle of formula. Be aware, however, that formula feeding decreases the need for breast milk, and your milk supply will also decrease.

Every day, nurse your baby right before leaving in the morning and right when you return home from work. You may find that your baby nurses more often in the evenings on the days you work. Feed on-demand when you are with your baby.

BREAST PUMPS

There are a number of breast pumps on the market. Pumps may be hand-operated (manual) or work by battery or electricity. Hospital-quality pumps are available for rent through medical supply stores.

Personal models that are easy to carry are available for purchase. You should find the type that is comfortable for you to use and allows you to collect your breast milk in a reasonable period of time.