My question is for the moms that have been able to still EBF while working? I know legally i get breaks to pump and a place to do it blah, blah, blah. Realistically i need to know if i can still ebf with only one 15 minute pump break a day. My shift is 7 hours plus an hour to an hour and a half there and back so 8.5 hours with only one pumping...an i going to have to give up bf-ing?
To answer your question, I highly doubt that only one pump break a day will do the job. Most moms need 3 breaks a day for full-time work. *I* was able to make 2 pump breaks work, but I respond easily to a pump and have an oversupply.
Bottom line, pump what you can pump and make up the difference with donor milk or formula. That doesn't mean you don't still strictly BF when you aren't working!
If your baby is taking in more than you can pump in your absence, it's INFINITELY more important that you adhere yo the ounce per hour rule religiously.
Good luck!
Regarding supplementing with formula, would a baby need a bigger bottle of formula than they would usually take of milk due to its different composition? Also how would one's supply react on the weekends? Would you need to keep the same schedule on days when you are not working or would the supply be able to increase over the non-working days without causing engorgement on work days?
OP, maybe encourage reverse cycling for when your gone. Then you won't need as much milk and wit have to squeeze in extra sessions.
Quoting damselle:Regarding supplementing with formula, would a baby need a bigger bottle of formula than they would usually take of milk due to its different composition? Also how would one's supply react on the weekends? Would you need to keep the same schedule on days when you are not working or would the supply be able to increase over the non-working days without causing engorgement on work days?
You still BF on demand on days off, your body & baby will adjust.
Quoting damselle:Regarding supplementing with formula, would a baby need a bigger bottle of formula than they would usually take of milk due to its different composition? Also how would one's supply react on the weekends? Would you need to keep the same schedule on days when you are not working or would the supply be able to increase over the non-working days without causing engorgement on work days?
Yes, you can still breastfeed with one pump per day. Though formula may c ome into the mix because you likely will not be able to pump enough.
You don't have to give up. It needn't be all one or the other.
But out of curiousity: What's your degree in?
Quoting damselle:Regarding supplementing with formula, would a baby need a bigger bottle of formula than they would usually take of milk due to its different composition?
No. Actually keep the formula bottles small. Bottle = famine. Breast = feast. Baby can be taught to reverse cycle and do most feeding when mom is home.
Also how would one's supply react on the weekends?
Milk is made when it's demanded. The body knows no differences.
Would you need to keep the same schedule on days when you are not working or would the supply be able to increase over the non-working days without causing engorgement on work days?
No schedules needed. The reason formula would come into play is simply having enough on hand while mom's at work, no other reason. Supply adjusts, always.
Don't you also get a lunch in addition to one break?
Opening a Closed Door: An Unexpected Relationship Between a New Mom & a Lactation Consultant
Ped or family doctor?
- arigdon4
on Mar. 17, 2013 at 6:24 PM