Producing Breast Milk and Returning To Work

It seems to go too quickly – your sweet time alone to get to know this new little bundle. Through we don’t really want to believe that we will one day have to leave our babies, some us must do so. It is during this time that you must PREPARE for your return to work. There are a few important things to keep in mind while you plan your return to work.

1. If you have been pumping exclusively you probably already have a good double breast pump to use. This is very important – especially since this is the time that you will need to pump most efficiently.
2. Speak to your supervisor to let him/her know your plans to continue producing breast milk for your baby. Remember not to feel guilty about this; you are providing a great thing for your baby.
3. Consider a plan where you will be able to have a private place to pump. Try to find someplace that it sanitary. Make sure that your breast shields of your pump do not touch the floor, etc. wherever you have decided to pump. Also, it may be a good idea to purchase anti-bacterial wipes and use them prior to pumping.
4. Consider where and how store breast milk after pumping. If you have access to a good double pump, they normally have a small compartment that can be used to keep your milk cool. You can use a small lunch box size cooler that you can use along with frozen ice packages. (An important thing to remember is that your breast milk should not remain at room temperature – make attempt to store in a cool compartment until you are able to provide to your baby.)

Your decision to continue to breast pump is very commendable. Remember that just as all new things take some time to get used, this will also be one of them. After some initial time to get used to pumping at work, you will become an old pro, just give it some time.