Is it possible to work and continue breastfeeding? Considered one of the major reasons why working women stop breastfeeding altogether at three months, the notion that bottle feeding is the only...

Is it possible to work and continue breastfeeding? Considered one of the major reasons why working women stop breastfeeding altogether at three months, the notion that bottle feeding is the only option open to them seems to have made it impossible for many to even conceive of alternatives. Many women return to work a month after giving birth; others will remain at home for three months before returning to work. It is during this time period that breastfeeding ceases and the child is changed to formula. Fortunately, this does not have to the case. A simple breastfeeding primer for working moms shows how it can be done.

* Choose to breastfeed. As simple as this sounds, making the conscious choice to continue breastfeeding once you return to work is the best way of winning the first portion of the battle. You are now longer divided if you should or could, but instead know that this is the route you have chosen. From there, it is a lot easier to plan and make it happen. If you are ambivalent or feel bothered by the idea of continuing your breastfeeding efforts once you return to work, this is a good indication of your slight unwillingness, and it is then a good idea to simply work on gradually switching your child over to formula. Either way, remember that breastfeeding is not a do or die situation; although advocates want to make sure that you understand that breast, without a doubt, is best.

* A few weeks before returning to work, practice pumping your breast milk, packing it, and then later on offering it to your baby with a bottle. It may take a few times to get the hang of pumping, and it also may take your baby a few times to figure out exactly how to drink from a bottle, especially if she has been exclusively nursing.

* Match up your pumping schedule with the usual times your baby eats. This allows you to continue breastfeeding on weekends or on your days off, if you so desire. If you will quit breastfeeding altogether and go exclusively to pumping breast milk, this is not as important.

* If pumping at work present problems, or you are afraid that it might cause some problems, talk to your boss ahead of the first day of your return. You need a room that is private, preferably with a lock on the door, and no, the bathroom is not an option.

* Once you are finished pumping your breast milk, you can place it into a cooler you can keep by your desk. Human breast milk may be stored at room temperature for up to 10 hours. If you anticipate having to keep it longer than that, placing a small cooler back into the refrigerator is a good idea.

If all else fails discuss your breastfeeding and also breast pumping worries with an experienced mom. She may be able to help you weather the worst of the storms and also think up creative solutions to some common problems almost all breastfeeding moms face after they go back to work. Your physician or your child’s pediatrician is another great source of information.

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