Wyoming WIC

Going Back to Work or School

IF POSSIBLE, TAKE AS MUCH TIME OFF AS YOU CAN BEFORE RETURNING TO WORK OR SCHOOL.

At least six weeks of leave can help you recover from childbirth and settle into a routine.

Going back to work or school can make you happy, sad, or both. All feelings are normal. You may have lots of questions about how you will keep breastfeeding. Being prepared will help ease your mind.

Tips for Talking With Your Employer or School Advisor

Plan first – and come prepared with answers. Questions to ask yourself:

Schedule a time to talk:

Discuss different types of schedules such as:

Explain Your Needs to Your Employer/School:

Help your employer/school understand your needs, such as:

KEEP IN MIND THAT RETURNING TO WORK OR SCHOOL GRADUALLY GIVES YOU MORE TIME TO ADJUST.

Let them know you won’t take time beyond what you need. Whether your time spent expressing milk is paid or unpaid, you can offer to make it up if you are able to or do some tasks while pumping after you get set up. And when it comes to finding a place to pump, offer creative solutions, such as offices, areas that can be blocked off, storage closets or even your car with window coverings. It is key that you are comfortable when you express your milk.

Workplace Support

Breastfeeding mothers need all the support they can get as they go back to work. Click below to download a free Returning to Work Plan. Ask WIC breastfeeding staff to help you fill out this sheet so you can take it to your employer.

Preparing for Childcare

Talk with your childcare provider. It is important to find a childcare provider that supports breastfeeding and will feed your baby stored breast milk while you are at work.

Install this web app on your iPhone: tap ios-share and then Add to Home Screen.

SIDE-LYING HOLD

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

CROSS-CRADLE HOLD

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

CLUTCH OR “FOOTBALL” HOLD

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

CRADLE HOLD

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

Laid-Back Hold

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when: