Tip #1: Safely Storing Human Milk
In the days leading up to your return to work, refrigerate or freeze enough expressed milk to use in the first few days of your return. Refrigerate pumped milk that WILL be used within 4 days. Freeze pumped milk that does not need to be used right away.
To learn more about how long human milk can be stored, as well as how to safely handle expressed milk, check out this resource.
Tip #2: Choose a Place For Your Pump
When you do return to work, you will need to pump at work to keep up your supply. Organize your home so that you have a special area where you always keep your pumping equipment. This will help make sure you do not forget any parts that you will need while at work! Before you go to bed at night, have all your equipment ready to go.
You will need:
Your pump and kit
Containers to store the milk you have pumped
An insulated bag
Ice packs to keep your milk cold (if you will not have a refrigerator you can use)
Reusable or disposable pads
Hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies for your pump parts (if soap and water will not be available)
Tip #3: Have Bottles Ready
To make your return to work easier, have your stored expressed milk thawed and ready by the time you leave for work. This is helpful for both you and your child care provider. One easy way to thaw frozen milk is by putting it in the refrigerator overnight. If you forget to do this the night before, you can thaw frozen human milk in the morning. Hold the bottle or frozen bag of milk under warm running water to quickly thaw. You can also set it in a container of warm water. Never microwave human milk.
It may also be helpful if you store milk in amounts that you use for a normal feeding. For a new baby, that might mean storing about 2 ounces per bottle or bag. For safety, you must use thawed human milk within 24 hours, and you cannot refreeze thawed human milk. So, it is best to provide only the normal amount your baby can eat in one feeding.
how to get your baby ready for the bottle
Before it is time to return to work, have someone else give your baby a small amount of human milk in a bottle. You may need to try different nipples on the bottle. Find out what works best for your baby. This will get your baby used to the idea of feeding from a bottle. Practice enough times to make sure your baby is feeding well from the bottle.
Tip #4: Choose clothing that will make pumping at work easier
Looser tops will make it easier to pump when at work. Wear darker colors or fabrics with a pattern until you know if you will leak or not. These hide wet spots better. Layers are also a good choice. Avoid dresses or single-piece items.
If these tips for preparation are too difficult to handle on your own, do not hesitate to ask for help. Contact your WIC office. Going back to work as a new parent is a lot to handle. Lean on your support team however you can!