You don?t have to stop breastfeeding when you return to work. Many women have successfully pumped for months, even if they?ve returned to work only two months after giving birth. Save your milk for your child's caregiver to give her the next day; supplement with formula if you can't produce enough for an entire feeding. If you pump at work to keep milk production up, you'll still be able to nurse your child yourself on weekends, days off, nights and mornings.

Get your supplies:

• Pump (double electric pumps are most efficient)
• Four to six glass or plastic bottles or 4-ounce plastic nurser bags
• A refrigerator or small ice chest
• Five to seven breast pads and loose tops to avoid leaks showing on your clothes

Make the process go smoothly:

• Begin pumping at home before returning to work so you know what to expect.
• Pump at the same time and place to produce the most milk.
• Eat well and drink plenty of water while at work.
• Continue to nurse at night and in the morning.
• Freeze the milk until you need it.
• Label and date the bottles and bags, and use the oldest ones first. Leave room at the top of each bottle or bag for expansion during freezing.
• Get access to a private room, such as a bathroom, unused office or conference room with electric outlet. Ask the building manager or human resources staff for suggestions.
• Store freshly pumped milk (well-labeled as yours) in the office refrigerator or a cooler while at work. Bring it home in a cooler with an ice pack if your commute is longer than 30 minutes.
• Thaw milk by holding the bottle or bag under warm running water or by placing it in a bowl of warm water. Don?t use a microwave. The milk will have separated, so you'll need to shake it gently before giving it to your baby.

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