Combining Breastfeeding and Working at Home

Now for the bad news: you’re going to often feel pulled in many directions, trying to balance the needs of your business or employer, your baby, your household (which may include other kids and a husband), and your own needs for rest. What’s a mom to do? Here are some tips on how to meet needs and make deadlines too.

* Make choices and learn to let go

Combining paid work with full time mothering means you’re going to have to make choices about what’s truly important to you and decide what to let go. For example, your home may not be as clean as you would like. So what? Your baby doesn’t care.

So whatever that looks like for you, set priorities and don’t stress about the compromises. Buy recycled paper plates so you don’t have to deal with dishes a few nights a week. Sandwich night or baked potato bar are just fine for dinner on those busy work days too.

>> Don’t skimp on self care

When you become stressed out, your milk supply can be negatively affected. Exercise and getting enough rest and healthy food are a must for all moms. View the time spent doing these things as an investment.


While it’s tempting to stay up too late to work while the baby is asleep at night, a tired grumpy mommy does nobody any favors. If you find yourself staying up late, at least nap with the baby the next day. If you have other children, perhaps you can set up one room in your home that is a “safe” completely child friendly area so that your other kids can watch a quick video while you sleep on the couch with them in the room – even 20 minutes can make a world of difference.

>> Seek support

Maybe you can afford to hire some household help once or twice a month. Perhaps you can hire some in home childcare so you can really focus on your work when it’s work time. Baby’s Daddy will also need to step up and help out more with housework and child care. Communicate openly about your desires in this area, don’t expect him to actually see the mess and do something about it.

Do you have relatives or close friends nearby who can assist you? Even a few hours a week of help with the baby can provide you with some time to focus. It’s amazing what a mom can accomplish in a very short time when she has a little quiet!

Networking with other work at home Moms is also helpful, especially those who have been in business longer than you. Learning how to work smarter, not harder is very important for work at home Moms.

>> Utilize technology

Make the investment in a laptop that can connect wirelessly and the fastest internet speed available in your area. This makes it so much easier to get little bits of work done while your children are playing outside or nearby. Perhaps you can also sneak out to a wi-fi hotspot for an hour or two!

Even low tech technology like your slow cooker and a baby sling are invaluable. Cook dinner in the morning when baby’s happiest, and snuggle him close to your body while you work or do household chores. He’ll be more content and so will you. You can even learn how to breastfeed hands free with a cloth sling. And don’t forget to always keep a to –do list so you know what’s “next” when you get on the computer.

Automate as many tasks as possible using software. Things like backing up your computer files and websites can be set up to take place automatically. The less you have to think about, the better.

While it will be challenging, there are many benefits of working from home and with creativity you will be able to combine paid work with full time mothering.

Carrie Lauth is a work at home Mom of 4. When it comes to learning how to work smart, this resource has been invaluable to her: http://www.carrielauth.com/mm.html .

Visit Carrie on the web at http://www.carrielauth.com/blog