Breast milk is still the best food for your three-month-old baby. You don't need to give your baby water, juice, cow's milk or solid food right now. Usually, babies need only breast milk for the first six months.
By now, your partner and your baby have a schedule for feedings. You may wonder how your partner can nurse your baby after she returns to work.
One way is for your partner to pump her breast milk into a bottle. There are special breast pumps that you can buy to help her pump out your breast milk efficiently. Other caregivers can then feed it to your baby while she is away.
Breast milk can be stored in a bottle in a refrigerator for up to 48 hours. It will keep for two to three months in the freezer. Always label and date bottles of breast milk.
Not all moms may be able to provide breast milk for their babies in day care. Some moms may choose not to pump breast milk. In this case, the baby can be given formula at day care. Moms who don't pump can still breastfeed their babies before and after work.
Going back to work takes preparation. Your partner should start pumping her breast milk a few weeks before she returns to work. Someone else should give your baby her breast milk in a bottle. Do this for one feeding each day. When your partner returns to her job, she should nurse your baby before going to work. She should continue to nurse him when she is at home. Take the bottles of breast milk when you drop off your baby for child care. Carry the bottles in a cooler. Put the date and your baby's name on the bottles. Your baby's caregiver will give these bottles to your baby during the day.
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