Demanding Job, Difficult Choice: Solutions for Nursing Mothers

By Dawn Rayburn

Whether you work odd and long hours, have no quiet lunchtime or your employer and work environment just isn’t supportive due to the difficult nature of your job, you may still have more choices than you think. I found that I did!

There are numerous solutions to handling a demanding job while continuing to nurse your baby. The key is in pinpointing exactly what the problem is and how to make possible adjustments to facilitate your desire to continue providing milk for your baby. Occasionally adjustments can be made to the environment or with the employer that will solve the problem; however, there are times when this isn’t feasible. I found this to be true in my very demanding job; the environment couldn’t change so I had to change how I approached pumping.

I began several weeks before returning to work to nurse solely from one breast per feeding and pump from the other a few times per day. This as well as plenty of water and brewer’s yeast increased my milk supply. I was unable to pump at work, but I was able to nurse and pump simultaneously before and after work. This provided 2 to 3 bottles for my baby the next day. I continued to be amazed at the miraculous feats of the body.

I was able to continue to nurse and pump for two different babies while working in a very demanding and incompatible career for nursing. You can too! Just remember to start early trying to solve the problem and get creative with your solution. If you need some help, contact a lactation consultant. She will be able to help you put together a workable plan. Dare to think outside of the box, and you will find success with whatever you