| Once you have returned to work and are pumping regularly you may find that your milk supply starts to decrease. A lot of moms will notice that they have plenty of milk to pump on a Monday or Tuesday, but by Wednesday they aren’t getting as much at each pumping session. Nursing your baby on demand over the weekend will help to increase your supply, but nursing less and pumping more during the week will decrease your supply.
Try to add in an extra nursing and/or pumping session in the evening, especially during the latter part of the week to help increase your supply during the week. Some moms find that picking up a sleeping baby and letting him/her nurse before going to bed usually helps; pumping before bed can work too.
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Power Pumping
Another method adopted by some moms is power pumping. Mostly used on weekends or days off, power pumping is simulating a baby cluster feeding to increase your supply. Pump on-and-off in 10 minutes intervals for an hour, once or twice a day. This method is more effective if done a few days in a row. Tip: Your body likes routine so try to do this at the time of day that you would be pumping at work. |
A lot of mothers find it to be very relaxing to lie down while breastfeeding right after returning home from work. You may drift off to sleep and get a short nap, or just enjoy some time to relax and plan your evening.
In order for breastfeeding to be successful, your first priority should be nursing your baby, followed by getting enough sleep. A happy, rested mother is the best gift that any baby can receive. Dads can help to make this happen by giving mom the first hour after she gets home from work to relax/sleep and breastfeed. Dads can start or handle any evening chores so that moms can do the very important job of breastfeeding. Even though your life may seem hectic now you won’t regret making breastfeeding a top priority.
Are you a working mom who breastfeeds your baby? Share your thoughts and with other moms.
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