Breastfeeding as a Working Mom

By Nicole Spain, Registered Dietitian         

August 1^st marks the start of World Breastfeeding Week, as well as National Breastfeeding Month. Breastfeeding your infant can be one of the biggest challenges a new mother faces but may also be one of the most beneficial choices you make for yourself and your baby.  Breastfeeding can provide a special time to bond for baby and mom and breast milk also provides immune-boosting compounds from the mother. 

If you are preparing for your breastfed infant to begin going to child care, you may be worried about how to continue breastfeeding while you are apart.  To prepare, you’ll want to invest or rent a good breast pump.  Consider such factors as where you’ll be pumping: if at your desk, an electric model might be your best choice; if in a restroom, a lightweight, portable manual pump might be better. You’ll also want to take into consideration your baby’s age and how long you’ll be pumping.

To keep up your supply, breastfeed as much as you can at home. In the morning, set your alarm early so you have extra time to nurse your baby before leaving home. Ask your caregiver not to feed your baby within an hour of when you will be picking up so that you may breastfeed right away.  At work, don’t skip pumping sessions. Even if you have only a few minutes, it is better to pump a short time then to put it off until later.

All of our school staff fully support our mothers that choose to breastfeed. Our staff is happy to bottle feed your infant your breast milk and they have been trained to properly handle and store breast milk. As part of our Grow Fit initiative, all of our sites also provide a comfortable setting for mothers to breastfeed their child and we encourage you to come in and feed your infant when you are able.