What to do after maternity leave

[typicaltuesdaynight, ADN]

I had my first baby the end of September and go back to work after the new year. I worked 3 12 hour shifts prior to having my baby and plan to return to work on my hospital unit. For mamas that went back after maternity leave, can you give me some insight on what kind of schedules you did? I need to be full time to have the insurance so need to do at least 32 hours a week. I’m thinking (4) 8 hour shifts so I don’t have to rely on other people picking my kid up from daycare. Plus I’d get to spend more time with her in case I got scheduled back to back 12s…I don’t know what I want to do exactly just want some insight from moms that have been there! I exclusively pump. I have a feeling my supply will probably suffer once going back to work. 

[klone, MSN, RN]

When I went back after my last kiddo, I continued to work 3 12s (7p-7a). I worked every other night, which allowed us to not have to use childcare. It also meant that I was chronically sleep deprived for that entire first year until my schedule changed, and I would probably not do it again. 

I am an IBCLC - can I ask if the reason why you're EPing is because of inability to get baby to latch, or another reason? If it's the first, you should know that there is a period at around 2-3 months of age where, as long as you have maintained an abundant milk supply, infants will spontaneously start taking the breast where they hadn't before. I would recommend continuing to offer, particularly when baby is not very hungry, is feeling relaxed, just wants to suck, etc. Also, many women find that an infant will latch with the aid of a nipple shield.

Regarding supply - I utilized the assistance of domperidone and herbal galactagogues to help with supply. I wasn't EPing, but I suffered from primary lactation insufficiency with my last kiddo due to him spending the first 2 weeks in the NICU.