While discussing schedules, Rachel also arranges a pumping space that is adequate for all of her breastfeeding and pumping needs.

Rachel speaks with her employer before she returns to work to arrange a return date and an appropriate schedule. Returning mid week may help ease into the new routine.

Rachel plans to work only a few days a week at first and try to fit her schedule to the needs of her employer.

During feedings the caregiver should try to place the baby in the same position as if he was breastfeeding. She should also pace the feeding by withdrawing the nipple periodically and pausing to burp when needed.

Any milk left in the bottle after a feeding should be discarded.

Once breastmilk is warmed it needs to be used within 2 hours to avoid bacterial growth.

Breastmilk should not be warmed over direct heat or in a microwave. This can cause hotspots in the milk that can burn the baby's mouth.

Written instructions should be given to the caregiver as to how the expressed milk should be stored and warmed. Milk can be warmed by placing the bottle in a shallow bowl of warm water.

Bettina and her childcare provider communicate about her baby's feeding schedule and eating habits. A feeding log can be used to help the caregiver keep track of how the baby is adjusting.

A few weeks before Bettina returned to work, she prepared her childcare provider for her baby's feeding needs.

After breastfeeding is established, a baby can receive expressed milk through a bottle to get him used to receiving milk away from the breast. Have the father or another familiar person feed him when he is not too hungry.

Breastfeeding needs to be well established before bottle feedings can begin. This usually takes anywhere from 4-6 weeks.

Pumps can be found in retail or rental stores or through some WIC programs. A lactation consultant can be contacted for any questions concerning which pump is a good choice.

Manual pumps are less expensive than electric ones, but require more time to express the same amount of milk.

A new mother should practice pumping milk with a breast pump, a good time being after the morning feedings. A double electric pump makes pumping fast and easy.

Two to three weeks before a mother returns to work, she should ease into a routine that mimics her work schedule. For example, she should feed the baby before the work day begins, at the times she will be pumping at work and soon after the work day ends.