How Can I Make My Return To Work Easier?
Leaving your baby to return to work is hard, regardless of the feeding method chosen. Review these tips for making the adjustment easier.
Let your employer know of your pumping needs in advance. This will give you a chance to develop a plan that will work for both of you. Educating your employer about the important health choice you have made and the relatively minor physical accommodations required in the workplace will encourage cooperation. Of course, there are significant employer advantages to continuing breastfeeding once you are back to work. Breastfed babies are half as likely to get sick in the first year of life as those receiving artificial baby milks. If your baby doesn't get sick as often, you will miss less time from work. This is one reason why at least 5 states have enacted legislation to encourage state employees to continue breastfeeding when they return to work.
At home, discuss with your partner who will shop for food, who will cook and when ordering in is appropriate.
Make a list of home responsibilities such as cooking, laundry, housekeeping, shopping and errands.
Determine who is responsible for what. Don't forget childcare responsibilities, including breastfeeding!
Make the first week back to work a short one by returning late in the week. Do as much as possible the night before such as:
Prepare the diaper bag so you only need to add the milk
Lay out everyone's clothes
Set the breakfast table
Plan and begin the preparation for the next day's dinner
Use the crockpot for breakfasts and suppers.
Have weekly conferences to see how the family is dealing with this new phase and to resolve difficulties.
Resources for Additional Information
Attend a La Leche League Group meeting in your area for additional information and support.
FAQ on storing human milk.
Do you have questions or concerns about going back to work? - Share them here, in our working mothers forum (personal information will not be shared with anyone!)