Talking to Your Employers Returning to Work Storing Your Breastmilk Where to Pump Introducing a Bottle
Mother-Friendly Worksite
The transition from being at home with my child and breastfeeding him on a schedule to pumping at work was tough at first. But eventually I got in a pattern that became my normal routine at work, and the comfort of coming back home to find my child wanting and receiving my breastmilk kept me going. 
Pati Ramos-White
Breastfeeding Mother "Keats"
Returning to Work - For all moms, going back to work is hard. But there are things you can do to make it easier for you and your baby.
Plan a daily phone call to your baby’s caregiver to find out how your baby is doing. Place a favorite photo of your baby on your desk or in your work area. Set aside time after work to reconnect
with your baby.
with your baby.
Know what you’ll do if your baby is sick or your baby’s caregiver is unavailable on a workday, whether it’s taking a sick day yourself or calling a friend or loved one to care for your baby.
Bring your breast pump, containers for expressed milk, an insulated bag and ice packs to work. Keep extra breast pads in case your breasts leak. Stick to your pumping schedule to keep up
your milk supply.
your milk supply.
If you can’t express milk at work, breastfeed your baby or pump just before you go to work and as soon as you return home. You could also pump between feedings on weekends for extra breastmilk to be used while you’re working.
Don’t try to do everything yourself. Accept help from your partner, loved ones and friends. Speak up if you’re feeling guilty, sad or overwhelmed. If you’re having trouble pumping milk at work or nursing your baby at home, contact your WIC peer counselor or a lactation consultant to get help.
Too many moms are guilty of taking care of everyone but themselves. Take time to relax in the tub after you put the baby to bed or unwind with a favorite book or soft music. Cut down on unnecessary commitments. Pick a reasonable bedtime and stick with it. On weekends, sleep when your baby sleeps.
Hearing stories from friends or co-workers with babies or toddlers can really help. Friends can give you ideas for how to handle certain situations, and also help you realize your feelings are normal.
Above all, maintain a positive attitude. Tell your baby how excited you are to see her at the end of the day. Your baby may not understand your words, but she will pick up on your emotions.
Check out The Milk Memos by Cate Colburn, the true story of how real moms learned how to go back to work and continue nursing.
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