If you’re preparing to return to the work force, but are still breastfeeding, you may be concerned about building up your breast milk stash when heading back to work.  Once separation occurs between mom and baby, a caregiver will be responsible for feedings during the time apart so having an adequate supply of breast milk to leave for your child’s consumption is vitally important to full-term breastfeeding success. Full-term breastfeeding refers to providing your baby with breast milk for a one year duration immediately after delivery, and according the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), breast milk should be provided exclusively for the first six months of life.  So how is it possible to maintain your breastfeeding commitment when most mothers return to the workforce before the conclusion of this recommended time frame?  Simply put, a woman with a normal supply produces milk based on supply and demand.  More specifically, if milk is expressed frequently the body responds by increasing production levels.   Based on this logic, mothers planning to return to the work force should pump breast milk in between feedings to establish a milk supply for use when separation occurs. Consider the advice of working mother, avid blogger and author, Jessica Shortall.  In a recent post entitled, “Building A Breast Milk Stash Before You Go Back to Work,” Shortall suggests pumping immediately in the morning after the first feeding, and while baby sleeps to develop your breast milk stash.   Her morning pumping preference is predicated on the idea that milk is more abundant in the morning, and when more milk is expressed in the early part of the day you’ll jump start your milk production, resulting in greater volumes throughout the day. Shortall also suggests pumping after you’ve fed and burped your child, setting your baby up somewhere comfortable while sitting down to pump.  If your milk production is poor at first, just stick with it as your body should respond with greater quantities in time.  She also suggests immediately placing the pumped breast milk into a freezer bag or inside the refrigerator until you have enough to fill a freezer bag.  Label the bags inside the freezer and store them lying flat, like little bricks.  Organize the bags with the oldest on top so you can grab it quickly to thaw inside the fridge when needed.  A standard freezer can preserve breast milk for up to six months, and you can monitor your baby’s feedings to determine an appropriate supply based on feeding frequency and quantity consumed during the time you’re expected to be apart. In order to build up your milk supply stash you’re going to need the proper tools…a double electric breast pump.  Most insurance companies cover the cost of breastfeeding equipment and supplies when obtained from a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) provider like Aeroflow Breastpumps.  Simply submit your information here and one of Aeroflow's Breastpump Specialists will contact you within a few business days to let you know if you qualify for a breast pump through insurance.  Improve your commitment to full term breastfeeding success, and seek the expertise from the professionals at Aeroflow Breastpumps today!