Your maternity leave may be coming to an end, but contrary to what many people believe, your breastfeeding relationship can continue. A qualified, understanding childcare provider can assist you with nourishing your baby as only you can, long after the time clock starts ticking again.

When on a quest for qualified childcare, it is important to team up with a person who has parenting beliefs similar to yours. If you believe that a baby should never be allowed to "cry it out," it is imperative that your caregiver share that view. Nutrition is another important issue. You have chosen to feed your baby breast milk, and your caregiver should respect that choice. Seeking a caregiver who is supportive of nursing is worth the extra effort and will benefit both you and your baby.

Melissa Vickers, IBCLC, recommends beginning your search by contacting other nursing mothers. "Ask potential caregivers if they have experience with breastfed babies," she says. "Look for an accepting attitude – you can always teach the ones who are willing but don't know much about breastfeeding."

You may also gain access to breastfeeding-friendly childcare providers through a breastfeeding support group. Nurse midwives or lactation consultants may have patients or clients in the baby nurturing business who would happily welcome your child into their lives. Many mothers who use midwives prefer a natural approach to childbirth and child rearing, which includes breastfeeding.

Your potential childcare provider could be sitting at your kitchen table right now. It is likely that a close friend or family member would be interested in developing an even closer bond with your child in your absence. A person you already know would be fully aware of how important it is for you to leave your child in the care of a person who supports breastfeeding. Maybe this person would be willing and able to help you out.

Once you have found that special person who will become the next best thing to Mom, the three of you (you, your baby and the caregiver) become a team. The key to successful teamwork is constant, up-to-date communication. Doing things like making a list of soothing techniques that comfort your baby at home will help guide your sitter, and your baby will continue the communication by showing the caregiver which ones work in this new environment.

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