Answer:

Whether you work outside the home full-time or part-time, breastfeeding while returning to work can seem overwhelming sometimes. That's why breastfeeding moms need help from their partners, families, childcare providers, and employers to be successful. Some of you may be asking yourselves, "Why not just quit breastfeeding and formula feed?" Here's why not! 

• If you breastfeed, your baby will be healthier and you will have to take fewer sick days.
• Your medical bills will be lower because your baby isn't sick so often.
• Even when you can't be with your baby, your baby is getting a unique gift that only you can make.
• Your breastmilk contains antibodies to the germs in the environment where you and your baby live. No one else can give your baby that specific protection.
• You can save from $100 to $200 per month by not buying artificial formula.

When You Breastfeed, Your Employer Benefits 
As you can imagine, employers also benefit in many ways if you breastfeed. They get a healthier employee who takes fewer sick days than other mothers. They save money on lower health insurance costs because your family is sick less often. It is to their advantage for you to breastfeed, so ask your employer for the support you deserve.

Tips To Make Breastfeeding Easier
To be successful at breastfeeding while returning to work it is helpful to have:

• Help from your partner and family with household chores,
• An efficient way to express your milk like a double electric breast pump,
• A private, clean and comfortable place at work where you can express your milk,
• An employer that supports your right to breastfeed your baby, and
• A childcare provider who supports your feeding plan.

There are lots of ways to breastfeed while you return to work. Some women provide breastmilk exclusively, while others choose to combination feed, giving baby some breastmilk and some artificial formula. No matter how you choose to breastfeed, know that breastfeeding will help you and your baby be healthy.

Oregon Supports Breastfeeding
In Oregon, all state agencies are required to be Breastfeeding Mother Friendly employers. To help employers support breastfeeding families, the Oregon Health Division Breastfeeding Mother Friendly Employer Project provides materials and guidance on how to create a breastfeeding mother friendly work place. They also offer assistance to breastfeeding mothers that are working to create a breastfeeding friendly environment at their work site. For more information contact Kristin Sasseen, Oregon Health Division Breastfeeding Mother Friendly Employer Project, 503-731-3351. E-mail Kristin Sasseen, or visit the new Breastfeeding Coalition of Oregon website for more information!