Breastfeeding and Going Back to Work - Batavia,IL

T.,

I breastfed both of my children, and what I found that helped me was 1) stay on schedule with how often she is eating and 2) drink lots of water.

I would simply like to say that you should remember to drink plenty of fluids while you are at work and are pumping. I found that when I drank less, my body produced less milk. This may not be the same for everyone.

Hello. This is a great website with many ideas, FAQs, and tips:

http://www.workandpump.com/

My lactation consultant recommended it.

Take Care, MJL

Hi T.. I went back to work with oldest son after 8 weeks. He just turned 3. I remember the pumping routine clearly.... I started a routine of feeding him in the morning before I left for work (around 7:00) and pumping at work at 10:00 and 2:00 and then feeding him when I came home (around 5:30) and then right before bed. At first it was fine, but there was a time when I needed to increase my production and pump an additional time (for about a month) at lunch as well. Hang in there. Also, I would usually pump for 10 minutes (I used to only pump 5, but when I needed more milk, I would increase the time). Drink a TON of water and make sure you are eating enough. Every time I pumped, I always filled up a huge glass of water. Also, make sure your daycare knows the rules about your breastmilk (never to throw the liquid gold away!) or if they do, let you know, so at least you know you are pumping enough. I tried not to substitute with a little formula here and there, but there were times I needed too! I would mix a little bit with the breast milk. Good Luck, it's a lot of work!!! Pretty soon your little girl will start eating solid foods and it will help. You will feel like a superstar after you accomplish the pumping/working/staying sane part of your life as a mom!

Here are some tips from someone who pumped and BF successfully for a year:
* For the first 3 months, pump 3x a day
* Then switch to 2x a day
* Keep a schedule and mark it on your work calendar so people know you are not available at those times.
* Stick to your schedule - 10-15 minutes off isn't such a big deal, but pushing the time can be like a slippery slope - the next thing you know an hour has passed. This means even leaving meetings for a few minutes - let your boss/supervisor/meeting facilitator know ahead of time so it isn't awkward.
* Pump for 12 minutes. 12 seems to be a magic number for many for a third let-down that drains the breasts. If you shorten the session, your body will think you need less milk. Exponentially this will add up and reduce your supply over time.
* Drink lots of water, eat lots of protein (keep nut snacks at work), eat oatmeal
* Rotate your stock - - freeze Fridays milk and start Monday with the oldest frozen milk in your fridge. The other days, use what was pumped the day before.
* Buy the hands-free bra that is advertised in the pregnancy mags - makes a huge difference.
* Call home while you are pumping - make a huge difference and the time goes by more quickly
* Buy an extra set of horns and bottle and attachments - this makes it easier when you get home - one set is in the wash, the other is with you for work
* Set up your bag the night before so you don't forget anything
* Keep extra storage bags at work in case you forget bottles, you can pump right in the bag
* Try not to take cold medicine, allergy medicine or drink cold ease tea - they shrink you sinuses and the milk ducts too
* Last but not least - nurse before you go to work and nurse as soon as you get home, before bed and all weekend.

GOOD LUCK!!! It is totally 100% worth all of the effort. It seems cumbersome, but it is really rewarding to look at your kid and know "I did that" - in terms of helping them grow and fattening them up. :-)You are bound to have moments of wanting to throw in the towel - it takes time away from important work and meetings and compresses an already hectic work schedule, but again, it's totally worth it. Yea for you!

I nursed my twins for 20 and 21 months....for the first 12 months, I pumped at work.

I had as much water as I could, ate oatmeal and pumped 3x a day in the beginning. If I still felt full after 3 pumpings, I would sneak off for another one. Also, if you have a double pump, use it. It will save time and will make your body produce more.

Just keep pumping!! And drink - I always forget to drink while at work and it will affect your milk supply. Also be prepared for your daughter to pick up more nursing sessions at night and not eat quite as often during the day while you are at work. I work mornings and get home just after lunch and all three of my kids have nursed heavier in the late afternoons, evenings, and have continued night feedings longer than "normal". Not that there is a normal with children & sleep in my opinion. Although it is tougher, you will need to try to accomodate the extra nursing sessions and you will be amazed at how your body will adjust to producing more milk at certain times. But don't forget to keep your pump schedule at work or you'll be feeding the baby the whole time you are home because it won't eat much while you are gone!

T.,

Dont worry your breast milk will not dry up as long as you are drinking plenty of water and eating healthy. I also pumped while I was at work, and the only time that I noticed that I was producing less milk was when I was not drinking enough water. Your body will adjust to the amount of milk it needs. Wish you the best of luck!

I don't have any advice, just some reassurance. As a home day care provider I have yet to have a M. who didn't successfully pump and give me enough milk for her baby. At home it seems that baby is nursing all the time, but at my home the usual number of bottles I need to give is two! It has amazed me too. M. nurses right before baby comes and as soon as baby gets home, and often only two other feedings fit in between this. They have all frozen their milk in times of 'surplus' at home for those times when they don't get as much or miss a feeding at home, etc. It has always worked out. These electric pumps are fantastic, and really, in the beginning, baby is not taking that much so M. is not producing that much, but it is enough. Freeze a few small bags of milk and provide a small can of powdered formula and give to your provider and all should go well.

I pumped for 9 months and 6 months for each of my girls and made more than enough. Just be diligent about pumping and be sure to fully empty yourself each time. Early on, I actually pumped out more than she drank (I know this b/c I was able to freeze 6 oz. per day that she couldn't drink) Made for a nice stock pile so I could get out for myself once in a while too and was able to keep giving her breastmilk as I stopped pumping. Just be sure to rotate the freezer stock and watch how long it's in there. I don't remember the storage guidelines now.

Have you been to any La Leche League meetings? They are such a help! Otherwise, keep pumping! :D And try not to worry, as worry itself is a stress that can make it harder to nurse/pump... How often are you pumping, and what kind of pump do you have?

Congrats on your baby girl! Mine is 10 months today (mother's day) and at this point is weaned. She was ready before me, LOL. In any case, try to pump every 2-3 hours while at work if you can. Keep drinking lots and lots of water and make sure you continue to eat healthy- it's so easy to "grab-and-go" when you are trying to work, pump, and be a mom! Lastly, try to not be paranoid, LOL. Seriously, stress will decrease supply. so, just remember you are doing everything you can and that she will be great no matter what!

Drink A LOT of water. Try to to pump as often as you nurse her and nurse her when you are with her. Oh yeah- try to relax. You are doing a great thing for her!

S.

Drink lots of water, nurse her as much as you can, eat some oatmeal, pump as much as you can. I think the best stimulant is nursing. So on the weekends and when at home, I would load her up. On weekends, I also would try to get a few extra pumps in when I could to supplement the week's pumping supply.

As long as there is demand, there will be supply! Pump, pump, pump!

T.,
All I can say is that I am sooo jealous!! I have a 12 week old and went back to work after 8 weeks at home. I am missing two feedings while away at work, and am pumping to supply her for the next day. I barely get 7 oz per day, so she surviving off of that plus some milk I had stored before going back to work - so we are making each of her bottles during the day are 4 oz. If you are pumping 15 to 18 oz - I'd say you are doing GREAT!!! Thus the reason for my jealousy! I would say that as long as you can pump as much as your daughter will need for the next day, then you are in fabulous shape so don't worry so much! I know that part of the reason I am not producing very much is due to stress, so hopefully I have relieved some of yours by sharing my story. Good luck!

T.:

there is no reason that you would dry up.... the breast works by supply and demand... the removal of milk is the signal to make more milk.

P., RLC, IBCLC
Breastfeeding and Parenting Solutions

Like I've said before to other moms - call your local La Leche League for great help on any breastfeeding question!

check out www.kellymom.com

go girl! You are doing everything you can to keep up the milk but just keep up pumping around the clock and most importantly during the night. You will hopefully be okay. Kudos to you. I am very impressed...

I'd drink as much water as humanly possible. I bring a 64 ounce jug with me to work and then have a few more glasses when I get home. I have also used Mother's Milk tea (the Yogi brand tastes better...I think it's called Nursing Mother's Tea). However, they suggest that you drink 3-5 glasses a day...that in addition to water seems a bit much. But I did drink 3 daily and it wasn't too bad. I am usually able to pump about 24 ounces daily...12 during the work day and 12-14 in the evening (my daughter takes a bottle before bed). I also got some fenugreek tablets to help work through a growth spurt but then didn't seem to need them...but if you like the idea you could use the fenugreek (these and the tea are found at health food stores) instead of the tea. GOOD LUCK!...and try to relax...I know that having enough milk is ALWAYS on your mind...it is on mine!!

Make sure you educate your daycare provider about the proper way to use and store breastmilk! I had one caregiver that would give my son a bottle, and after 15 minutes, she would throw out the breastmilk. There was so much waste going on, that she was using up my pumped supply faster than I could provide it. Once I explained to her how long milk would last, under what (temperature) conditions, and how to store it, my supply was just fine.

And drink drink drink! Your body needs liquid in order to produce liquid, so don't ever let your glass go empty.

I nursed for three years, and worked full time. It's not only possible, it's not as difficult as you might fear. A qood quality pump is a huge help, too.

Hi T.,

I also went back to work at 11 weeks and had no problem keeping up and with where I work I was only able to pum 2x a day. I'd think if you are able to pump as much as you say you are doing great. I see you have a lot of great responses that I totally agree with about how to keep your supply up. What I wish I knew right away, after months of pumping and freezer bagging every ounce of milk, is that with most pumps you can pump directly into the bottle you feed your baby girl with and put into fridge at the daycare when you pick her up after work. That way there are bottles ready to go for the next day that only need to be warmed up. It is also less to clean each time you pump. If you have extra milk save and freeze at home or keep a couple spares at the daycare just in case. I have a pretty good stock in the freezer still and my baby is 10m old. It is nice to know that if for some reason you need extra, it's there.

make pumping a priority at work; schedule the "time off" in your calendar.
do arm exercises to keep your supply up, such as pushups or just armcircles. keeps the blood flowing to your upper body.
open chest stretches -- opens up the lymphatic system in your chest. goes along w/ above. stand in a doorway w/ your arms on the door frame. step one foot fwd, back straight, and lean fwd to stretch out your chest.
take extra calcium/magnesium supplements and a really good quality prenatal. this w/b made from a source that's easy to digest. i recommend nature's sunshine. my LC sells it off the shelf in her business in naperville (janet, www.lactinv.com). she's done tons of research on diff supplements and found NS to be the best one for quality and absorption.
i also take an alfalfa supplement in addition to the above, plus "more milk plus" as needed to keep my supply going.
don't let the daycare give your baby too much. drinking from a bottle is much easier to do than nursing, so it's easy to overfeed a baby just b/c they can suck it out of a bottle. look on kellymom.com to find out how many oz. your baby should have a day.
keep nursing at night.
keep the newborn nipples == i.e. don't get the ones w/ more holes as it w/b easier for you baby to suck out more, faster. then they wl feed her more than she really needs to eat. remember that oz in breastmilk is not the same as oz in formula. so see that kellymom.com site for the rt amt of oz she should have a day.
good job on nursing and keep it up!!! you can do it! it's such a great thing for your baby!

I did exclusive pumping for the first three months of our baby's life and used the following tips to up my supply:

-Remember production is all about supply and demand. When you are at work, try to pump at the same time you would be feeding your baby if you were not at work. I pumped every 2.5 - 3 hours.

-Make sure you stay properly hydrated. The amount of water you drink will not equal the amount of milk you produce, but you want to make sure that you are feeding your body all the water it needs for normal cellular metabolism so that your body does not become dehydrated. When you become dehydrated, your body doesn't work as efficiently as it should...including production of milk. I would drink a 32 glass of water every time I pumped.

-If possible, pump for a longer period of time. I sometimes pumped for 20 minutes or longer if I saw a dip in my production. True, nothing's coming out in those last few minutes but the message being sent to the brain is "hey...need more milk...step up production!" and more prolactin could be sent to the receptors in your breast. Not sure if you are able to do this at work, but it's worth a shot.

-Become a fan of oatmeal. I got this tip when I wanted to make more milk and while I can't explain how it works, it does. The other added bonus is that I ate the Quaker weight loss oatmeal for breakfast every day in those first three months and shed my pregnancy weight in no time at all. Not sure if this works, but I justified eating oatmeal cookies as snacks too (if it didn't work, I at least fulfilled my sweet tooth craving!).

It's worth giving these things a try because they do work and I understand the importance of breastfeeding. It sounds like you're very committed to breastfeeding, so contact a lactation consultant perhaps to get more pointers from an expert. My experience with my *one* child hardly makes me the expert!

(Please note, I'm not encouraging you to give up here...don't want anyone getting all crazy saying that I want you to quit!) If you give it a go and it doesn't work or if you emotionally/physically cannot pump any longer and your milk does dry up don't feel guilty for having to switch to formula. In the end, you need a nourished baby and a happy mommy.

Good luck to you!

T.,
Good for you! I pumped with my first son for 14 months (he never latched).

I agree with all the other advice that you have gotten and really only want to add one thing. If you can, try to look at a picture of your daughter or maybe bring a blanket or an item of clothing to hold (or smell) while you are pumping. Those things will "trick" your brain into thinking that she is there and to encourage more production.

Yes to the oatmeal and the water and the pumping during her feedings. I even found that pumping about 5 minutes past the time that the milk stops coming out helps with production. And if you can (if time permits) after she feeds in the morning (from you) try to pump when she's don eating, that will encourage your production as well.

Its hard work, but so worth it. I wish you the best of luck!
B.

hi
try to breast feed your baby after u come back from work and at night it make the milk come back and that way u will not dry up.

I went back to work when my son was 10 weeks old. I pumped three times a day and had no problems with my supply whatsoever. I'm sure you will do just fine. Keep up the good work!

First off, GOOD FOR YOU!!! I am a first time mom of a 7 month old baby boy and i work full time and I BREASTFEED TOO. I returned to work when he was 3 months old and i have to say i worried like crazy that he wouldn't get enough milk. The previous message you received- SHE'S ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!! Pump when you'd be feeding at home. No, it is not always possible, but try if you can. I don't really have that option and have to limit my pumping to my lunch hour. So, i feed my son before i leave for the day and then pump at lunch (5 hours later) and then i go home for a feeding or try to pump a bottle (if i'm not going straight home after work).

My big tip: LIMIT CAFFEINE INTAKE!!! Regular coffee/expresso depletes my milk supply if i have more than 16 ozs. (the grande of starbucks) because i get dehydrated and milk relies on water and nutrients.

It is hard and difficult and gets really boring drag. My lunch hour is sliced in half and i'm toting milk like a cow and if i forget my collection bottles at home, i have to hand express into clean water bottles. But it's worth it! The best gift you can give your child is you because nothing will ever replace mommy!

I will admit, my milk source takes a dip from tuesday to friday because i'm not pumping in tune with his feedings. He ends up having a supplemented bottle of formula maybe twice a day sometimes. It took me a while to be okay with that. Some breast is better than no breast!

I have heard that an herb called fenugreek works well for moms with supply issues. I have also heard that oatmeal and even a having a glass of beer will also help.

A great website for breastfeeding moms is Kellymom.com
I also belong to a website for moms, called www.thenestbaby.com. I had this saved from a mom with recent experience...

(Direct link to 0-6mons page:
http://talk.thenestbaby.com/boards/ShowForum.aspx?ForumID...,
Direct link to the 6 mons + page:
http://talk.thenestbaby.com/boards/ShowForum.aspx?ForumID...)

Morning all!

I started a post over on the 6+ months board to collect some tips, and here is what we have. It got long, sorry!!
I am definitely not an expert, but after 7+ months I hope our tips can help all the new moms over here.

Kellymom.com is a wonderful resource. If you haven't gone there, check them out!

Breastfeeding 101

Frequency:
Your baby will eat when he/she wants. It may be much closer than the 'every 2-3 hour' timeframe you've heard mentioned. For example, they may 'cluster feed' every hour for a period, and then sleep for a longer period. This is NORMAL and does not mean your milk supply is low! Also, this is from the START of one feeding to the next. So if your baby takes an hour to eat, then you may only have 1 hour till the next feeding starts.

Babies like to comfort suck. It is up to you whether you want to 'allow' this or not. It will help increase your supply, but may drive you nuts. If you have had your fill and baby has not, offer a pacifier or your finger to suck on (or get your DH to offer his finger!!).

Tools:
Get yourself some nursing tanks and GOOD bras. Soft cups are much easier to use than the formed/shaped cups as they fold out of the way better.

Lanolin is your best friend, but breastmilk on the nipples is even better....it really is magic.

Get a good breastpump and use it. Even if you are a SAHM get yourself a 2-3 day freezer stash built up.

Story from experience: I had a horrible stomach virus and got severely dehydrated. Guess what totally disappeared by the end of 12 hours of 'double ended fun'...yep, my milk supply. It took about four days to totally recover it. Luckily with the stash I didn't have to make DD switch to formula for this 'emergency'. Don't make an illness even more stressful by trying to get a BF baby to take formula for the first time!

Also, a lot of women experience a drop-off in supply around 4-6 months, especially if you go back to work. Although some of it is hormone related as well. Having a stash as a back-up helps then too.
The not-so-fun stuff:
Cracked nipples - these HURT. You'll know if you have one, trust me. Breastmilk and air drying the nipples helps. Also, start feeding the baby on the other side first so that they don't suck as hard on the hurt side. Nipple shields may help get through the worst of the pain and allow healing, but they can be a 'pain' to wean from later.

Plugged Ducts - these also hurt. Feels like a lump in your breast. Massage, apply heat, take a hot shower, and nurse nurse nurse. Watch that it doesn't turn into Mastitis

Mastitis - if you are breastfeeding, and notice a plugged duct, start feeling 'flu-ish', have a fever, chills, or notice a red, sore area on your breast, or have a cracked nipple (or a combination of the above) call your doctor ASAP. You will get a lovely antibiotic and will feel better soon. In the meantime, take fever reducers (ie tylenol), remove any bras that are even remotely tight, and REST!

Thrush - if baby has white patches in mouth, you have a burning sensation while feeding, your nipples are pink/red and may be itchy you may have thrush. Treatment occurs for both mom and baby. If you suspect thrush, don't use lanolin till you are treated. Moist nipples = happy yeast environment

General Tips:
Some babies only need to nurse on one side at a time. This is fine. You can either pump the other side (see above!) or just start on the other side at the next feeding.

Some babies do react to things mom eats, others have stomachs of steel and nothing will bother them. It is trial and error to see what affects your baby.

Most women can pump the most milk in the morning. If just starting to pump don't expect to see a ton. If you do get a ton...enjoy your abundance! And know that it may not last forever. Generally, pumping an hour after a feeding works best for a lot of women. Some women also find tricks such as looking at pictures, smelling clothing, or even pumping on one side while baby eats on the other helps their body 'learn' to pump better.

Babies are sleepy in the beginning. Just hang in there and anytime they even look or sound remotely interested in feeding nurse them!

BF babies often don't poop everyday. If they skip a day (or 2 or 3) it doesn't necessarily mean they are constipated. Texture of poop is what is important, not frequency.

Losing preg weight too quickly can affect supply. You may need to keep a few extra pounds on to make milk. Protein is also a big player in milk production. Have some w/ every meal. Snack and drink a lot!!

The first 6 or so weeks are TOUGH. Despite all this I promise it really does get better!

What's good about Breastfeeding:
It's free
Weight loss while still eating for 2
No bottles to wash
No bottles to heat at 3 am with crying baby
Those milky smiles of contentment

Good job keeping up with the pumping! I know its hard to do. I myself am not a pumper...I only pump less than half of what my daughter eats at a feeding, so I have been supplementing with formula. Some things I've discovered (I had same problem with my first child, now 5, and my daughter is now 8 mos.):

Drink lots of water. A lot of times your supply tends to "dry up" if you aren't hydrated properly
Lack of sleep and lack of nutrition can also weaken your supply
There are teas (mothers milk) and concetrated drops that have an herb that can help increase your supply
Remember breastfeeding is a supply/demand situation. In theory you could completely dry up and still produce after. Just feed her from the breast whenever you can. I am currently feeding my daughter only 3-4x day. In the morning, When I get home from work, and before she goes to bed. Sometimes in the night if she is hungry. I've given up on pumping at this stage because she is eating so much solid food and she is only getting one bottle/day. And when I do feel like I could pump something, I really don't get much at all anymore.

Anyway, even if she's sucking and nothing is coming out and she is hungry, try again in 30 minutes. The more you put het to the breast the more milk you will produce.

Good luck and great job!

First of all, don't stree about it. Stress will hinder milk production. Secondly, do things to increase your supply if you're worried, such as making sure you drink enough water, take your calcium supplements before bed, eat oatmeal in the mornings, drink mother's milk tea. Sounds like your supply is GREAT! Just keep nursing and pumping and maybe try the above suggestions and I"m sure you'll be fine!

I went back to work at about 11 weeks with my 1st child (just 2 days a week) and pumped for each feeding I missed while there. I would ask any one if they needed to use the bathroom before I went in (we only had one). I would take a bottle of water and roll an office chair in there. I also had a photo of my little girl to look at and I would just picture how excited she would get to nurse. That would help with the let down. Just relax as much as you can and think happy baby thoughts. You'll do fine!

15-18 oz a day sounds great, that should be plenty to leave with your provider and even build up a little bit of a stash. I have a 7 month old and I've been back at work since he was 14 weeks. It's hard, but we've gotten into a good rhythm with things. I did use some fenugreek in the beginning to be sure my pumping output was high enough to help build up a freezer stash. I also pumped once in the evening when my son had gone to sleep. Now I'm down to two pump sessions a day at work and get ~12 ounces a day. He drinks 10-13 ounces a day, so things are working out great. Hang in there-you're doing great!

I pumped for about 6 months after I went back to work for both my gals at work. I think it is important to try to be on a schedule as it keeps your body in a rhythm. If you wait too long, it tends to start throwing your body off system. But sometimes it can not be helped. I used to pump 3 times a day at work 10, 12, 2-3. I think it is important to take that time as down time. I noticed when I tried to do work while I was pumping I seemed to loose flow. You have to focus on the baby to get good let down which I think is important during the pumping. Pictures, or thinking about the child while pumping helps. Anyway..much more advice out there but I didn't see this said. Good luck.