I know from experience that breastfeeding can be a challenge if you have to or want to go back to work after your baby is born.  However, I also know that the benefits far outweigh any of the negatives.  Some of these benefits are:

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• A boosted immune system for the baby.  This is especially important for moms who send their children to daycare, where illnesses run rampant!
• A since of well being for the baby, through the familiar sensation of your milk, while you are away.
• A happier, less fussy baby due to less stomach trouble.  Many, many babies have a very hard time with the formula.
• A stronger attachment between you and your baby because of the breastfeeding relationship that you have on a part-time basis.
• More sleep for you at night.  You don’t have to wake up fully to fix a bottle.  Just scoop baby next to you in bed and feed him or her while you sleep.

And there are many other benefits besides these, but that is a discussion for another post.  So, how do you get started breastfeeding when you will be returning to work?

1. Start breastfeeding your baby as soon as he or she is born.  Let baby lead the way as to when and how long he or she wants to eat, just as long as it is about every 2-3 hours during the day.
2. Rent or buy a hospital quality pump such as a Medela Pump in Style.  This is one of the best for efficiency and comfort.  Two very important qualities for the working breastfeeding mother.  You will want to pump as much milk as you can as quickly as you can, I assure you.  Many hospitals rent these out for around thirty dollars a month.  (Way cheaper than formula) Follow the instructions with the pump.
3. Start collecting milk.  Collecting the milk in the disposable bags will allow you to store it in the freezer for up to six months.  You can also collect it directly into the Medella bottles (BPA Free!) and just attach nipples to the top when baby is ready to eat.  The bottles are best to refridgerate breast milk for the next day’s feedings.  To thaw or warm, place the milk bag or bottle in a glass and run increasingly warm water over it until it thaws or warms.  Do not microwave or cook on the stove. You can also thaw the frozen milk in the refrigerator and keep it in there for 24 hrs.  Do not re-freeze.
4. Feed your baby with a bottle once or twice a day (or have your husband or other caregiver do it) once you are sure the baby is latching on well.  This would probably be best to start around week three or four, to get baby ready for bottle feeding.  Pumping the milk about twenty to thirty minutes before baby is ready to eat is the best idea, so he or she can eat it fresh, and you can keep up your milk supply.
5. Make sure that the caregiver to be of your child is aware of how to handle breast milk and warm it up.  The ones that I have come across are usually happy to oblige the breastfeeding mother, but are not always used to feeding this way.  I had a lady who was well-intentioned, but who always called me when my son would not take the whole bottle.  She was used to bottle feeding moms who are usually VERY concerned with amounts and schedules.  They are just not used to feeding a baby whenever and whatever it wants to eat.  The caregiver also may not recognize the need to conserve the milk as much as possible.  Usually all it takes is a little information from you, and they will happily follow your instructions.
6. Find a place and times at least three times during the work day to pump milk.  Store it in a cooler bag with ice pack for the next day.  You can pump in your office, the break room, the bathroom, your car, a corner, or anywhere you feel comfortable.
7. Breastfeed your baby when you are with him or her to help keep your supply up.

Probably the most important thing to remember is to relax.  Make sure that you take time to enjoy your baby.  This time is precious and short, and you will most definitely, not ever, get this time back.

If you think that you might need more information, I would recommend reading The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding from The La Leche Leage International.  These ladies do a great job covering almost anything you could want to know, and have set up a great support system for breastfeeding women.
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