Let's make it work: Lactation consultants help working moms continue to breastfeed

By Eve Meinhardt, WAMCAugust 12, 2015

Working while breast-feeding
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA (Aug. 12, 2015) -- Life as a new parent is full of difficult choices. One of the hardest choices for a mom to make is the decision to return to work after the baby is born. When mom is breastfeeding, it can make the choice to return to work even more difficult when faced with the additional challenge of how to continue to feed their child.

While it can be challenging, the lactation consultants at Womack Army Medical Center are available to help moms continue to breastfeed and provide support as they prepare to return to work.

"It can be hard at times, but it can be done," said Dietra Dalton, one of WAMC's lactation consultants. "It's hard on all working moms, but it can be especially demanding for our military moms who continue to do their duties as a Soldier while continuing to perform their duties as a mom to feed and provide nourishment for their child."

Dalton, a working mom who is currently breastfeeding her 2-month-old son Isaac, knows first-hand how difficult it can be. Her job is to support breastfeeding moms, a job that is performed based on the mom's schedule and needs, not Dalton's. Her breast pump sits by her desk. A yellow sticky note with three times listed on it is placed prominently on her computer monitor. Family pictures are tacked to her bulletin board. All serve as reminders for her to stop what she's doing three times a day to pump.

No matter how busy she is, Dalton says pumping and continuing to breastfeed Isaac not only provides him with all the benefits that come with feeding a baby breast milk, but it helps maintain the bond between them.

"That time I get to spend with him breastfeeding when I get home from work is priceless," said Dalton. "It's the gift that keeps on giving and a way to still do something for your baby, even when you're apart. The benefits surpass the sacrifices that come with pumping."

Jessica Callahan, who works with Dalton as a lactation consultant at Womack, said that mothers planning to return to work should take the time to meet with their supervisor to discuss a plan of action before their first day back in the office.

"We encourage moms who plan to continue to breastfeed to speak to their commander or supervisor so they will know what to expect when the mom returns to work," said Callahan. "The mom is going to need a private place where they can pump each day. They're going to need a place to store the milk. And they're going to need time."

She also stressed that supervisors need to realize that just because one mom needs to pump three times a day, that doesn't mean that the mom who is asking to pump four times a day is asking for more time than she needs.

"Every mom is different when it comes to what she needs to do to maintain productivity," said Callahan. "There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to how much time a mom needs."

Additionally, moms should try to start building their breast milk supply at least two weeks prior to returning to work. To build their supply, they can pump two to three times a day for about 10 minutes, after the baby has finished nursing. This will help increase the demand for milk production by your body.

Both Callahan and Dalton encourage moms plan ahead and to not be afraid to take advantage of the resources available to them.

"There are a number of groups out there that can provide help and support," said Callahan. "The La Leche League has a working mothers group that meets once a month and the Breastfeeding in Combat Boots Facebook page and website are extremely valuable resources."

The lactation consultants even schedule their appointments at the times most convenient for working mothers, even if that means coming in the evening or working through lunch.

"Breastfeeding is healthy for mom and healthy for baby," said Dalton. "That time you spend pumping at work is more than made up because breastfed babies are sick less often, so that's less time mom has to take to be home with a sick kid."

To speak with a lactation consultant, call the WAMC Breastfeeding Assistance Office at 910-907-8367.