Breastfeeding is important for you and your baby. Breastfeeding is possible when you return to work or school. The longer you continue to give your baby breast milk the more protection you both get. The recommendation is to breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months with continued breastfeeding after the introduction of foods to 2 years and beyond.

Here are some tips that can help your breastfeeding plan:
– Choose a breastfeeding friendly family doctor or pediatrician
– Breastfeed as soon as you get up in the morning and when you return home from work or school.
– At work – be flexible/negotiate break times – It only takes 10 to 15 minutes to pump with a good electric pump.
– Start your plan when you are pregnant
– See if you can return to work gradually and develop a pumping plan.
– Discuss pumping plan with your supervisor.
– Review your plan again with your supervisor a week or two before returning to work.
– Educate yourself and know the laws that protect breastfeeding moms and babies: http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en
– Involve your Supervisor, Human Resources, Partner, Family and Friends
– Investigate if your supervisor or Human Resource department with becoming a breastfeeding friendly business.
– Involve breastfeeding supportive caregivers only! Encourage caregivers to not give a bottle just before you are expected home from work.
– Show everyone how simple it can be. Help your supervisor or Human Resources find a minimum 4’x5’ space that is private with access to electricity and not a bathroom!
– Put your expressed breast milk in a refrigerator or cooler bag with an ice pack.
– Find other breastfeeding moms at work or in your neighborhood.
– Locate a pump to own or rent. A breast pump also makes a great shower gift.

Tips shared from Luzerne County Breastfeeding Coalition and Ottawa Public Health

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