“We are a country of formula-fed people,” Haldeman says, and “because we are big and healthy there is a fundamental distrust that a breast can feed a baby.”
Going back to Work
Asked how women can continue to nurse when they go back to work, Haldeman says that support groups for working, nursing moms help to keep women motivated and to share strategies and concerns. “Don’t rule it out ‘till you try it,” she urges. “You can always wean if it doesn’t work out.” The lactation expert recommends women start pumping a month in advance of their return date, putting away about four ounces of breast milk a day, to build up a good supply before they have to leave the baby regularly. She also suggests that mothers prepare for pumping at work by making sure that they have a private place to nurse, a refrigerator for storing the milk while there, and a spare blouse in case of leaking. Many moms and Haldeman highly recommend “hands-free bras” that can hold the parts of the electric pump, allowing you to do something else while you are pumping. (For more tips when going back to work, see: “Back to Work: Strategies to Pump from the Office.”)
Nursing is a choice, Haldeman admits, and “it isn’t for everyone.” But for those who want to try—reach out to experts, educate yourself, and get support either from friends or a formal support group. Luckily, lactation consultants can be found in most cities and in many hospitals. To locate one, visit La Leche League’s site that lists lactation consultants and health care providers.
Moms today have so much more support than moms did just a generation ago, so don’t be shy to ask for help—especially when your baby’s health, and your own, will benefit!
