Going to work/school less than a month after birth

bmac2015 · May 2015

I'm currently in school and they told
me that at most I can have three weeks off when the baby comes. My mom is coming to take care of my baby for the next month but I still have questions.

If I breastfeed those three weeks how will I have milk stored for my mom to feed the baby? Do I try and pump after she eats to get a supply built up before I go? I'd at least like her to get breastmilk even if she stops breastfeeding when I go back.

Any moms with experience going back to school or work within 3 weeks of their child's birth? Any advice would be fantastic.

chelsea+summer · May 2015

Not sure about your situation, but three weeks is not reasonable about of time. I sure wouldn't like to be in your situation, if you pushed your school hard enough surely you'd be able to have abit more time off then three weeks. If I were you id be saying screw that. Spending time with my newborn would be on the top of my priority list. But as I said I'm not sure of your situation. Best of luck :x

mybabynumber2 · May 2015

3 weeks will fly by, it's no time at all that Hun.
it does seem a very short amount of time. Like pp said, not sure of your situation, but I'm not gonna lie, it's gonna kill you going back so soon. Killed me after 6 months.
Isn't there anyway you could take some more time off?
Regarding your question, I'm sorry I'm no help there, I've always has a lot more time off than that. I'm sure someone else had though :-)

Hope you get things sorted.

Edited: bloody spelling again ...

jbettles · May 2015

I'd definitely look into other options - does your school offer online? Is it possible to take a semester off? I'd at least ask

Regarding your question, I let my daughter eat then pumped when she got done eating. We chose to supplement with formula per doctor's suggestion, so if she had a formula feeding I also pumped during that time. You'll need to find a way to pump while you are at school if you want your baby to continue to get breast milk. Three weeks isn't long to build up a good supply.

Whatever you decide, best of luck to you!!

misstrishypie · May 2015

I understand your dilemna for sure. I am a full time student and my job is tied to that-i work at my college. I am taking the semester off because the timing would mean time off in the middle of the semester. I applaud you for the bravery, strength and your dedication to your education! Best of luck!!!

jht4 · May 2015

Are you in the US? A doctor will not clear you to go back to work/school before 6 weeks (8 for a c section). You should still be on short term disability at 3 weeks. It typically takes up to 6 weeks to establish breast feeding. Maybe mom can come with you to school and you can nurse between classes? I don't know how you would work pumping that early to store enough milk to be away from baby all day. If you really want to breastfeed, I would meet with a lactation consultant to work out a plan.

louiseambrose · May 2015

I think it depends on what "going back to school" means for you. Do you live close to campus so you only leave home to go to class, as opposed to staying on campus all day? If that's the case, seems like you could nurse between classes. It would be hard, but possible. In law school I had a classmate who had her baby on a Thursday, missed class on Friday, and was back in Criminal Procedure on Monday. I think she took most of her credits pass/fail that semester, so a lot of the pressure was off, and I'm sure it was hard as hell, but she made it work. That said, if you want more time off, demand it, and invoke Title IX.

napoli1 · May 2015

I've found a lot of useful info on pumping on pinterest. There are several bloggers out there with blogs all about that. You will not want to pump immediately after the baby has eaten, because the baby will have had all the milk. Your body has to build the milk supply back up. You may find you have to suppliment with formula for a week until you have some breast milk stocked up. Good luck!

And I agree, if you are able, take a semester off. You will not get any sleep the first couple of months normally, let alone with a rigid pumping schedule added into the mix, and then school work on top of that. That will add a lot of undue stress into your life (and baby's).

ReneeJ2011 · May 2015

I too will have to go back to clinical 2-3 weeks after baby is born. All my classes are online and I will be off work for 6-12 weeks depending on how long we can afford to go without my paycheck but I will have to do 8 hrs of clinical per week plus make up the 2-3 weeks I will miss. My plan is to pump after baby eats starting when my milk comes in because breastfeeding is a supply and demand process so the more you demand the more your body will make. I just have to have enough stored for 1 or 2 feedings because I plan to split my clinical hours into 2 days until baby gets older and I have a larger supply built up. Good luck with your schooling!!

KanishaT · May 2015

Also a college student

I just finished the semester and school starts back in August. I'm planning on doing online courses mostly, and if need be, I'll take a couple night classes. I'm due Sep. 7th so instead of taking the time off from school, I rather just pace myself and get ahead online, so I have time to take care of LO and not have to worry about someone else watching or feeding him. I'd say look into something like that, because three weeks seems like it'll go by too fast./: good luck!

bmac2015 · May 2015

Thanks all! To those who are curious I also had a friend suggest pumping as soon as my milk comes in. She said don't overdo it because your body will keep producing the more you empty it which can be painful if your baby isn't eating the excess. Basically, a gallon of milk isn't necessary!

This is my last year of law school so taking a semester off really isn't an option. I'm going to try and spread out the classes so I am only gone a few hours a day and breastfeed whenever I am home. I appreciate your opinions and those of you who made suggestions.

amanda1nc · May 2015

bmac2015-- I completely understand. I am in my last year for my bachelors in Mechanical engineering. I am hoping that I won't have to take the semester off. I have already registered for fall classes and like you, I only will be away from home a few hours a day. Good luck! If you have a good support system, you will be able to achieve it! :-B

I had planned on returning to classes within 2 weeks of my delivery. Everyone's reaction to your question, makes me wonder if this is feasible. I feel like I can do it. I guess if you feel that you can do it, you shouldn't allow anyone to influence your dreams, goals, and actions.

wannabeamongoose · May 2015

Would it be possible to go part time and spread your last year out over 3-4 semesters? I had several friends during my 2L and 3L years that went part time after having a baby. It will take longer, and isn't an option at every school, but it would reduce the stress a bit. I also had a friend who gave birth a week before the bar and another that went into labor during the second day of the bar so that was a lot of fun for them, but they both made it work and both passed. There was also a big movement at my school during my 1L year to create designated lactation stations for moms. It's definitely worth talking to admin about setting up a lactation and milk storage area for yourself and other law school moms.

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