Yes, you can work and breastfeed your baby. As a matter of fact, that is what most breastfeeding families do these days.

Continuing to breastfeed after returning to work can help you maintain that close, cozy relationship you have always had with your baby. It also helps your baby's immune system defend against the many germs there are at daycare.

Every work situation is different. Some women find it easy to pump while at work and for some it is impossible. Most women are able to complete pumping in 10-20 minutes. (It depends on your body and your pump). Even if pumping is not an option, you can still provide some breastmilk to your baby after returning to work.

If you are going to return to work, you may need to introduce a bottle. Most babies can begin having an occasional bottle after 2 weeks. If you are still experiencing nipple pain or if your baby is having difficulty latching easily to the breast, it is best to wait.

Your Options:
Provide Only Breastmilk. See our Pumping Page

1. Pump your milk while you are at work and breastfeed when you are at home.
2. Pump when you're at home to provide milk for the next day. Good times are pumping one breast first thing in the morning and right after you get home (or any other time that works for you). Breastfeed on the other breast.
   
3. Have daycare provider bring baby to you to feed at work.
   
4. Any combination of the above.

Some babies adjust to a work schedule by nursing more frequently in the evenings or when you are available.

Provide Breastmilk and Formula

1. Pump as much as possible and supplement the rest wih formula.
   
2. Ask your daycare provider to give your baby formula while you are at work, breastfeed when you are at home.

Wean your Baby Before Work Starts (start about 2 weeks before)

1. Start by introducing one bottle of formula a day. When your breasts adjust (2 or 3 days or more),begin a second bottle and so on.
   
2. You may find that you and your baby may want to keep some favorite feeding times like evening or first thing in the morning if it feels right for you.

How Long to Store your Milk

1. Fresh breast milk can be stored at room temperature for 6-9 hours.
   
2. Fresh breast milk can be refridgerated for 5-8 days.
   
3. Frozen breast milk can be stored for up to 3-4 months. Once defrosted, however, it must be consumed within 24 hours. It should be refridgerated until consumed.

How to Store Breastmilk

1. You can purchase plastic bottle liners to store breastmilk such as Medela™, or Playtex™ (double bag these when freezing and seal them with a twisty or an elastic band).
2. Some pump and bottle manufacturers also produce specific storage bottles.
3. Freeze milk in ice cube trays, and then transfer these into freezer bags.

Because liquid expands when frozen, leave air space. Also, store the milk towards the back of the freezer, not on the door.