Should You Go Back to Work?

Studies suggest that if you breastfeed for even a short while your baby will receive nutrients that help build important immunities and reduce risk of allergies. Breastfeeding after returning to work is done successfully every day. It takes careful planning and determination, but it's definitely doable.

• Discuss your plans to continue breastfeeding with your supervisor. Plan in advance where and when you will express your milk at work. Evaluate your daily schedule and choose time when you won't be rushed or disturbed. You'll need about a half hour each time you express, including clean-up time.
• Make sure you have a cool place to store the expressed milk; bring a cooler to work if necessary.
• Wear easily opened clothing and a nursing bra if possible. Struggling with inappropriate breastfeeding attire can cause you to be less relaxed and add more time to the task of expressing your milk.
• Wear nursing pads in your bra to keep leaks from spoiling your professional appearance.