Breastfeeding Routine
How can I manage to have free time to myself while breastfeeding on demand?
During the first days after birth, all mothers, whether or not they breastfeed, must adjust to their babies’ need for their almost constant presence. (This is usually not difficult, since you will want to get to know your baby and to rest and recuperate together.)
Gradually, over the weeks that follow, you will find that you have an increasing amount of physical freedom. After the first few weeks, feedings will become more regular, giving you predictable times when you do not have to be present to breastfeed your child.
With the proper preparation, your baby should be able to accept breast milk that you’ve expressed ahead of time and left for him in a bottle, if you choose to do so. If you wait until breastfeeding is well established when your baby is at least three to four weeks old, this should not interfere with his ability to breastfeed. This is how many working mothers provide breast milk for their babies, enjoying the closeness of breastfeeding when at home while still affording the health benefits of breast milk when they’re away. In short, breastfeeding promotes physical closeness with your baby but does not mean you are tied to him constantly.
