How can a mom breastfeed and go to work?

Published: 02/15/2010 by Graciela Hess, IBCLC

When we are nursing our baby and we must return to work is quite common to think that the only solution is to wean , however, it´s not true, with a little effort you can continue breastfeeding, Here's how :

It is advisable that you spend the first weeks after baby's birth, to recover and establish breastfeeding, not thinking that will be returning to work.

From the third week you can start practicing pumping your milk. The milk expressed from these sessions can be saved in the freezer for later use. Maybe in the first attempts to pump, you will get little milk, which does not mean that your production is insufficient, only a matter of practice.

It's important to decide how you will express your milk, can be done manually or with an electric breast pump, however, before buying check that simulates the baby's sucking pattern, ie that suckles the breast and release, at least every two or three seconds. Most electric breast pump only suck the breast and never let go, if so, does not suit you, because it can hurt you. There are also some electric pumps that will let you adjust the suction time and rest, the idea is to imitate the baby's sucking pattern that bears a rate of about 1.2 sucks per second.

It is a good time to increase your milk production through small and frecuent sessions, besides the suction that makes the baby, but later thereby reduce the amount of milk, however the baby will be sufficient. Remember that milk production depends on the amount of milk expressed of breasts, the more milk comes out, more is produced.

It is a good idea to teach the child to drink milk with a spoon, cup or some other method. Preferably the person to do that is to be carried out by him in your absence. These sessions should be conducted about two weeks before you return to work not to interfere with the establishment of breastfeeding. There is a false belief that we must give the baby bottle from tiny to get used, however, that we can cause more problems than benefits, so you better wait at least a month to teach him to use a bottl

Breastfeed your baby whenever you're with him that will help you to maintain your milk supply.

It is important to breastfeed your baby just before you go to work and as soon as you get home and during the remaining time breastfeeding on demand, that means whenever the baby wants by the time he wants.

When you're working, express your milk at least every three hours. In México, according to the Federal Labor Law, Article 170, the mother is entitled to two rest for half an hour each after giving birth. You should use that time to pump.

Keep pumping for a couple of minutes after you left the last drop of milk.

Store your milk in a cool place so it can be used to feed your baby the next day. "The biggest problem facing nursing mothers who work outside the home is fatigue. Adequate rest will be necessary, so it is recommended that at night you keep your baby close to you and you nurse lying down.

Management of breast milk
The container for the expressed milk should be sterilized.
Human milk may separate into a milk layer and a cream layer when it is stored. This is normal. Swirl it gently to redistribute the cream before giving it to baby.
The milk shall be kept on lots of 2 to 4 ounces to avoid waste.
Once the milk has been thawed should no longer be re-frozen.
To warm the milk put in hot water (not boiling) the vessel containing the milk, remove it once it is warm. Do not heat directly on the stove or microwave as valuable components can be destroyed if it overheats.
To defrost the milk, simply take the container from the freezer and put it in the refrigerator.
All milk should be dated before being stored. The milk that you extract can be stored for different periods according to where you save:

At room temperature (66-78°F, 19-26°C) for 4 hours (ideal), up to 6 hours (acceptable) (Some sources use 8 hours).
Room temperature (25 °C or more) 4-6 hours.
In a refrigerator (<39°F, <4°C) for 72 hours (ideal); up to 8 days (acceptable)
in a freezer (-0.4 to -4°F, -18 to -20°C) for 6 months (ideal) up to 12 months (acceptable)
Freezer with separate door 3-4 months
Thawed in refrigerator 24 hours

Average consumption of milk according to baby's age:
0 to 2 months 2 to 5 oz per that means 26 oz per day
2 to 4 months 4 to 6 oz per oz per day taken 20
4 to 6 months from 5 to 7 oz per 31 oz per day making

Average milk consumption according to the weight:
3,600 kg 21.3 oz or 639 ml
4.00 kg 24.0 oz or 720 ml
4,500 kg 26.7 oz or 801 ml
4900 kg 29.3 oz or 879 ml
5,400 kg 32.0 oz or 960 ml
6400 kg 1.119 oz or 37.3 ml
7,300 kg 42.7 oz. or 1.280 ml

It is important to keep breastfeeding as long as possible, according to WHO, babies should breastfeed exclusively for the first six months of life, no formula, teas, water or other foods should be given and continue breastfeeding in conjunction with other foods until at least two years. This will make them grow healthy and safe.

If you have questions you can communicate with IBCLC Graciela Hess at 53 51 30 06 (Mexico City) or mail at ghessmx@whoiswho.com.

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This information is only a guide and not intended to replace consultation with your pediatrician if you have questions, talk with your doctor to individualized the information