Maintaining Your Nursing Relationship When Going Back to Work
Returning to work can feel overwhelming when you’re breastfeeding, but it doesn’t mean the end of your nursing relationship. With a little planning, you can keep your milk supply steady and maintain that bond/convenience with your baby.
Prioritize Nursing at Home
Whenever you’re home, make breastfeeding the focus. Your baby still gets the most benefit from nursing directly at the breast, and this helps maintain your supply. Evening and morning feeds are especially important because they’re often the longest and most productive sessions.Why it matters
Use Paced Bottle Feeding
When your baby is in daycare or with a caregiver, pumped milk or formula is sometimes necessary. Using paced bottle feeding (detailed blog post here) helps mimic breastfeeding by slowing down the flow. This keeps prevents flow preferences. Babies are smart and if they crush a bottle in a couple minutes, but the breast takes longer…. they’re going to work smarter, not harder.
Be sure to tell your child care provider about paced bottle feeding. Oh, and there is no reason to bump up that nipple size as they age. Keep using what you’ve always used!
Keep a Consistent Routine
Milk supply works on supply and demand. To keep it steady:
Pump frequently during the day at work to replace missed nursing sessions.
Stick to a schedule that fits your workday.
Make sure your baby empties the breast well when nursing at home.
Takeaways:
Going back to work doesn’t mean you have to stop nursing.
Prioritize breastfeeding at home and use paced bottles when apart.
Maintain consistent milk removal to protect supply.
Support from your employer, caregiver, or a lactation consultant can make the transition much smoother.
Make sure your child care provider is educated on paced bottle feeding
With a little planning and consistency, you can go back to work and still keep your breastfeeding relationship strong. Your baby can continue to get the nutrition, comfort, and connection that only you provide.
