If you plan to return to work and are in the last month of maternity leave, your mind may be turning to getting ready for that first day back. Loving and safe care for your baby is probably your priority.

If your baby won’t be cared for in your home, visit childcare centers as well as family daycare (childcare in someone’s home) in your area—wonderful care can be found in both places. 

Look especially for a licensed provider, a low adult/child ratio (at least 1 adult for every 3 babies—newborn to 24 months—and no more than 6 babies in a classroom or home), cleanliness, and children who seem happy and engaged in age-appropriate activities.

You may wish to schedule a few “practice runs” with your childcare provider, leaving your baby for a couple hours at a time (with a bottle of pumped breast milk or formula) to allow the provider and your baby to get to know each other, and you to become comfortable leaving your baby there.

Remember, also, you have the legal right to express your breast milk at work in a private place that is not a restroom.

This message is not intended to provide individual medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have about your health or medical condition, your breastfeeding issues and your infant's health. Never disregard, avoid or delay contacting a doctor or other qualified professional because of something you have read in our emails, webpages or other electronic communications.

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