Returning To Work

When it’s time to start thinking about returning to work a little preparation a few weeks ahead will smooth this transition.  There are so many things to consider and feeding the baby is just one of the details that keep moms awake at night.  Literally, they’re awake to feed the baby or they may be worried about how to manage all the details swirling around the logistics of going back to work, whether it’s full or part-time.
 
The #1 question: Has the baby been introduced to a bottle? The best time to introduce is sometime after breastfeeding is well established, preferably around 3-6weeks. This is the key window of opportunity, when babies are flexible and more likely to accept the breast and the bottle. If you wait until after 6 weeks to offer the bottle, many babies simply lock their little lips and refuse to open wide and eat.  It’s also crucial to offer at least one bottle every day. When there is 2 or more days without a bottle, some babies refuse to even consider any alternatives.  The bottle may be filled with pumped milk, formula or a combination of both. In this case, timing is everything.  For more on how to navigate your way click the Ask the Nurse tab at the bottom of this page or go to:   http://www.blueorchidpress.com/breastfeeding.html