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Going back to work? You can still breastfeed!
- Select a breastpump to meet your needs. This will depend on how long you will be away from your baby during your shift. For occasional needs, you could use a manual or battery operated single pump. For full-time work needs, you would need an electric double pump.
- Employed moms can help their baby learn to take a bottle once breastfeeding is going well. It is best to wait for 3 to 4 weeks to introduce bottles. If you are having problems breastfeeding, ask for help.
- Begin to pump to store milk 1 to 2 weeks before returning to work. Many employed moms use the fresh milk they pump at work for feedings the next day. They refrigerate Friday’s milk for use on Monday. Save your frozen milk for emergencies.
- Pump every 3 hours you are away from your baby. Ten minutes of pumping during breaks and 15 minutes of pumping during lunch with a good pump will help make sure you have a plentiful milk supply. If you can’t pump 3 times, pump as much as you can each day. Breastfeeding in the evening and over the weekend helps your milk supply and protects your special bond with your baby.
- It is normal for pumped milk to vary in color, consistency and scent depending on your diet. Stored milk separates into layers. Cream will rise to the top. Gently swirl the warmed bottle to mix the milk layers.
- You can continue to add small amounts of cooled breastmilk to the same refrigerated container throughout the day. Avoid adding warm milk to already cooled milk.
- Store your milk in glass or hard plastic containers, or in milk storage bags made especially for breast milk. Place smaller bags inside a larger food storage bag to prevent accidental punctures.
- Freeze milk in 2 to 5 oz portions. Small amounts will thaw more quickly. You will waste less milk this way and will avoid over-feeding. Liquids expand when frozen. Be sure to leave some extra room at the top of the container so the bottle or bag won’t burst.
- Seal containers tightly. Write the date on a piece of masking tape on the bag or bottle. Use the oldest milk first.
- If you do not plan to use the milk within a few days, freeze it right away in the coldest section of your freezer. Do not place the bottle or bag up against the wall of the freezer.
Storage Guidelines from Medela.com
