Maternal-infant separation and breast-feeding. The return to work or school.

Breast feeding is now practiced by more than 50% of new mothers, many of whom return to work or school within six to eight weeks postpartum. Their breast-feeding experience need not, and should not, be terminated because of this temporary, though regular, separation from their infants. The obstetrician has a role in facilitating continued breast-feeding after the return to work or school. Counseling these patients should include a discussion of hand expression and breast pumping, the means of storing human milk, infant changes related to regular maternal absences and avoiding exhaustion.