With the number of working mothers constantly growing, many women choose to pump their breast milk. Going back to work doesn't necessarily mean that you have to give up breast-feeding. Pumping and storing your milk allows your baby to continue receiving the benefits of breast milk while you are at work or away from your baby for any length of time. Pumping also helps many women feel closer to their baby when they have to be apart.

There are many types and brands of breast pumps available. Some women may even choose to express milk by hand. The method you choose is a personal choice and depends on your individual situation. Many women who work full time find it easiest to rent or buy a full-size or portable electric pump. If time is a limiting factor in pumping, double pump set-ups are also available. This is an attachment that allows you to pump both breasts at the same time, which cuts your pumping time down to about 15 minutes. Double pumping also increases the stimulation of your breasts, which aids in milk production. If you'll be returning to work part-time or wish to pump merely enough milk to give yourself a few hours away, the purchase of a manual pump or hand expressing may be options. Many women successfully hand express breast milk, some as fast as a pump! Your lactation consultant or nursery nurse can give you instructions on how to hand express your milk.

To get started, pick a quiet place where you’re not likely to be interrupted. Try to relax because stress and tension slow down your flow of milk. Many women find it helpful to look at a picture or visualize their baby during this time. If time permits, warm compresses and/or massage will also help in pumping your breast milk.

Get the pump ready before you get started. Along with the pump and its accessories, you'll need bottles or bags to store the milk in. A towel or soft cloth is also helpful for catching any drips. All pumps will come with instructions. Have these handy for easy reference during the first several times that you pump. Pumping or hand expressing your milk should not hurt. If it does hurt, you're almost certainly doing something wrong. It may be necessary to stop and begin again to make sure you have everything right. Be certain to keep all of the equipment clean by washing it in hot, soapy water between uses.

You'll need to start pumping or expressing your milk a few weeks prior to your return to work. This will not only let you build up a supply of milk for your baby, but will also help you get used to pumping before you have to be away from home. If your baby sleeps through a feeding, or only nurses on one side, take the opportunity to pump. If your baby doesn't tend to skip any meals, try pumping in between two feedings. This is best done in the morning when your milk supply tends to be the most abundant. It's only necessary to stockpile a small store of breast milk in advance. Once you return to work, you'll be replacing what your baby uses by pumping a new supply each day.

If you're going back to work while your baby is fairly young, you'll probably need to pump every 3 to 4 hours, or approximately how frequently your baby feeds. As your baby gets older and feeds less, you'll be able to pump less frequently. Don't be overly concerned if you're not able to duplicate your baby's feeding schedule exactly. As long as you're pumping while away, and your baby continues to nurse when you're at home, you won't "dry up".

If your work schedule does not permit pumping, or it just isn't working for you, you still don't have to give up breast feeding! Many women choose to supplement their infants with formula while they're away, but continue to breast- feed while they're at home. Your body is an amazing machine. Your milk supply will change to meet your baby's needs. After several days your body will usually adjust to the new routine. On days you are home with your baby all day, you can still continue to breast-feed.

Always store your milk in a clean container. If you won't be using the breast milk within 24 hours, it should be frozen. Disposable plastic bottle liners work great for storage. Label and note the date on each container. Breast milk can be frozen for up to a month in a refrigerator freezer, or for up to 6 months in a deep freeze. To thaw your breast milk, simply put the container in a bowl of warm water or put it under warm running water for several minutes. Breast milk thaws quickly and will soon be ready to use. You can also put it in the refrigerator to thaw. NEVER thaw frozen milk in the microwave because it can destroy valuable nutrients, and may even burn your baby since the liquid heats unevenly. Be sure not to save breast milk from one feeding to another. If your baby doesn't finish a bottle within an hour from the start of the feeding, throw away any milk that's left.

It's very important to wait until your milk supply is well established and your baby is breast feeding well before you introduce a bottle. This is usually at least 4 weeks after your baby is born. Be sure to introduce the bottle before you return to work, because some babies need an adjustment period. If you'll be returning to work before 4 weeks postpartum, wait at least 2 weeks if possible before introducing a bottle.

Some babies adjust very easily between the breast and a bottle, while others refuse to have anything to do with it. Often it's merely finding the right type of nipple that will do the trick. There is an endless variety of bottle nipples on the market. Luckily most infants aren't too picky, but there are a few who are! You'll want to find a nipple that is most like the feel of your breast. Orthodontic-shaped nipples or nipples with a wider base are usually best for this purpose. If you have a stubborn bottle feeder, try pre-warming the nipple in warm water or using a clear silicone nipple that is softer than latex. The size of the nipple hole is also important. Many breast-fed babies are used to an unrestricted flow of milk. Sometimes it is necessary to go up to the next nipple size to get a flow rate that is fast enough and won't frustrate your baby.

Don't wait until your baby is really hungry to start bottle feeding. Learning a new way to eat isn't compatible with a frustrated, hungry baby. It may be easier to have someone else give your baby the bottle, at least at first. Infants will often refuse a bottle from their mothers, wanting to breast feed instead. Sometimes it's even necessary for mom to leave the room, or at least move out of baby's line of sight. If your baby won't take a bottle after a week or two of trying, you should contact your provider or lactation consultant.