healthy babies
Get Ready for Breastfeeding & Pumping Breastmilk at Work By Joanne Goldbort, PhD, MSN, RN
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(available at no cost to you through most insurance—check to see when you can receive a pump in your state); milk storage containers, and a cooler or a refrigerator to store your pumped milk 4. Practice pumping: Use the pump a few times before going back to work. You’ll be more confident and your partner or a friend or family member can introduce your milk in a bottle to your baby 5. Introduce your baby to a bottle: Help baby begin eating pumped milk from a bottle a couple weeks before returning to work. Some babies have no problem going from breast to bottle, while others will put up quite a fuss, and may even refuse altogether. It’s a learning process 6. Gather all equipment the evening before: Who wants to multitask early in the morning? Ensure your pump, storage bags and bottles of
expressed milk are ready to go each morning, especially if you’re taking baby to their care provider on your way to work
Success with Pumping & Feeding Mom’s Milk With just a few additional tips, you will find yourself treasuring this time spent preparing to feed baby your mom’s own milk while you’re at work: h Consume lots of water while you’re pumping h Look at photos of your baby; play their recorded giggles, whatever helps you relax h Keep a clean hand towel or paper towels available for drips or spills h Keep your pumping space clean and wash your pump and supplies after each use JOANNE GOLDBORT, PHD, MSN, RN, is an assistant professor in the College of Nursing at Michigan State University and an expert nurse adviser to Healthy Mom&Baby.
IMAGES: ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES
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eturning to work while nursing is a huge milestone in your parenting journey. Get ready before the big day comes with these action steps designed to help you meet your breastfeeding goals. 1. Know your rights: No matter where you work, know your rights as a nursing parent, and what workplace accommodation laws apply to help you maintain your milk supply and feed your baby. Businesses with more than 50 employees must provide time to express milk for baby up to age 1 and provide a pumping space that’s not a bathroom 2. Make a plan with your employer: Before you go on maternity leave, ensure you’ve got a plan in place with your employer that details when and where you will be able to privately express your milk 3. Get your supplies before you give birth: You’ll need a breast pump
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