Breastfeeding And Going Back To Work
Ask any mother working outside the home: Juggling family and job responsibilities is a daily balancing act. In today’s world, mothers with brand-new babies face even greater challenges. The longer you are able to stay home, the better. However, this is not an option for all mothers, and, if you are getting ready to return to work after the birth of a baby, you might be concerned about how to continue to breastfeed. But don't worry. By planning ahead, it’s possible to combine work and breastfeeding successfully.
It is typical for any new mother returning to work to feel fatigued and to experience a sense of loss over leaving her new baby in someone else's care. If you have been breastfeeding your baby, you may feel even more sadness at the prospect of having to cease a natural process that has protected your infant's health and created such a powerful, nurturing bond between you and your baby.
But remember; you don't have to stop breastfeeding your baby! Medical professionals agree that both you and your baby will gain many health benefits from breastfeeding. You'll need some patience to see you through a period of adjustment. But the choice is yours. Return to work and continue to breastfeed. Yes, you can!
Fortunately, more and more employers institute company-sponsored support for breastfeeding mothers. For example, some programs include prenatal education and post-natal counseling provided by an on-site lactation professional, as well as time, space and equipment for women to pump their breast milk at work. Other companies may not have a full-fledged program, but will allow women to take the time they need during the day to pump their breast milk. Some companies don’t have these facilities. It’s not necessarily because they are an-breastfeeding, it’s just that they haven’t got around to thinking about it.
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Talk with your employer before your baby is born. You may want to extend your maternity leave, work part-time for a period, job share, or work at home part of each day or week. If your company does not have a lactation program, now may be the time to investigate starting one. Remember, just because your employer doesn’t have a program, doesn’t mean they will be resistant to start one. In lieu of a formal program, however, try to make your own arrangements.
Explain to your employer the health benefits of breastfeeding for your baby. When baby is sick, mother often must be absent from work. The prospect of less absenteeism among breastfeeding mothers is a bonus for cost-conscious employers.
Choosing the person who will care for your baby while you are at work is an important decision. After all, your child is the most important thing in your life. You will want to select someone who supports your commitment to breastfeeding. And don't wait until the last minute to start investigating your choices. You will need to find a primary person, as well as several back-ups -- just in case.
Choosing the person who will care for your baby while you are at work is an important decision. After all, your child is the most important thing in your life. You will want to select someone who supports your commitment to breastfeeding. And don't wait until the last minute to start investigating your choices. You will need to find a primary person, as well as several back-ups -- just in case.
Give your caregiver explicit written instructions on how to store breast milk. Explain that, if possible, your baby should not be fed within a couple of hours of your return. That way, he will be ready to breastfeed as soon as you arrive at the caregiver's after work. If baby is hungry before you arrive, the caregiver should tide baby over with some water or a snack-sized portion of stored breast milk.
Above all, be organized and plan ahead, and your transition back to work will be a less painful experience. Remember, the less stressful this is to mother the less stressful for baby.
Please be aware that the information given in these articles should in no way be taken as a substitute for professional advice and does not necessarily reflect the views of Breast Feeding Information. If you have questions or concerns regarding your family's or your child's physical or mental health, please seek other professional assistance. We cannot be held responsible for any damages that result from the use of the information provided on this website. Any statements and opinions expressed within this site are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors of the site.