Moms who work full-time and breastfeed?

Question

How long were you able to bf and work full-time? I'm a school administrator and I'm going back to work this week. My son is three months. I'd really like to nurse him until six months. How many of you successfully nurse and work full-time?

Answer 1

I too had to go back to work at 3 months, I pumped and breastfed all the way until my baby didnt want the breast which was around 11 months, my husband was able to take the rest of the parental weeks and I loved the fact sometimes he would take my son down to work so I could breastfeed him instead of having to pump.  

Answer 2

GREAT ?

I am about to start working again also. My son is exactly two months old tomorrow and is breast fed when I'm here and bottle fed when I am not here.

I am going to start working 12 hour shifts, at least 4 days a week. I don't know if my supervisor will let me pump. I'm planning to breast feed until he is 2 years old. I also hope I will be able to do this.

Thanks for posting this ?

Sorry I wasn't able to help.

Answer 3

you can do it

Answer 4

I did i was like you didn't think i can do it!

Answer 5

I breastfed and worked full-time for one year.  What I counted on most was a very good breast pump.  I had the Medela Pump In Style and I was able to empty both b*****s in under 15 minutes and I stored my milk in the little cooler connected to the pump.  I pumped once in the morning on my 15 minute break and once in the afternoon on my 15 minute break.  For lunch, I had an hour, I went to see my baby at daycare and nursed her there.  I kept up this schedule until my baby was one year old.  It is important that you keep yourself on a strict pumping schedule because that will help keep your milk supply consistent.  So write those times into the schedule and make sure you are firm that those times are fixed.  People around you can learn to adjust for the time being.  In the evening and on weekends, nurse as much as you can to keep your supply up because pumping is never going to be as effective at emptying your b*****s as your baby.  So the key to a sucessful pumping at work, is a good pump, a private place to do so, a strict schedule, nursing your baby as much as you can when you are with him.

Answer 6

I don't work full time- I work 4 days a week... My baby is (almost)13 months old and I just stopped pumping last week.  He still nurses when I'm home, but no longer needs breastmilk while I'm gone.

The trick is to nurse when you are home and only give bottles when you're not with him.  The mistake I made with my first was that I gave him bottles of pumped breastmilk even when I was home and it caused my supply to dwindle.  Back then, I was under the assumption that once your supply goes away there was nothing to do to get it back.  I didn't know better.

It's totally possible to do it.  Just pump every few hours while you're away from baby.

Answer 7

I don't have any experience with this, but I just wanted to say Good Luck.  You are trying to do something wonderful for your son.  I luckily was able to stay home a year with my daughter before returning to school.  Just started back, and so far we have had 1 week of full time school and nursing is still good.

Answer 8

I don't breast feed but I am an exclusive pumper *My son gets the breast milk just not the breast* and I have been doing this for 6 glorious months and my son gets nothing but. We just started stage 1 foods but again his diet is predominantly breast milk. Oh yea...I work full time and pump twice a day for 2 hours per session. Its do-able but it takes discipline and dedication. I think pumping is a great alternative to bf, especially for full time working mothers.

PS...during a session, I can get about 28 oz but never less then 22oz. My son is a healthy 20 lbs 261/4 in. long. My supply hasnt changed since when I first returned to work back in April.

Answer 9

I am a teacher, and went back when my daughter was 4 months. She's now just over 5 months. Pumping during school is hard, but it is definitely worth it. I can get between 6 and 10 ounces in 15 minutes. You will definitely have to schedule time for yourself to pump, so its consistent daily. I have a spot in my classroom, and I lock the doors during my prep, so I can pump and grade papers simultaneously. (That way, 'I don't have to take it home, and no one complains that the work isn't getting done.) My daughter loves the bottle from daddy or her aunt (who is also the nanny).

I would also suggest creating a "reserve" of breastmilk. I LOVE the lansinoh bags for milk, because they are sturdy and hold the perfect amount. When I started going back to school, I added one extra pumping at night before I went to bed (she was sleeping through the night), so I would have a few extra ounces if needed. If she didn't need it the next day, I would freeze it in the bags. Now if there is an emergency, or she is just having an extra hungry day, whoever is home with her can thaw the milk and she is satisfied.

Also, going back to work is great. You will miss your baby, and pumping kind of sucks (haha), but it makes your time with your little one more precious and wonderful. Good luck!