Pumping/Returning
To Work/Weaning
Pumping/Returning
to work:
All pumps are not the same. Pumping should not be painful.
The pump should provide a comfortable pulling sensation on
the breast very similar to breast-feeding. Some of the cheaper
pumps over the counter don't work on a suck/release/suck principal
usually called auto suction or auto cycle. This is how a baby
sucks a nipple. These pumps can be painful unless the suction
is released in regular intervals the way the baby sucks at
the breast. The force of the suction applied is another critical
part of comfortable pumping and effective milk removal. Try
to choose a pump that lets you have more suction force choices
other than just high or low suction. A lactation consultant
can help you choose a pump suitable for your needs in the
price range you feel comfortable with.
If
you plan to work and pump to continue feeding breast-milk
to your baby this can be done well with a little practice
and small investment of time. It is a good idea to talk with
your coworkers, manager etc. about your plan to work and breast-feed
to solicit their support prior to the baby's birth. You will
need a little time, privacy, a sink to wash the pump parts,
and cold storage for the milk. Start pumping 2-3 weeks prior
to returning to work to become used to the pump and begin
storing milk. The baby will need practice bottle-feeding prior
to the day you return to work.
Try
to work a short week for the first 2-3 weeks. For example,
return to work on Thursday so you only have to work 2 days
in a row. Then the next 2 weeks try take Wednesday off so
only 2 days in a row are worked i.e.: Monday /Tuesday, and
then Thursday/Friday. This can be very helpful to mom and
baby adjusting to a new schedule. Try to choose a child care
provider that will support your breast-feeding effort by not
feeding the baby a large amount of milk just before you arrive
so that when you see the baby again you can nurse. This works
well especially if your job ends early in the afternoon. You
will need to try to pump according to the babies' feeding
schedule to maintain your milk supply.
Weaning:
Last but not least, if you decide to wean/discontinue breast-feeding
this should be done gradually. Abrupt weaning can be done,
but is not advisable as this causes painful engorgement of
the breast and the milk ducts can become plugged and infected
resulting in mastitis (breast infection). This is avoidable
by gradual reduction in the number and duration of feedings
so the milk supply will gradually reduce to barely noticeable
amount and finally disappear. Use of cabbage, ice packs on
the breast, and taking over the counter pain medications can
make this process more comfortable for mom. Binders or tight
bras are not recommended any longer as these simply cause
more discomfort for mom and don't help the suppression of
milk. Milk suppression is a chemical process that occurs in
the breast and binders or tight bras simply increase the mother's
risk for plugged ducts because of compression of breast tissue.
Enjoy your baby because this wonderful time only comes once.
Any effort you put forth on your baby's behalf will be returned
a million fold. Don't be afraid to ask for help, you'll find
you're not alone.
Introduction
Tips
for success in breast-feeding
Helpful
breast-feeding information
Pumping/Returning
to work/Weaning
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