Articles

Breastfeeding and Working

Pumping

Many mothers express their breast milk (using a pump) and store it for their baby's use later. If this is an option for you, you will need to rent or purchase a breast pump from a hospital, rental facility or lactation consultant unless your employer provides one for you. Breast pumps come in a variety of types, and instructions for use are included. Note—Double-pumping kits offer timesaving benefits by allowing you to express both breasts simultaneously. By cutting pumping time virtually in half, you can complete a pumping session in approximately 15 minutes. In addition, research indicates that double pumping may increase levels of prolactin, your milk-producing hormone, which benefits working mothers (and mothers of preterm infants) who may have difficulty maintaining and increasing milk supply.

When Should I Begin Pumping?

To ease the transition back to work, start pumping at home two to three weeks prior to your return. This will not only help familiarize you with pumping, but it will also keep your milk supply up, and enable you to store milk for future use. Try to pump when the baby would normally breastfeed. Mornings, when your milk supply is usually most plentiful, are also a good time. When starting at home, try to pump midway between feedings or nurse on one side and pump on the other. If your baby skips a feeding or nurses for a shorter time than usual, pump the rest of the milk and save it for another feeding.

Before returning to work, introduce your baby to a bottle, but wait until he or she is at least four weeks old to prevent nipple confusion. And expect some initial resistance; most babies need time to adjust to an artificial nipple. In addition, have the baby's father or a caregiver give your baby a bottle of expressed breast milk at times, so your infant is not totally reliant on you for feedings. Many breastfed infants beyond 10 weeks of age will not take a bottle from their mother because they associate her with breastfeeding. If your baby at first refuses the bottle, try warming the bottle nipple under warm water, and tickling your baby's lip with it, just as you would when breastfeeding. If that doesn't work, try spooning milk into your baby's mouth, or use a small cup to help your infant take small sips in a rhythmic fashion.

Once you have established a pumping and feeding routine at home, develop a schedule for work. This will vary depending on the age of your baby and your work schedule (part time, full time, phased-in return, etc.). Mothers whose infants are younger than three months of age typically need to pump every two to three hours; women with older babies (three months or older) typically only need to pump every three to four hours. In general, if you breastfeed at least once before work, and as soon as you return home, you will probably only have to pump two to three times at work (if you work full days). In addition, breastfeed before going to bed and on weekends to keep your milk supply up.

Pumping at Work

Coordinate scheduling needs with your employer as soon as possible. Pumping takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes each session (20 minutes if you use a double-pumping kit). Note—If your caregiver or provider is close to your workplace, it may be possible to breastfeed your baby during your lunch hour if the baby is brought to you or if you can easily travel to your baby.

If your company has a designated lactation room or "mother's room," reserve several time slots. If not, make alternate arrangements prior to your return. In general, you will need a private room with an electrical outlet for your pump, a table and/or desk to hold your equipment, and a comfortable chair for you to sit in while pumping. You will also need nearby access to a sink since it is vital that mothers wash their hands—and the pump equipment—before and after each use to keep the pump and the milk sanitary.

Note—Restrooms are typically not appropriate because they generally lack the privacy, cleanliness, and electrical outlets that you need.

Sample Breastfeeding Schedule

Jill works full time and has established the following schedule to accommodate the needs of her six-month-old baby—and her employer.

This publication is for general informational purposes only and it is not intended to provide any reader with specific authority, advice or recommendations. Where you deem necessary, we suggest that you seek advice regarding your particular situation from the appropriate professional.

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