I recently received an email from one of my doula clients asking about pump rentals for after the birth of her baby. Like so many women these days, she is planning to return to work following her maternity leave, but still hopes to feed her baby breastmilk. Studies have shown that breastfeeding strengthens babies’ immune and digestive systems and reduces the number of childhood allergies. Breastfeeding also reduces the risks of breast and ovarian cancer in mothers. But perhaps the biggest reason mothers choose to breastfeed is for the simple pleasure of bonding with their babies. While the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least six months, maternity leave in America is often only about 12 weeks. So what’s a working mom to do?
Another of my clients who has been back at work for the last two months says that she started out at home renting a pump through her insurance from Kaiser. However, when she went back to work, she found that the hospital pump was a bit unwieldy to carry back and forth. She was able to obtain a Madela Pump n’ Style, which she now uses two-to-four times a day at the school she works at.
When I asked Michelle Paul-Vogel, an IBCLC certified lactation consultant and Blossom instructor, for some advice, she said that going back to work can cause significant amounts of stress and so moms tend to experience a decrease in milk supply. The best things that they can do are to be prepared and get organized. Michelle’s new class at Blossom, Breastfeeding and the Working Mom (next class: Feb 21, 1-4pm), will address this issue as well as how to pump and store breastmilk and how to nurture yourself as you make the transition back to work. This class is for new parents, and you’re more than welcome to bring your baby, too!
In addition to the Breastfeeding and the Working Mom workshop, Blossom also offers a wide variety of lactation services, including Breastfeeding Basics (for pregnant moms/couples), a Breastfeeding Support Group (Wednesdays, 1:30pm) and a La Leche League International Lunch Group (Second Fridays, 12:30pm). We also sell Momma’s Milk Tea through Sweet Herb Medicinals to help increase and support breastmilk production.
If you’re looking for more personalized support, check out our lactation consultants on our online providers list, or in our provider binders (located in front of the yoga room). Our lactation consultants are available to meet with you at Blossom or at your home.
And of course, you are always welcome to come in to Blossom and breastfeed your baby! We have a quiet space, big, comfy couches to sit on and a scale to weigh your baby. We’re hoping to expand our lactation services even further in 2010, so keep checking back for new offerings!
Light,
Audrey Muto
Blossom Staff
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