Pumping at Work - Learning how to pump and store breast milk can make returning to work easier and less stressful.

If you will be pumping your breasts when you return to work, practice at home for at least 1 or 2 weeks first to get the hang of it, if not sooner. This will let you build up a stockpile of milk to use when you return to work.

Try pumping just after your baby eats, or you can pump your breasts between feedings. Some moms find they get more milk if they pump one side while baby is nursing on the other.

Pumping at work may be awkward at first. You may have trouble with let down and may only get a little milk in your first few days back. Don’t worry. You can dip into your stockpile of milk until you learn to relax while pumping at work.

Pumping your breasts takes about the same time as breastfeeding, but with practice and a good pump, you can pump your breasts in as little as 10 to 15 minutes. While you are at work, try to pump as often as your baby normally feeds—about 15 minutes every few hours. To keep up your milk supply, give your baby extra feedings when you are together. You can also pump right after your baby feeds, which will help your breasts make more milk.

If possible, you might try to go to your childcare center on your lunch break several times a week to nurse your baby. Let them know when you’ll be coming, or, if your schedule is flexible, ask them to call you when she seems hungry so you can come over.