If you're a breastfeeding mother who is about to return to work for the first time since your baby's birth, you may be unsure whether you can keep giving your milk to your baby. Luckily, you can pump your milk at work and bring it home later. Doing this can be a challenge, but if you use the tips that follow, you'll be able to keep providing milk for your baby while working away from home.
Use an Electric Breast Pump
Choosing the breast pump you will use at work is one of the most important decisions you'll make when you pump at work. While you may can get a manual, handheld pump, you need the faster speed that electric breast pumps can provide. The quicker you can pump your milk, the sooner you can get back to your work activities when you need to. Consider getting a battery-operated pump, so that you don't need to find an outlet before you can begin your pumping session.
Pump Milk Before Returning to Work
It is a good idea to get used to pumping your milk before you head back to work, so you can be comfortable using the device later. Start pumping with at least one session a day.
Practicing with the breast pump is also good for your baby, so they can get used to the idea of drinking pumped milk in a bottle. Don't worry if your baby doesn't seem to care for the bottle right away; they are comfortable with nursing and may not accept the bottle from you at first. In fact, you may have better success if you have your spouse or relatives offer the bottle to your baby instead. After a while, your baby will recognize the taste and accept the bottle readily.
Set Alarms for Pumping Times
When you're working, it's easy to forget that you need some time to pump. However, should you miss a pumping session, your breasts may become engorged. If that happens, milk may leak through your shirt. Not only that, but if you don't pump regularly, you might find that your milk supply diminishes. To make sure you remember to pump, schedule daily alarms that you will be able to hear throughout the day.
Use the tips above to successfully continue to provide milk for your baby after you get back to work. Your baby can continue to be well-nourished, and you can feel confident about your ability to work and pump throughout the day. Contact M-D Choice Medical Supply for more information.
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