Having a breastfeeding plan is the key to success. It doesn’t matter if you’re a working mother, stay-at-home mom, or somewhere in between. Studies show that breastfeeding offers numerous health benefits for you and your baby. That’s why it’s important to get off to a good start and continue providing breast milk to your baby for the first year.
How do I get started?
- Position your baby on your nipple within the first hour after delivery. This stimulates milk production and encourages your baby to begin breastfeeding
- Lay your baby on your breast (skin to skin). This is calming for your baby and promotes breastfeeding.
- Feed your baby when she shows an interest. This is time to relax and enjoy. Watching a clock only adds stress. Your baby will let you know when she is ready by smacking her lips or sucking on her hands. Your baby should eat eight times daily. If this goal is being met, wake your baby when her eyes flutter or when she stirs, and begin feeding.
- Avoid bottle-feeding and pacifiers until your baby is four weeks old. At this time, your mature milk supply is abundant and your breastfeeding patterns are well established.
Where can I find breastfeeding accessories?
- The Parkview Center for Healthy Living offers Medela® breast pumps, creams and breastfeeding accessories
How do I breastfeed as a working mother?
- Start pumping when your baby is 2 to 4 weeks old, so you can establish a healthy milk supply.
- Introduce bottles when your baby is between 3 and 4 weeks old, so your baby will accept a bottle in your absence.
- Talk to your employer about supporting your efforts to pump while at work. Companies with 50 or more employees are required by state and federal law to provide private designated lactation areas.
- Look at a picture of your baby while you are pumping.
- Record your baby’s laughter, cooing or other sounds on your cell phone and listen to them while you are pumping.
- Attend a mother’s support group. You can talk with other mothers who have returned to work.
- Talk to your child care provider about providing your breast milk to your baby. Ask your child care provider to support you in continued efforts to breastfeed.
What should I bring to work with me?
- A breast pump
- An electrical cord or battery pack
- Tubing and shields
- Approved bottles or bags for pumping
- Cooler and ice packs for milk storage
What if I run into problems?
Parkview offers Breastfeeding Moms’ Group a support and networking group for new moms. Healthcare experts and other new moms will discuss successful what to expect during your baby’s first year.
Parkview’s certified lactation consultants are available to answer breastfeeding-related questions and provide tips to help you successfully breastfeed once you go home. Call (260) 672-6569 for support.
Medela® is a trademark of Medela Holding Ag.
