Realistic to breast feed for 6 months when working mom?

Zensummer

How realistic is it to expect that I might be able to pull off staying home for 2 months and then going back to work but continuing to breast feed/pump at least for 6 months?

Davie813

--child mentioned--

Hi, and welcome to this board/The Bump. This actually isn't the best place for this question. Most of the ladies here are still trying to conceive. You might try Parenting Over 35 or Babies 3-6 Mo/6-9 Mo.

That said, I did breastfeed DD for 6 months, working full time and pumping after she was 12 weeks. It definitely took a toll on my performance at work, though, and I did have to supplement with formula.

Good luck!

Zensummer

thank you so much for your personal experience and advice on where better to post. I am also TTC for first time, but just figured there might be people in here who were on their 2nd or after pregnancy. Thank you again

Davie813

Yes, there are a few people TTC #2 or more (including me, obviously) and hopefully some of them will chime in, but I think most are TTC #1. Again, welcome and best of luck TTC!

ETA I'm sure you'll get better responses, but I didn't want to be unnecessarily discouraging. I don't think there's any way around the fact that the time it takes to pump impacts productivity, but I don't think the problems I had with supply are typical.

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gscoville

Zensummer said:

How realistic is it to expect that I might be able to pull off staying home for 2 months and then going back to work but continuing to breast feed/pump at least for 6 months?

This is such an odd question to ask a TTC board when there's a whole other board on TB dedicated entirely to breastfeeding, called, oddly enough, Breastfeeding. You'll likely get much more advice there. Good luck.

sunflwra

--Child mentioned--

I went back to work at 4 months and pumped for another 2 months.  It was tough and my supply suffered from since it was tough to always get away at the right times and spend enough time pumping.  I really think it depends on your job as well, but it's definitely possible.  As others have recommended, definitely check some of the other boards for more help- the Working Moms board would be good too. GL!

PunkyBooster

Yes! I work full time and bf ds for almost 18 months. I ditched the pump at 13 months.

I have a laptop and took it into the mothers room and just kept working while I pumped! Also helped to have a couple of pix and a video or 2 of him to get the letdown going faster. Best of luck!!!!

Mommalawyer

If you make the time, I think you can make it happen. I BF for nearly 18 months. The first 12 months I pumped several times at work. I am an attorney who does criminal trials, so I'm in court all most every day, all day. I made it a priority & made it happen. It wasn't easy by any means, but it was worth it! Good luck!