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to work at the end of maternity leave is a stressful time for any mother, but for those who have made the choice to breastfeed, the return to work can add an additional layer of stress - from the cost of purchasing or renting a quality breast pump (upwards of $200 if purchasing) to finding a suitable location to pump at work. Luckily, there are plenty of resources you can tap to find information through local La Leche Leagues, health departments, and hospitals.Get breast feeding products at Mom and Baby Shop
Hopefully your work site sponsors a program like Healthy Moms/Healthy Babies or something to that effect which supports breastfeeding and provides accommodation for mothers who are returning to work and will need a private place to pump breast milk - and hopefully something more sanitary than a bathroom stall. If there is currently not a program in place, speak to your employer and/or contact a member of your
Human Resources department and ask for this accommodation! Notify your employer of your plans to breastfeed and pump at work as far in advance as you can and be sure to give them the date when you will be returning to work so that if they don't already have something available, they can make appropriate arrangements or work with you to find a mutually agreeable solution. If they are resistive, gently remind them NC General Statute Section 14-190.9 states that it is your right in the state of North Carolina to breastfeed wherever you are.Get breast feeding products at Mom and Baby Shop
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r for breast milk to continue to form when not breastfeeding the baby directly, expression of milk must occur at more frequent intervals (every 2-3 hours) using a breast pump. Make contact with a lactation consultant at your local hospital for advice and guidance on everything from how to appropriately position the baby for breastfeeding, information on support groups, to the best places to rent or buy a quality breast pump. Arm yourself with information, and a little pre-planning can make the transition go much more smoothly.For more info: Check out SupportWorks for a list of resources to local Charlotte/Mecklenburg organizations in support of breastfeeding.
Get breast feeding products at Mom and Baby Shop
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Very helpful tips! I've been working with expectant moms and new moms for 29 years. Some moms throw in the towel on breastfeeding when it's time to head back to the workplace. I know it's out of fear that they won't get the support or respect or cooperation they deserve from co-workers and bosses. :-(
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