Tips to balancing breastfeeding and a career

While juggling work and breastfeeding can be difficult, it is possible to successfully continue breastfeeding while working outside the home with the right planning and support. The following advice could be helpful:

1. In preparation: Speak with your employer about your intentions to continue nursing before going back to work. Come up with a strategy for pumping breaks and a private, cozy area for pumping by working together.

2. Invest in a high-quality breast pump: For working mothers who wish to continue nursing, a high-quality electric breast pump can be a lifeline. Pick a pump that is convenient, effective, and comfortable to use.

3. Generate a milk supply: Before going back to work, start pumping and storing milk so that you have a supply on hand. Before your first day back, try to have enough milk on hand to last at least a week.

4. Adopt a pumping schedule: To preserve your milk production, aim to pump at the same times every day. While you are gone from your infant, you should try to pump every 3 to 4 hours.

5. Store milk properly: Be careful to identify your breast milk with the date and time it was expressed and to store it in a clean container. Breast milk can be kept in the freezer for up to six months or the refrigerator for up to five days.

6. Seek assistance: Speak to other working mothers who have successfully juggled work and breastfeeding. Become a member of a support group for breastfeeding or ask a lactation consultant for advice.

7. Take care of yourself: breastfeeding can be emotionally and physically taxing. Make sure to get adequate sleep, eat a balanced diet, and drink plenty of water.

Keep in mind that every mother and child are unique, so there is no one method that works for everyone for juggling breastfeeding and work. Be persistent and patient, and don’t be embarrassed to ask for assistance when you require it. You can successfully continue nursing while working outside the home if you have the necessary resources and support.