How to keep milk supply when going back to work?

Maintaining Milk Supply When Returning to Work
Returning to work after maternity leave can be a challenging transition for breastfeeding mothers, particularly when it comes to maintaining milk supply. The good news is that with the right strategies, it is entirely possible to keep your milk production steady while balancing work responsibilities. Here’s how to navigate this important phase.
Establish a Pumping Schedule
One of the most effective ways to maintain your milk supply is to establish a consistent pumping schedule that mimics your baby’s feeding routine. Aim to pump every 2-3 hours during your workday, which helps signal your body to continue producing milk. This regularity is crucial, as it closely aligns with how often your baby would typically feed, ensuring that your body remains in the rhythm of milk production.
Create a Comfortable Pumping Environment
Finding a comfortable and private space to pump at work can significantly impact your ability to express milk effectively. If possible, choose a location that allows you to relax and feel at ease. Consider bringing items that remind you of your baby, such as a photo or a piece of clothing, to help stimulate let-down reflex and make the experience more comforting.
Stay Hydrated and Nourished
Hydration plays a vital role in milk production. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially before and after pumping sessions. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can support your overall health and milk supply. Foods like oats, almonds, and leafy greens are often recommended for breastfeeding mothers.
Utilize Breastfeeding-Friendly Policies
Many workplaces are now required to provide accommodations for breastfeeding mothers, including designated pumping areas and break times. Familiarize yourself with your company’s policies regarding breastfeeding and discuss your needs with your employer or HR department. This proactive approach can help ensure you have the necessary support to maintain your milk supply.
Consider Power Pumping
If you find that your milk supply is dwindling, consider incorporating power pumping into your routine. This technique involves pumping for 20 minutes, resting for 10 minutes, and repeating this cycle for about an hour. Power pumping can help mimic the cluster feeding behavior of infants, which can stimulate increased milk production.
Manage Stress Levels
Returning to work can be stressful, and stress is known to negatively impact milk supply. Finding ways to manage stress, whether through mindfulness practices, exercise, or simply taking breaks during the day, can help maintain your milk production. Prioritizing self-care is essential during this transition.
Stay Connected with Your Baby
Maintaining a bond with your baby while at work can also help with milk supply. Regularly engaging in skin-to-skin contact when you are together, and spending quality time during your breaks can reinforce your breastfeeding relationship. This emotional connection can positively influence your body’s milk production.
In conclusion, while returning to work poses challenges for breastfeeding mothers, implementing these strategies can help ensure a steady milk supply. By establishing a routine, creating a supportive environment, and prioritizing self-care, you can successfully navigate this transition while continuing to provide the best nutrition for your baby.

How long does it take for milk supply to fill back up?

Your body is always making milk. That means there’s no need to wait for the supply to “replenish” between feedings. In fact, waiting a long time between feeding your baby can actually reduce your milk supply. That’s because your body does an amazing job of producing the right amount of milk to keep your baby happy.

Why is my milk supply low when I go back to work?

Some mothers produce less milk the first week they return to work, due to the stress and changes in schedule. If this does occur, your milk production should increase with frequent pumping sessions. Keep breastfeeding your baby as often as possible when not at work.

How to build milk supply to go back to work?

1. If you have the opportunity, pump a few extra times a day for a good two weeks before your leave on your business trip. An extra pumping session in the morning and right before bed can help to build a surplus in your freezer for when you are away.

What happens if you don’t breastfeed for 12 hours?

Waiting too long to nurse or pump can slowly reduce your milk supply. The more you delay nursing or pumping, the less milk your body will make. That’s because overfilled (engorged) breasts send a signal to your brain that you need to make less milk.

Will my milk supply decrease when I go back to work?

The first few days or weeks after you return to work may be difficult until you and your baby develop a new routine. You can expect a period of adjustment as your body and your baby respond to the change. Some mothers produce less milk the first week they return to work, due to the stress and changes in schedule.

What is a good stash of breastmilk?

For most who work an eight hour work day, you can expect baby to each about 12-16 ounces in an 8 hour period at daycare, so a comfortable freezer stash is 36-48 ounces.

How to keep breastfeeding when going back to work?

Consider expressing your milk
You can use a good quality electric pump or learn to hand express. This is especially important if your baby is less than a year old. Expressing milk will enable you to maintain milk production as well as ensuring your baby can still receive your milk whilst you’re apart.

How long can I go without pumping to maintain supply?

5-6 hours
least once during the night in the first few months or anytime you notice a decrease in supply. Avoid going longer than 5-6 hours without pumping during the first few months. naturally wake (to go to the bathroom or because your breasts are uncomfortably full) than if you set an alarm to wake for pumping.

How often do I need to pump when I go back to work?

Ideally, you should pump as often as your baby is eating when you are together. Typically, this will require you to pump two to three times within an 8-hour work day. You should pump your breasts until the milk stops flowing — typically 15-20 minutes.

How much milk should you have stored before going back to work?

Most breastfed babies need an average of 25-30 oz in a 24 hour period. To be safe, divide 30 by the amount of time you’ll be away from your baby. If that’s 8 hours… you’ll need around 10 oz for your first day back. If it’s 10 hours, you’ll need around 15 oz.