adm@cbneb.UUCP (08/24/84)
#N:cbneb:24300003:000:1428 cbneb!aud Aug 24 13:50:00 1984 I returned to work (part-time, 5 hours per day 5 days per week) when my first baby was 6 weeks old and when my second baby was 7 weeks old. Both were breast-fed for one year (my second turned one last week but is still being breast fed). Neither one had formula until they were 8 months old. Using the cylindrical type breast pump (Kaneson breast pump recommended by La Leche League), I pumped about 8 ounces every day and stored it in a thermous filled with ice; that was the babies feeding for the next day when I was away. WARNING: I found that the gasket separating the cylinders wore out and needed to be replaced about every three months. I always had several gaskets on hand for this occurance. When they turned eight months old, I stopped pumping and let them have formula for the feeding in which I wasn't there. At one year, my eldest went straight to cows milk with no problem. I plan to start weaning my younger one next week straight on to cows milk. He's had a bad bout of ear infections so I've delayed the weaning some. Anyway, I've encountered no problems working and breast feeding. I'm lucky that I work part-time and that my husband takes care of the children while I work (he works part-time too; together we share a 10 hour work day). But there is no reason why someone can't both work and breast-feed their infant. Audree Thurman AT&T Bell Labs Columbus, OH (cbosgd!cbneb)