Returning to School

Evelyn Borchard

Updated December 28, 2024 19:44

I will be returning to school after baby is born. I would like to continue breastfeeding and want to pump at school. What can I do to prepare?

It's wonderful that you're planning ahead for your return to school. Being prepared will make the transition back to school easier. Many high schools/colleges have policies to help mothers be successful with parenting and studying. Being prepared to breastfeed so that things can get off to the best start is also important. Consider attending a breastfeeding class during your pregnancy. Ask your peer counselor for more information on the Zoom classes that are offered.

During Your Pregnancy:

Think about how much time you are able to take off from school. If possible, take the maximum amount of time off to ensure successful establishment of breastfeeding. Ask about the option for virtual/distance learning.
Many high schools/universities don't have specific regulations to support students who breastfeed and pump. But there are laws that protect you as a breastfeeding mother. Look into your school's policies, then discuss this with the school nurse, guidance counselor, or someone in student affairs or the health center. This form is a good guide to direct the conversation. If your school doesn't have a specific lactation room, you can ask about rooms that aren't being used, like offices, dorm rooms, or lounge areas.
Consider your daycare/caregiver options. Make sure to choose someone who is knowledgeable or willing to learn the proper storage and handling of breast milk. Having support from baby's caregiver is crucial in your breastfeeding success.
Research breast pumps and reach out to your insurance company to find out which pumps are covered. The WIC program also provides pumps.
Make a breastfeeding plan for your hospital stay and share it with your doctor and other hospital staff.

After Baby is Born:

Get breastfeeding off to a good start and focus on recovering, bonding, and establishing a good milk supply for the first few weeks.
Wait to pump for about 2-4 weeks, if possible. Once you’re confident that baby is latching well and your milk supply has evened out, think about adding a morning and evening pumping session to start storing breast milk. You don’t need a huge freezer stash of milk; several days–1 week's worth of feedings is plenty.
Make sure you are using the correct breast flange to optimize how much milk can be pumped.
Offer baby a bottle of breast milk using the paced bottle-feeding method. This helps babies go back-and-forth from breast to bottle easier and helps prevent overfeeding and waste. For more helpful tips on bottle-feeding your breastfeed baby, click here.
Practice your routine. A few days before you return to school, take baby and your breast milk to daycare for a trial run. Share your preference for paced feeding, explain how to handle your breast milk, and inform the caregiver of how much/how often baby typically eats. For more information on the average intake of a breastfed baby, click here.

Bottle Feeding Tips:

1. 1. 1. 1. Offer the bottle at the right time. Aim for 1-2 hours after last nursing, while baby is active but not starving!
      2. Make bottle feeding a pleasant experience by smiling and talking in a soothing voice.
      3. Go Slow. Babies who are used to being fed at the breast like to take their time. Give baby a small taste on their lips and be gentle.
      4. Stop if anyone becomes frustrated. Be patient and try again later.
      5. If possible, have someone other than you offer the bottle to baby.

When You Return to School:

Consider going back on a Wednesday or Thursday instead of a Monday.
Bring your pump, pump parts (tubing, bottles, flanges, electrical cord), storage bags, and if needed, a cooler with ice packs.
Breastfeed baby right before and right after school.
Pump as often as baby would usually breastfeed (around every 3 hours). Keep growth spurts in mind and consider adding pumping sessions during those times.
Keep pump parts in a storage bag in the fridge between pumping sessions to save time cleaning them at school. Wash them in warm, soapy water each night at home.
Discuss any changes to your pumping schedule that need to be made with the appropriate school staff member.
Breastfeed often when you’re with baby. Take advantage of evenings and weekends to nurse on breast as this is very beneficial to your milk supply. Some breastfed babies tend to consume the majority of their calories when with mom by nursing frequently when together and less while apart. This is called reverse-cycling and as long as you can cope with the demand, there is nothing wrong with it.

Your commitment to providing breast milk for your baby while you're at school is admirable! Ask your peer counselor about the monthly Zoom breastfeeding support group to engage with other moms and get the support and encouragement you need.