can only pump once

[greenfaerykisse]

I have to return to work with my baby @ 6 weeks he's 2 weeks now. my boss will only allow me to pump on my own time so that leaves my lunch hour to pump or nurse my baby. I would like to only breastfeed and only use formula as a last result. Any suggestions?

[KerryS]

How long is your work day? Do you not get any morning or afternoon breaks, in addition to lunch? What type of work do you do?

If you truly are only allowed a lunch break by law, then in order to be able to pump enough, you may need to pump at other times, like first thing in the morning (either before baby wakes up, or pump on one side while you breastfeed on the other), in the evening, maybe once during the night, and on weekends.

But if your work day is a certain length of time, I think you're allowed a certain number of breaks by law.

[greenfaerykisse]

i work in a daycare center and my baby will bet attending the daycare too. I work 630-330 with a break at noon

[KerryS]

I'm not sure, but I think it's illegal to only offer one break in a 9 hour day. When I worked a day job (for the government), they were legally obligated to give us one 30-minute lunch break and 2 15-minute breaks.

Why can't you NURSE your baby on your lunch break, rather than pumping? THat would be ideal.

[Stephanie]

If you have an hour long lunch break, I would see about splitting it up into 2 30 minute breaks.

If that won't work, pump on your way to work (you can do this in the car), nurse baby at lunch, and pump in the evening/on weekends to catch up.

I would also try to build a freezer stash up over the next 4 weeks. You can pump one side while baby nurses at the other, especailly after baby's longest sleep stretch. This way, you are already ahead when you start.

And remember, breastfeeding does not have to be all or nothing. If you have to use a little formula while baby is at work, you are still doing a great thing mama!

I know Mary Mary works at a daycare, so hopefully she will be along soon with her input.