Breastfeeding: Returning to Work
Breastfeeding preparedness before returning to work
Make sure you give yourself enough time before you return to work. Start pumping or
expressing milk for storage to use once you return to work. Initially, pump once a
day. Early pumping sessions help your body learn to "let-down" to a pump. This allows
you to store milk that the care provider can feed to your baby. Many mothers find
the best time to pump is in the morning when milk production tends to be greater.
Pump about 1 hour after you have breastfed the baby. Slowly increase to 2 to 4 pumping
sessions per day but, again, feed the baby first. Do not be surprised if your baby
wants to breastfeed more often for a few days whenever you add a pumping session.
You can use the double collection kit to pump both breasts at once. However, some
mothers initially pump one breast as her baby breastfeeds at the other. This method
has the benefits of double pumping, and it may interfere less with baby's breastfeeding
routine. A mother's body sometimes learns to "let down" in response to the pump more
easily. If you try this, alternate the breast being pumped as you increase the number
of pumping sessions. You still may want to include a few pumping sessions using the
double collection kit before you return to work.