I will be returning to work in a few weeks and was wondering how everyone who breastfeeds keep their milk coming i if they cant pump during work...I dont want to give my baby formula but how do I keep my milk coming in if I have to go through the day and not feed my baby.
Hi. Here is a great website: http://www.workandpump.com/ My Lactation Consultant recommended it, and it has proved to be invaluable. Thanks. M.
Ditto to Michelle's post. To keep it up you have to pump. I've pumped for both of my sons (still pumping for my 8 month old).
Drink a lot of water to stay hydrated.
Oatmeal is supposed to help your supply.
There are herbs you can take (Fenugreek).
But, really, you need to pump.
I use the Medella Pump In Style and have one at home and at work. It's worked well for me.
You should really talk to your employer about this. Since you work at a daycare and most competent daycare employees know about the importance of good infant nutrition, I have a difficult time believing that your employer would be so strict and not let you do this.
I agree with everyone else. They are legally required to give you time to pump, however they do not have to pay your for it. For example, I would take my 15 minute breaks to pump for my twins. Sometimes I would sneak off for a 3rd pump session if I felt I needed more. You could always pump during your lunch time. I would highly recommend getting a double pump, aka the Medela Pump in Style is a good one. That way, you can pump both sides at once and not spend as much time pumping.
Maybe you could arrange to do paperwork during that time? I know they have bras that allow you to pump "hands free".
You pretty much have to pump....they are required by law to give you time to do this. In the beginning you will probably have to pump 3 times in an 8 hr period. I personally find this so important that if my employer would not let me....I would go through some legal action and/or find another job.
You have to pump while away if you want to keep up your milk. It's a supply and demand action. Do you have a pump? If not, the hospital and other stores rent them out. There are also pumps with car adapters (I used this with my second baby). They also must let you pump at work.
Here is Illinois law regarding Breastfeeding:
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2429...
Good luck and I hope this helps.
M.
