[deleted account] ( 14 moms have responded )
I plan on sticking to just breastfeeding my baby once he arrives during the rest of my 12 week maternity leave before switching to formula.(I'm going on leave at 36 weeks because my job is a high risk environment) I will be unable to pump milk once I return to work. We only have one 30 min break throughout the 8 hour day, and because they are strict, money hunger, and enjoy making their quota they will not tolerate me alone to be granted a second break while being on the clock to pump milk since it will be unfair to the other employees. I've heard there are breastfeeding laws for different states, but since my job isn't a frnchise, it's privately owned and they have their own rules, they will not oblige by it less I try to sue them in court which I cannot afford to do. Even if I were able to, I'd have to pump in my car since there's just the break room and a bathroom and neither will give me privacy since it takes a half hour or so to pump milk. And since my baby will be born in the fall season, it would be even more uncomfortble pumping in my car turning on the heat, pumping and keeping myself covered from being exposed. I am hoping however if there's a chance I'll still be able to produce milk when my day is over. Or would it be drying up quicker the longer I put it off?
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Elisha - posted on 10/02/2012
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Maybe you should split your 30minute break into two 15minute breaks even 2minutes of pumping is good or you breast may hurt from being engorged
Lori - posted on 09/27/2012
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That does make it so much harder when you have difficulties getting baby to latch. Remember though that just because one baby had trouble latching, doesn't mean the next one will. And there are a few things you can do that can help get breastfeeding off to a good start. (None of it guarantees anything... but does increase your chances of success).
Nurse your baby within 30 minutes of birth. Many hospitals and birth centers will put your baby on your tummy or hand you your baby right after birth. That's your chance... nurse the baby right away. If you let your Dr. know you want to do that... you've got a better chance of being able to.
Room In with your baby. Keep your baby close by, and don't let the nurses give your baby ANY thing else to suck on. No sugar water from a bottle, no formula, no pacifier.
Lots' of skin to skin contact with your newborn. It's so good for both of you, and it really does help establish the breastfeeding relationship. Baby in just a diaper, you with no shirt. If it's chilly, or if you need some privacy - put a light blanket over both of you. Skin to skin helps regulate babies heart rate, keeps baby warm much better than any incubator, and provides comfort to your baby too.
obviously complications may make it medically necessary for them to take the baby, but otherwise... keep baby very close to you.
I hope it goes well for you this time!
Lori - posted on 09/26/2012
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It is recommended it breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months. Then continued breastfeeding along with complementary foods for at least the first year.
BUT The first rule of having a baby is: Feed Your Baby. If you are unable to breastfeed exclusively when you return to work.. then yes, you still need to feed your baby. But you should be able to do both. Formula feed when you're not with your baby, but breastfeed when you are with your baby. Many many many babies are fed this way, and continuing to get breast milk even if it's not exclusive still provides countless benefits. It also gives you a way to connect again with your baby when you return home from work.