Returning to work outside the home whilst staying attached
Often women feel they have to wean their babies or toddlers because they are returning to work. However, breastfeeding is an invaluable way of reconnecting with your child after time apart.
More and more women are expressing at work to maintain their supply and to avoid the hazards of formula.
Weaning is not an all-or-nothing process as partial weaning is possible. You can always keep the morning and/or evening feeds and eliminate the rest.
Attachment Parenting ‘online forums’ are full of women who work and express for their children – seek out their support and ideas. See the Natural Parenting Directory (on the left hand side of this website) for support services an groups.
Making your workplace breastfeeding friendly
Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplace Accreditation by the Australian Breastfeeding Association
La Leche League International (LLLI) writes that "Corporate lactation programs help promote a commitment to employee well-being and save companies thousands of dollars per year in the process"(SOURCE).
Articles
Returning to the Paid Workforce / Leaving Baby with a Carer - Articles by the Australian Breastfeeding AssociationCan you return to work and still breastfeed?
Hints on coping with work and breastfeeding
A caregiver’s guide to the breastfed baby
Suggestions on using an electric breast pump
Expressing and storing breastmilk
Breastfeeding friendly workplace
accreditation
Booklets
Breastfeeding, Women and Work by the Australian Breastfeeding Association
Expressing & Storing Breastmilk
by the Australian Breastfeeding Association
What to Feed the Baby when the
Mother is Working Outside the Home by Dr Jack Newman (see articles
list)
The Working mom by Breastfeeding.com
In the US many women are forced to return to work when their babies are very small, as they are not protected by national maternity leave provisions. Breastfeeding.com has a whole section dedicated to working mums.
Questioning the religion of work