MemorialCare - Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care

GOING BACK TO WORK AND CONTINUING TO BREASTFEED Employers in the past have recognized 6 weeks as a reasonable time to recover after giving birth. On occasion, your health care professional may require that you stay home longer because of a special medical problem. Financial considerations may require that you return to work earlier. It is well-documented that the longer a woman can be with her baby and establish a good breastfeeding relationship with her child, the better she will maintain her milk supply with pumping while separated from the baby. This fact has motivated more and more new moms to work something out with their employers. There are great breast pumps on the market today that can help support your decision to continue to breastfeed. Check with your hospital or lactation center for breast pump rental and purchase prices. Your employer may be flexible and have several options for you. You should explore all the possibilities as soon as possible. See page 65 for more details regarding the Lactation Accommodation Law.

HINTS FOR BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS WHO RETURN TO WORK:

Discuss your needs with your employer.

Find a place to store your breastmilk.

Schedule your day to allow regular pumping sessions.

Take healthy snacks and drink plenty of water.

Wear comfortable clothes with easy access for pumping.

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Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care