How to prepare your baby – and yourself – for mom being away

Saying “bye bye baby” for the first time? Whether for work, daycare or yourself, you may start spending the day away from your baby soon. Being away from your little one can come with logistical and emotional challenges. We can help with tips on how to plan ahead to prepare yourself and your infant for this transition.

In this article:

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Feeding tips

Transitioning back to work and breastfeeding

If you’re breastfeeding and plan to continue, here are some helpful tips for planning to be away from baby. If you haven’t ordered one already, make sure you order your free breast pump now through a DME provider.

  • Practice pumping. Get comfortable using your pump at home so you’re prepared when you need it at work. This also gives your baby time to get used to drinking breastmilk from a bottle.
  • Let your employer know your plan to pump, so they can support you at work.
  • Talk to co-workers with children. They can be a great resource for advice specific to your workplace.
  • Ask if there are dedicated lactation rooms and storage solutions for your milk at work, or what to use if there aren’t.
  • During work hours, try to keep to a consistent pumping schedule, every two to three hours for 15 minutes. Setting a timer if you're able to can be a big help. Without planned breaks or reminders, it can be easy to miss a session, which can be painful.

Pro tip: When you’re pumping at work, use the insulated cooler bag we sent to help store your milk and bring it home safely.

Introducing formula into baby’s diet

You may also decide to switch to formula once you return to work.

  • Start to wean your baby from breastmilk gradually, replacing one breastmilk feeding with formula at first, then work up to more1.
  • As you reduce breastfeeding, you’ll produce less milk, and your baby will get more comfortable with bottle feeding.
  • Sometimes the decision to wean is bittersweet. If you’re having strong emotions about stopping, read a book or cuddle with your child to continue bonding in a new way.

Changes for formula fed babies

Even if you’ve been formula feeding from the start, your baby might struggle with feeding time changes.

  • If you’re transitioning back to work, or out of the house more often, try to match your feeding schedule to the new caregivers’ while you’re still at home.
  • Help baby get used to the new routine by having someone new give them a bottle to ease the transition from mom.

 

Support for a hard transition period

Feedings aren’t the only challenges moms can face when separating from their infants. Take baby steps to emotionally prepare for a full day away.

  • Start by taking small trips without your child, then increase the length so that your first full day at work isn’t the first time you’ve been missing.
  • Use those trips to indulge in some self-care. Remember, taking care of yourself helps you better take care of your child.
  • Ask for caregiver updates while you’re away if possible.
  • Have pictures of your child ready so you can give yourself a boost when you get the baby blues.

Resources for your support

Your plan gives you free access to extra support through Teladoc Health Mental Health. Use the platform for support and education on a variety of topics to new support new parents including:

  • Breastfeeding tips and support
  • Transitioning back to work
  • Helping baby sleep
  • Mental Health support during parenthood

And more!

Sign up

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