From Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum, Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

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 I wrote this in response to a question on Mamasource posed by a member, then I got to thinking it might be helpful to others so I am posting it as a blog as well.  I feel so blessed to have a job where I do not have to be making these choices myself ( leaving baby) :) Any way hope some of you out there find it helpful....

I am prefacing this advice with you must figure out what works for you and make your final decisions.  I do have a background in breastfeeding having lactated continually since 1997 and have helped 100's of moms with nursing when I was a childbirth educator and since as well....

I too have a 3.5 month old child too.  I too work full time, in fact went back to work when he was less than 1 week  old.  I have been blessed however and was able to start back partly from home and partly part time.  I also am blessed since I have a job where I do not have to separate from my small children and take them along.  Is there any chance you could do that with your job? ( you did not say what you do)

I would suggest in order to maintain your milk supply that you never ever give baby a bottle when you are there yourself.  If you are working and away it can really effect your milk supply.  I would also suggest that if you don't that you sleep with your baby and nurse while you sleep so baby does not need as much milk during the day.  ( I have to do this since we are on the go with my job so much during the day)  The more my babies nurse at night the less they need during the day and the easier my life is.

Also consider feeding baby with a cup instead of a bottle.  A tiny shot glass or tiny dixie cup carefully fed to baby often works better and the sipping motion the baby does more closely similates nursing so is often easier for baby, it also has the benefit of being easier for clean up, baby does not get air in their little tummies and also no nipple confusion.  I would also suggest that if you are pumping or hand expressing at work. ( and you should be) that you do not do it on an exact schedule, having a more varied schedule make for more milk production.

You baby is smart and prefers you to a bottle.  Make drinking milk from a cup something different he does when you are gone and he is more likley to take to it than if you try to give him a bottle when you have the breast right there.  Many moms I helped who were going back to work have used this tactic I've described very sucessfully. 

In summary,

*Nurse baby when ever you are with baby
*Nurse baby just before leaving.
*Nurse baby @ night and relatch him any time you wake at night ( of course sleeping with him)
*If you are able to be with baby at work or at least on a break nurse then
* Pump or express as often and frequently as you can when you are away and on the non nursing side some when together too so you have enough for him.
*Cup feed baby instead of a bottle.
* NO Pacifiers at all ever
*Nurse baby the moment you get back home

Please let me know how it works!