MIM: Breastfeeding & Going back to Work

Breastfeeding even after going back to work is possible and practised by many mothers. It is a great commitment but manageable with planning. Prime nutrition that has been started off in the early months during your maternity leave will be continued. Breastfed babies do not fall sick as easily; you can thus be more assured of your baby's well-being and concentrate better at work. Breastfeeding is also a great way to re-connect with baby after a day of separation and to relax when back from work .

Depending on your circumstances, you may consider either
(1) continuing to exclusively breastfeed your baby, or
(2) partially breastfeeding.
In the first instance, your baby would have expressed breastmilk (EBM) while you are away and breastfeed directly when you are with baby. For partial breastfeeding, babies would usually have formula milk while mother is apart but continue to breastfeed directly when with baby.

Some items you may find useful as you embark on your "Pumping Career" are:

1) Breastpump / Hand Expression
- to express milk so as to build up a store of express breastmilk for baby
- to express milk when away from baby

Several types available
a) MANUAL pumps , the one-handed ones are especially good, such as.:
Avent Isis http://www.momsinmind.com.sg/isispump.html
Medela Harmony http://www.medela.com/NewFiles/harmony_breastpump.html

b) Single Electric - good, but not for everyday pumping though - occasional only.
Motor may not be durable enough for everyday pumping.
eg. Medela Mini-Electric: http://www.medela.com/NewFiles/pumps.html#minielectric

c) Double Electric: Get the higher-end models for heavy-duty pumping
(approximately pumping around 8 times a day)
Ameda Lactaline: http://www.momsinmind.com.sg/lactalinepump.html
Medela Professional: http://www.medela.com/NewFiles/breastpumps.html#professional%20bp

d) Rental Hospital Grade pumps - need to check with pump suppliers:
eg. Medela Lactina: http://www.medela.com/NewFiles/pumps.html#lactina

e) A mother can also consider hand-expression.
No pumps needed!!! Saves money! And don't have to worry about forgetting to pack your breastpump!
Some working mothers only hand express for their babies, even up to 2 years!!
http://www.lalecheleague.org/NB/NBMarApr96p51.html
http://www.lactationinstitute.org/MANUALEX.html - VERY GOOD method.

2) Cooler Storage Bags / Boxes:
To transport expressed breastmilk from work to home, or to caregivers' place.
Many types available in the stores. And many sizes. Find the type that most suits the your lifestyle:
http://www.momsinmind.com.sg/colemancoolers.html
http://www.momsinmind.com.sg/lactalinepump.html#lactalinecoolbag

3) Cooling Elements - to keep the milk COLD inside the Insulated Storage Bag/Box:
Again , various styles for mothers to choose:
http://www.momsinmind.com.sg/icebricks.html - Ice Bricks
http://www.momsinmind.com.sg/tice.html - Ice sheets

4) Milk Storage Bags:
for mothers who prefer to use pre-sterilised bags to store their milk instead of milk bottles:
Again, several types:
http://www.momsinmind.com.sg/gerbermilkbags.html - fully sealable - no leaks!