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Expert Q&A
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| By Shirley Moore Certified Nurse Midwife Women's Health Specialists, Chicago | ||
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I'm due to give birth on December 15, 1997 and I am a student as well. I attend classes 4 hours per day. I break for Christmas on December 20 and school doesn't begin again until Jan 5, 1998. I have no choice but to return on January 5, regardless of when I deliver, because I am on student loans, and I have no other means of income.
I really want to attempt to breast-feed as well for as long as possible. I'm really worried about recovery time and how this will affect me and the baby because of the limited amount of time I have to take off. My partner is also in school with me and is a huge advocate of breast-feeding and I'm worried that I wont be able to do it along with everything else. Not to mention the fact that we can't afford to buy formula.
I really need some advice on how to handle this situation. I know that this seems like an impossible situation, and I must be crazy, but I simply don't have any other options. Any suggestions or advice?
Pam, first and foremost - Relax. When breast-feeding a baby, excess anxiety can have an adverse effect on your milk production, so start now with a positive, relaxed attitude. Let's focus on the pluses you have that will help you succeed:
Research shows that one of the biggest influences on successful breast-feeding is a supportive partner. Congratulations, you have one. Capitalize on that and try to organize your life around his willingness to encourage breast-feeding by letting him do all the things you can't do while feeding, ie., cleaning, cooking, shopping, etc. You may be a little tired but I have had airline stewardesses return to work and continue to breast-feed for a year.
Always try to feed the baby on demand when possible. Talk to your teachers in advance and see if they will allow you to bring the baby to any of your classes with you. If you cannot take the baby to class, feed the baby frequently and on demand when at home. Pump after feeding and store milk in the freezer for up to two months or in the refrigerator for 24 hours. You will usually find pumping after the first feeding in the morning produces more milk. The Medela breast pump is very good and is adaptable to an electric pump. You can rent or purchase electric pumps from some lactation consultants or pharmacies and sometimes your insurance may pay for this service.
When heating breast milk before feeding, run the bottle under hot water, do not microwave. While at school you can pump and carry the milk you have pumped in a small lunch cooler with a freezer pack. It does not have to be immediately frozen.
Keep in mind that if you do need to use some formula at some time that in the US, the WIC program provides formula and some foods to pregnant women, mothers and infants, and if you are on a limited income you may qualify. Check with your local public health department for information on the WIC (Women, Infant, and Children supplemental food program).
Good written resources for help while breast-feeding and working is ""The Working Woman's Guide to Breastfeeding"" by Nancy Dana & Anne Price, ""The Nursing Mother's Companion"" by Kathleen Huggins, and ""Breast-feeding and the Working Mother"" by Diane Mason and Diane Ingersoll.
Be confident, Pam. You can do it. There are good resources within your community. Ask your provider about local La Leche League meetings and if there is a lactation consultant or lactation classes at the hospital where you will be delivering.
You can do this. It is a wonderful experience not to be missed, even if you can only feed for a short time. It is also okay to combine breast-feeding and bottle-feeding to meet both your and your infants needs. Good luck."