Help a Mama Out Topic of the Week: What are your favorite ways to nurture your breastfeeding relationship when you work outside the home?
Sarah – When I was working out of the home, I pumped at the times my daughter would take a bottle. Then, when I came home I would exclusively nurse her. She was fine with 2 or 3 small breastmilk bottles a day, then nursed the rest of the time. She always preferred the breast and when it came time to wean, I was nervous….but at 13 months she just did and that was that!
Alicia – Comfort nursing on the weekends and morning nursing cuddle time. I always nurse as soon as we get home from work/daycare.
Alyssa – My favorite part of my working day (as a teacher) was when I sat down in the glider at daycare and nursed my son before taking him home for the night. We were always so happy to see each other and it helped wipe away any headaches from the day. Plus, I developed a friendship with his teacher and got to hear all about what he did that day, which was way better than just reading a quick note on a daily info sheet!
Jeanne – Co-sleeping helped us and a feed before I leave and ASAP when I get home. I also pump 3-4 times at work and always demand feed when I’m home.
Katie – We nurse in the evenings, when she wakes up in the middle of the night, and at least once more before I leave for work. It’s funny, as soon as I pick her up after work, I think her mind lights up with ‘milk!’ because she immediately wants to nurse regardless of when her last feeding was. I can tell that she misses that when we’re a part, as do I.
Janell – As soon as I get home, he’s on the boob. The rest of the night, he is on the boob. We spend all weekend with him on and off the boob. Time consuming, but I love the connection time and it forces me to sit down and breathe with my son.
Rachel – I sit with my daughter every evening after work. Even if she goes to sleep, we spend the entire evening and night together because we co-sleep. I make a point to forget about all of the housework I have to do and just relax with her because I know that she won’t be little forever!
Rachelle – One of my favorite things is when I get home from work, I shower (I’m a paramedic). After I shower, I fill the bath and my husband brings me the baby and we usually relax and nurse for 20-30 minutes. It is my wind-down time and it is quiet with few distractions. I love it!
Sarah – If possible, try to arrange a mid-day nursing session. I used a local daycare that I was able to visit at lunch and nurse, rather than pump. It greatly helped my supply and we were able to EBF for 13 months without any supplementation.
Amanda – I asked out childcare provider not to feed our little one within 90 minutes of when I planned to pick up. That way I could nurse as soon as I got there.