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Back to work

Amy - posted on 03/20/2011 ( 2 moms have responded )

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I am going back to work in a couple of weeks and I have a 3 month old little boy. I am a teacher and am only working 6 weeks until the end of the year and I am back home with my kids. With my daughter, my milk supply reduced to almost nothing as soon as I went back to work even though I was pumping. Any advice on how to keep my milk supply up this time? I really want to keep breast feeding. Thanks!

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Jody - posted on 03/20/2011

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6

Oh and since it's better to have too much milk than too little, start a week or two ahead of time if possible and start trying to pump one ounce off each breast after most if not all of your babies feedings ( might get nothing at first but pump gently anyway) this will allow you to build a supply of milk in the freezer and increase your milk supply overall BEFORE you go back, that way each day baby gets older milk from freezer while you pump and freeze mlik from that day, and they feed off you after work. Always nice to have a supply on hand for nights out with hubby or to help get you through a growth spurt without pulling your hair out :) A lactation consultant recommended it and it has worked out great, I have a weeks worth of milk in my freezer so I never have to worry :)

Jody - posted on 03/20/2011

91

6

http://breastfeeding.hypermart.net/worki...

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/breast-...



My first biggest tip is getting a good quality electric pump, preferrably a double pump, saves time and is known to stimulated more of the hormone that causes milk production when you actually pump both sides at once, I use one and it's great. When at work pump as frequently as you can, try to pump no further appart than every 3 hours, more frequently is better. When at home encourage your little one to feed as often as the like; our babies are the most efficient at keeping your milk supply at the right level. If possible, feed your little one in the morning until they are full and then pump yourself empty, makes you more comfortable during the day and by pumping immediately after a feeding, baby is full and you get optimal stimulation of milk production!! At first you might get very little from this pumping session but over time you will probably start getting at least an ounce or two. Also try milk tea, preferrably one with fenugreek and goats rue in it, works the best I found. Also make sure to get lots of rest, try to stay relaxed, eat lots of fruit and vegetables and WATER WATER WATER :)

http://www.mobimotherhood.org/MM/article...

http://www.ehow.com/info_7982176_foods-b...

these are a few links for food and herbs that help with milk, they really do help. I noticed that caffiene, cocoa and stress really do reduce my milk and are reported to do so for many others so keep away from too much chocolate (especially dark) caffinated coffee and tea ( try to treat it like still being pregnant and keep the amount minimal if you must have some) ALso make sure to take a multivitamin and maybe a omega 3 pill too if you don't get enough DHA in your diet.

I work only part time but I feel your pain, pumping is way less enjoyable than brestfeeding and holding your little one, but I did notice that picturing a normal feeding time in my head made pumping quicker and easier, some people find looking at a picture of their baby or smelling a blanket trigger better letdown while pumping. Massaging your breast before and during gently pushing the milk down towards the nipple helps too make sure to start up at the collar bone and in the arm pit too.

Best wishes for a good supply :)

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