Preparing for Returning to Work After Baby: Tips for Maintaining Your Milk Supply
Hey, mamas! Wow, I can't believe how fast this year is flying by. October was full of so much wonderful – making more memories with my family, leading breastfeeding circles, expanding my network of providers and birth-workers, and starting a new per diem school nurse position, which has been anything but boring and crazy fulfilling!
I was also blessed with the opportunity to be a guest on my first podcast episode, which was more than I hoped for – soothing for the soul, even. We dove into a topic that I'm very passionate about: how to protect your milk supply when returning to work. I had the chance to discuss it on the Postpartum Plan Podcast with its wonderful host, Madison Fuger. Madison is a wealth of valuable information and compassion for women navigating the 'fourth trimester.'
If you’re preparing to return to work and feeling unsure about balancing pumping with your schedule, or you’re just curious about maintaining milk supply, this post is for you! Here are a few key points we covered:- The first few weeks after birth are so important for establishing a good latch and bonding with your baby before introducing pumping.
- Consider starting to pump around 3 weeks from when you will return to work to build a small stash (one pumping session a day should be sufficient).
- The hours between midnight and 6:00 AM are ideal for boosting milk supply due to higher prolactin levels (a milk-making hormone).
- When away from your baby, it’s important to remove milk as often as your baby would normally feed to maintain your supply.
I truly enjoyed sharing these tips, and I’m grateful to Madison for having me on her podcast! If you haven’t already, check out the full episode here for more tips on protecting your milk supply as you transition back into the workforce. You deserve to feel confident and supported during this journey!
For personalized expert support during your back-to-work journey, I offer 1:1 virtual sessions. You can find my coaching link here for support at $1.25 a minute through the I Help Moms platform.
Doula-Approved: My Go-To Items for New Moms and Babies
With so many expectant mamas in my life currently—and over a decade of watching the evolution of baby products—I thought I’d share some of my go-to baby shower gifts, as well as a few items I’ve found aren’t as essential. When you begin your search, you'll run into an overwhelming number of options. So, when you're holding that scanner at Target or adding items to your Amazon cart, I hope this list will support your journey into motherhood!
For Mom:
- Comfy slippers: I love gifting an expectant mama a soft pair of booties with non-slip soles—perfect for wearing around the house while she’s healing and bonding with her new baby.
- Bath soak: There’s nothing quite like a soothing bath soak. My favorite to gift friends and family is lavender-scented Epsom salt that mamas can use during pregnancy or for moments of relaxation during their postpartum phase when it's safe to soak again. It’s a wonderful way to add a touch of warmth to a mama's self-care routine.
- Nursing bras: A supportive, well-fitting bra is essential—just make sure it’s not too tight and has no underwire. I personally loved nursing sleep bras. They were so convenient and breathable that I continued wearing them long after I stopped breastfeeding.
- Nursing pads: In the early days of breastfeeding, breasts may leak unexpectedly due to oxytocin and your body adjusting to milk production. Both disposable and cloth pads are available to slip into your bra. I used both but found myself reaching for disposables more often because they were more accessible.
- Microwavable heating pad: I didn’t have this during my postpartum days, and I wish I did! One of my clients had several around her home and used them to relieve tension and stress. She would ask me to warm them for about a minute before using them on her breasts, which helped with milk let-down during pumping sessions. The brand she used was Bed Buddy, and after getting one for myself, I’ve been gifting these ever since!
- 3-in-1 breast therapy packs: Lansinoh- my go-to (and other brands) make these, and the moms I’ve gifted them to swear by how helpful they are, especially in the early breastfeeding days.
For Baby:
- White noise machine: This is a must-have for soothing babies, especially in those early days when they're transitioning from the comfort of your womb. The sound mimics the noises they heard in utero and can help drown out background noise that might disrupt their sleep. I used mine with my daughter until she was about eight years old!
- Boudreaux’s Butt Paste: This is a family favorite! It was a lifesaver when my daughter was a baby, and I always gift a tube at baby showers. Aquaphor is another great barrier cream for everyday use.
- Boppy Pillow: Yes, they still exist! I loved mine when I was learning to breastfeed, and I’ve used Boppys for years for bottle-feeding my doula babies as well. They're great for support, though they aren’t meant to be used as sleep devices.
- Bassinet for rooming in: While a crib is important, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends rooming in with your baby for the first six months. I don’t have a specific brand preference, but I suggest choosing one with a firm mattress. I recommend avoiding bassinets that strap the baby in or rock, as they can set up unrealistic expectations for sleep. Your baby just needs a safe, simple surface that adheres to safe sleep guidelines—nothing fancy! Plus, having a bassinet in your room makes nighttime feedings much easier, reducing the amount of time you're up and moving around.
What You Can Skip (though the choice is yours!):
- Bottle warmers: Over the years, I’ve found these less necessary, as warming a mug of water in the microwave and placing the bottle or breastmilk bag inside works just as well. Plus, it helps babies adjust to a range of milk temperatures, which is handy on the go.
- Formula makers: Formula-dispensing machines may seem convenient, offering "baby lattes" by providing warm, ready-to-feed formula at the touch of a button. However, some parents find these machines inconsistent with formula-to-water ratios, which is crucial for a baby's nutrition and hydration. Most of my clients have stopped using them altogether or ended up using them only to dispense warm water. And I encourage all parents to do their own research and weigh the pros and cons to see if a product is a right fit for their family.
I’m not here to criticize any companies or play brand favorites. But I am passionate about sharing my experiences, honest advice, and providing compassionate, non-judgmental support for new parents!
**If you’d like to download my free postpartum planning journal, which includes a list of healing products and tips to support your recovery, click here.**
**To schedule a free 15-minute discovery call, book a prenatal breastfeeding class, and receive affordable support with your postpartum plan + baby registry! Click here for on-demand, by-the-minute support with I Help Moms as you transition into motherhood!**
**Click here to give gifts like expert support for pregnancy, lactation, the postpartum period, or gentle infant sleep coaching to a new or expectant mama in your life!**
Daytime Doula Support: Empowering Moms to Thrive After Birth
At Newby Nurturing, we understand that every mother’s journey is unique, and we acknowledge both the beauty of early motherhood and its challenges. While we still offer overnight postpartum care, we're excited to announce that we now provide daytime postpartum doula support tailored to your individual needs.
So What Does a Daytime Postpartum Doula Do?
From diaper changes to comforting techniques, we help ensure your little one is well-cared for, allowing you time to catch up on much-needed rest.
Breastfeeding Support and Guidance:
Whether it's supporting you with latch techniques, assisting with your breast pump, or providing evidence-based guidance on proper breastmilk storage guidelines and how to safely prepare infant formula, our certified doulas offer personalized support.
Sterilizing Bottles and Pump Parts:
We understand the importance of keeping your feeding equipment clean and can take care of this task so you can focus on bonding with your little one.
Washing and Folding Baby Laundry:
To take another endless task off of your hands, we can wash and fold your baby's clothes, blankets and burp cloths, ensuring fresh ones are readily available.
Meal Preparation:
We can prepare nourishing meals and snacks and ensure you're staying hydrated, giving your more time to relax and recover.
Providing a Listening Ear and Emotional Support:
The transition into Motherhood is a monumental experience. Our doulas are here to listen, offer encouragement, and provide non-judgmental support on your journey.
Helping with Bottle Selection and Swaddling Techniques:
We can help you choose the right bottle and teach you to master swaddling so that you can confidently soothe your baby.
Why Choose Daytime Support?
Daytime doula support gives you flexibility to take a break and care for yourself. Whether you need time for a hot shower, to run errands, or have someone accompany you to a doctor’s appointment, we're here to help. Our goal is to ensure you feel supported and confident as you adjust to your new role.
We currently serve families in the Houston and San Antonio-New Braunfels areas. Ready to get the support you deserve? Inquire today at www.newbynurturing.com to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you recharge while we handle the rest.
What Can a Postpartum Doula Do For You?
A postpartum doula ensures that you feel supported and heard during your transition into motherhood—a time that often comes with many questions and uncertainties.
She can be a listening ear as you process your birth story or any concerns you may be having. She offers evidence-based education and can connect you with resources or trusted professionals in her referral network.
She can assist you with light household duties, such as washing and sterilizing bottles and pump parts, preparing nourishing snacks, refilling your water, and taking care of baby laundry.
If you are breastfeeding, she can answer questions, assist you with achieving a comfortable latch, and refer you to lactation specialists when needed.
She is also there to help you and your partner catch up on rest. While you get some shut-eye, she can take over care of your sweet baby, providing soothing, diapering, bottle feeding, or bringing the baby to you to nurse, all while keeping a detailed log of their nightly routine.
Most importantly, a postpartum doula is there to support not only the mom's recovery but the whole family as a unit. She is a compassionate professional who brings a nurturing presence to the families in her care.
If you are interested in postpartum doula support, we have a wonderful team that proudly serves families in the Houston and San Antonio-New Braunfels areas. Click here to fill out a contact form to set up your free 15-minute consultation.
How to Choose the Right Postpartum Doula for You
So you've decided to hire a postpartum doula, but now you are wondering how to find the right one for you.
Ways to know if your baby is getting enough milk
One of the most common concerns for new mothers is wondering if their baby is getting enough milk. In the early days of breastfeeding, babies’ tummies are tiny—about the size of a marble when they're born, holding 1-1.4 teaspoons.
During the first few days postpartum, babies take in smaller, more frequent feeds of colostrum, (Mom's first milk), which arrives in small amounts weeks before delivery and is the perfect food for babies. Colostrum has been referred to as baby’s first medicine, or “liquid gold” since it is packed with nutrients and antibodies that will prime their immune system those first few days earth-side.
Breastfed babies typically eat between 8 and 12 times a day, sometimes more! Responding to their cues is important and will help establish a good milk supply. Babies tend to feed more frequently during growth spurts or when they're not feeling well.
Here are some ways to know if your baby is getting enough:
Feeding Cues
- Signs of Satisfaction: Babies usually begin a feeding with clenched fists. As they nurse, their hands will relax and open up, and they will appear content and relaxed after feeding.
Diaper Output
- Wet and Dirty Diapers: Your baby should have an adequate number of wet and dirty diapers. Expect about 6-8 wet diapers and at least 3-4 stools per day once your milk comes in.
- Growth and Development: Regular weight checks are important to ensure baby is gaining weight adequately. Babies typically lose a bit of weight in the first few days but should be back to their birth weight by about two weeks old.
We're here to support you
If you're a breastfeeding mom in the Houston area, my expert team of postpartum doulas is here to support your unique breastfeeding goals. Lactation home visits are currently available in the San Antonio-New Braunfels area.
**Click here if you'd like schedule a free discovery call to learn about more about our services.**
If you are interested in virtual support through your breastfeeding goals, I offer by-the-minute consulting through I Help Moms —[click here for my coaching link]!