Giving Your Baby Breast Milk, Even If You’re Working

Breast milk is still the best food for your three-month-old baby. You don’t need to give your baby water, juice, cow’s milk or solid food right now. Usually, babies need only breast milk for the first six months.

By now, you and your baby have a schedule for feedings. You may wonder how you can nurse your baby after you return to work.


One way is to pump your breast milk into a bottle. There are special breast pumps that you can buy to help you pump out your breast milk efficiently. Other caregivers can then feed it to your baby while you are away.

Breast milk can be stored in a bottle in a refrigerator for up to 48 hours. It will keep for two to three months in the freezer. Always label and date bottles of breast milk.

Not all moms may be able to provide breast milk for their babies in day care. Some moms may choose not to pump breast milk. In this case, the baby can be given formula at day care. Moms who don’t pump can still breastfeed their babies before and after work.

Going back to work takes preparation. Start pumping your breast milk a few weeks before you return to work. Have someone else give your baby your breast milk in a bottle. Do this for one feeding each day. When you return to your job, nurse your baby before going to work. Continue to nurse him when you are at home. Take the bottles of breast milk when you drop off your baby for child care. Carry the bottles in a cooler. Put the date and your baby’s name on the bottles. Your baby’s caregiver will give these bottles to your baby during the day.

If you have any questions or problems with breastfeeding, talk to your doctor, nurse or WIC breastfeeding counselor. To learn more about breastfeeding, you may call La Leche League at
1-800-LALECHE or visit their Web site at www.lalecheleague.org/.