Health Tip: Working and Breast-feeding

(HealthDay News) - It''s often a challenge when breast-feeding moms must return to their jobs.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions to help make the transition easier:

• If you know you''ll be heading back to work eventually, start offering your baby a bottle for some feedings when the infant is about 3-4 weeks old.
• Buy a breast pump and start pumping and freezing a supply of milk about two weeks before you go back to work. It''s OK to supplement your breast milk with formula if you can''t build up enough of a supply.
• Try to pump every two or three hours during the day. Or do so once a day and supplement with a bottle of formula.
• Nurse your baby right before you leave in the morning, and as soon as you get home at night. If possible, also try to work in a lunchtime nursing.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Jan. 11, 2008

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