Breastfeeding and work

Recommending breastfeeding up to a minimum of 6 months is all well and good but what if you're going back to work before this time? At first sight, the only alternative seems to be weaning. Yet there are other solutions for mothers who want to carry on breastfeeding. The main concern is maintaining lactation.

For this, there are two conditions: feed your child by breast as often as you can and rest up as much as possible.

Two solutions are available:
> Only giving breast milk, which depends on your determination and work conditions. Before going back to work, build up a "milk bank". To do this, express your milk and freeze it, marking the date on the storage bag/bottle. You can complement feeds by giving bottles filled with your milk to the person looking after your child.
At work, find yourself a calm place where you can express your milk then store it in the fridge. This allows you to maintain lactation. Give baby your breast as often as possible when you are with him. During weekends, relax and ask your family or friends to help, especially if you have older children.

> Breastfeeding only in the presence of your child. This method allows you to maintain breastfeeding and makes your life easier. Breastfeeding is done only when you are with baby, and he takes the breast and nothing else. Once he is at the crèche or with the nanny, he is bottle-fed with formula milk. Little by little, the lactation adapts to the child's demand and only kicks in when you are with him!

The first few days require adaptation and you might be bothered by an onset of lactation. In this instance, express the milk. Gradually, your "production" will fall into place with your child.