We want to encourage mom to breastfeed as long as she wants to and unfortunately, mom’s returning to work can face many challenges if they’re trying to keep breastfeeding and keep their supply up. From remembering to take every tiny piece of the pumping equipment, to sterilizing bottles and eating and drinking enough to keep your supply up. We’ve compiled a list of the 3 biggest issues facing breastfeeding moms when returning to work and what you can do to solve or avoid them:

1)   New Stress

There are a number of new stressors when mom is working again, but it’s critical to manage the stress level, because it can affect the milk supply. A few tips to get you started:

• Go for short walks during the day

• Have regular check-ins with baby

• Manage expectations at work

2)   Drinking Enough Fluids

Hydration is key to maintaining a healthy milk supply. Your milk supply will thank you.

• Consider filling a pitcher at the beginning of the day with water for the day so you can track how much you’ve had

• Consider adding a breast milk boost such as fenugreek supplement like UpSpring Milkflow drink mix or capsules.

• Set reminders on your smartphone to drink up.

• Drink at least 8 cups of water a day (read more Hydration here link to Hydration post)

3)   Making Pumping A Priority

To ensure your body continues to produce enough milk and you avoid an infection, stick to a regular pumping schedule.

• Set a calendar appointment for pumping.

• Ask a supervisor to help you locate a private space where you can pump, like another female’s private office space.

• If an inside space isn’t available, try the car. You may need to get a special adapter for your pump to plug into your car’s outlet.

• Try a portable-pump which can slip into the bra and be fairly concealed, so you can continue to work while pumping.

Questions? Call +254 718 994 368 / 733 994 368 or email: wecare@pathwayintl.co.ke

PATHWAY INTERNATIONAL: providing Global Healthcare Solutions.

The post 3 of the Biggest Issues Facing Mom When Returning to Work appeared first on Pathway International.

1. Don’t be surprised if it hurts (at first)

“Breastfeeding HURTS in the beginning. Your nipples are cracked and raw, your boobs are sore, and letdowns can be painful.” — carrotcake06

“The first two weeks are the hardest. I remember standing in the shower wondering if it was going to hurt to shower for the next year until I weaned her. Now (after 10 months) it’s not nearly as painful as it was those first weeks.” — MermaidNM

2. Practice makes perfect

“The answer to most nursing problems? More nursing! And get support — online, in person, professional, other nursing mamas — whatever it takes to get you through the tough spots.” — Nurselorie

3. Invest in some comfy nursing tanks and bras (you’ll be living in them soon)

“Stock up on nursing tanks. They are so easy and you don’t have to pull up your shirt. You can layer them under a zip-up, hoodie, or cardigan.” — jkfranklin

4. Don’t be afraid of nipple shields

“I wish someone had told me that nipple shields are not the devil and will not kill your supply. When it is the only way that your newborn will latch, it is okay to use them — and you can wean off of them if you choose.” — Novem06

4. Moisturize those nips!

“Lanolin cream: buy it now. It also works as an excellent lip gloss!” — Kelly M.

“If you want to save on nipple cream, try using olive oil and your own breast milk for healing those chapped, painful nipples!” — LindsayQ

5. Create a breastfeeding station

“Set up a breastfeeding station and know that you could spend up to 10 hours a day there in the beginning. I have a radio, iPod, a large bottle of water, a notebook to track feedings, and wet/dirty diapers a remote control fan in front of us, breast pads, and pillows — I even placed my chair so I can see our TV.” — rohrs55

6. Don’t over-pump right away

“Don’t pump a stash until your supply is established — you’ll create an oversupply that way.” — carrotcake06

7. Don’t be afraid to breastfeed in public

“The best thing my baby did to me was force me to nurse in public. Once I had, it didn’t feel like that big a deal and was very freeing to feel like I could go anywhere with him and not worry about it.” — Elfgirl

“Breastfeed in public however you’re most comfortable doing it (with a cover, blanket, etc.). If you’re always having to change plans or sit alone, it will feel like much more of a chore.” — tralfmadorian

Remember that breastfeeding — even in public — is a beautiful thing, so don’t be embarrassed. And that BFing on a Walmart toilet is not as fun as doing it on the bench outside the bathroom!” — Rachel S.

8. Look into lactation consultants — before baby comes

“Get the number for a lactation consultatnt with a good reputation or the number for your local La Leche League before you have your baby. By the time you’re having issues, you may be too upset/tired/frustrated to look up numbers.” — JoyousJulia

“We paid $150 for a great LC to come to our house and I don’t think we would have been successful breastfeeding without her. It sounds pricey, but compared to the cost of formula, it’s so worth it!” — Mainer-in-Texas

9. Don’t forget to eat!

“I got woozy after nursing sessions during the first few weeks and it was because I wasn’t consuming enough calories. Baby will get all the nutrients he needs, but it will leave you with nothing. Make good choices about what you’re eating — lots of veggies and healthy proteins. I keep snacks and water in my pump bag because I always get hungry or thirsty when I nurse or pump.” — BottomStar

“It’s so easy in the beginning to be consumed with everything baby and forget to take care of yourself. The problem is, if you forget to eat and drink, you aren’t helping your supply to increase at all. You need those extra calories and fluids.” — Marc’s Mrs.

10. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate…

“It’s super-imperative to drink plenty of water. I got lazy with this early on and almost lost all my milk.” — MWoodside

Questions? Call +254 718 994 368 / 733 994 368 or E-mail: wecare@pathwayintl.co.ke

Pathway International: providing Global Healthcare Solutions

The post Top 10 Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms appeared first on Pathway International.