This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SimplyBonding #CollectiveBias
If you haven’t already heard, my little sister just had her FIRST baby and I’m beyond excited to finally be in the same area so I can help her with everything. From breastfeeding to diaper changes, I’ve jumped in full force to assist and share my mama knowledge with the new parents.
The transition into motherhood can be stressful, especially when you know you’re prepping to leave your baby to go back to work. Planning ahead for when your maternity leave ends is important.
one. start pumping when your milk comes in.
If you pump one time a day once your milk comes in, not only will you be able to start a freezer supply, but you’ll also ease the pain you’ll be in. The sudden presence of milk in your breasts can be uncomfortable and pumping will help. Once your milk is established, pick a time to pump once a day. I always pumped after the first feeding in the morning because it is when my breasts seem to have the most excess milk. Some women like to pump in the evening after putting the baby to bed.
two. build up that freezer supply.
Having a solid stash of breastmilk in your freezer is a wonderful feeling. Before you head back to work, make sure you have at least a week worth of frozen milk. Pumping instead of nursing is going to be an adjustment for you and your body. Sometimes it takes awhile for your breasts to get used to the change and you may pump less than your baby eats. Don’t stress – in good time it will all work out.
three. introduce the bottle a few weeks before maternity leave ends.
The last thing a Momma wants to do is to put her little one in someone else’s care without first introducing a bottle. If you’re exclusively breastfeeding, wait until the doctor or a lactation consultant gives you the green light for a bottle. There can be confusion for the baby if you go from breast to bottle too quickly. Then, have someone other than you give your little one a bottle. I know from experience that both of my girls sensed when I was holding a bottle versus someone else and they weren’t happy.
four. choose the right bottle for your baby.
Check out the super soft silicone nipple on the NUK Simply Natural Bottle. It’s the same shape as mom’s nursing nipple for a familiar fit. I truly wish I had had the NUK Simply Natural Bottle for my oldest when I went back to work. The features of this bottle are fantastic, and the multiple nipple holes, which provide a natural feed, is just like mom’s breast and perfect for a breastfed baby.
Another bonus to the NUK Simply Natural Bottle is that Mom and Dad won’t have to worry about fiddling with multiple parts of the bottle. The NUK Simply Natural Bottle has an advanced built-in 1-piece Anti-Colic Air system, which helps reduce colic, gas and spit up.
five. encourage Dad to help.
It is so important for Dad to help feed his new baby so that he can build up a relationship with the little one too. Since NUK Simply Natural Bottles are designed to be just like mom’s breast, giving baby a close-to-mom feel never before found from a bottle, Dad will be able to continue the breastfeeding bond even when Mom isn’t around.
six. set a pumping-at-work schedule similar to your baby’s eating schedule.
When you go back to work it is so important that you are pumping at the same time, or around the same time, as your baby will be eating. A Mom’s body wants to be making as much milk as baby needs, so if your little one eats every 3-4 hours, Mom should be pumping every 3-4 hours. Make sure you are aware of your baby’s eating schedule before your maternity leave ends.
You can find the NUK Simply Natural Bottles in the feeding aisle at Target.
Follow and interact with NUK social channels for potential offers and giveaways, especially for Simply Natural September!
The post Tips for Breastfeeding Moms Returning to Work appeared first on Confessions of a Northern Belle.