Breastfeeding: Learning to Be... Health Article

Work, school, or even a late-night movie can require you to be away from your baby. This doesn't mean you have to give up breastfeeding. You can transfer milk from your breast to a bottle (expressing). But remember, it is best to wait until your baby is at least 4 weeks old before giving bottles or pacifiers.

Expressing Breastmilk

Before you begin, always wash your hands. Next, gently massage your breast to stimulate the milk flow. Start under the arm and move around the entire breast. If you're at home, taking a warm shower might help. If you're away from your baby, looking at your baby's picture can help your milk let down. Once the milk has let down, you can express by hand or by pump. Your lactation consultant can help you choose the best method for your needs.

Storing Breastmilk

Always use a clean container to collect and store breastmilk. Never pour warm expressed breastmilk into a bottle with cold milk. And be sure to label and date each bottle of milk. To store breastmilk safely, use these guidelines:

At room temperature: Storage Time, 4 hours

In a refrigerator: Storage Time, 3 days

In the freezer compartment inside a refrigerator: Storage Time, 2 weeks

In a freezer compartment with a separate door: Storage Time, 3-6 months

In a separate deep freezer: Storage Time, 6-12 months

Working and Breastfeeding

Many hospitals offer return-to-work classes and support groups for breastfeeding moms. If you're returning to work, here are some tips to help:

• Talk to your partner or childcare provider about timing bottles. It's best if your baby is ready to breastfeed when you return from work.

• Express milk during breaks. This helps protect your milk supply. It also helps prevent engorged or leaking breasts.

• Arrange to breastfeed at lunch if your childcare is nearby.

• Breastfeed before you leave for work and soon after you return home.

• Breastfeed at night and on weekends. Your baby can have bottled breastmilk during the day.

Introducing Solid Food

Check with your healthcare provider about when to start your baby on solid foods.

Most babies can start iron-enriched cereal and pureed foods at 6 months. These foods are given in addition to breastmilk. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization both recommend breastfeeding for at least the first year. Then you can continue as long as you and your baby want. Every mother and baby is different. When you or your baby is ready to stop breastfeeding (wean), talk to your lactation consultant.