Breastfeeding in the Workforce
The choice to continue breastfeeding after returning to work is a personal one but for many mothers, the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh any sacrifices.
Breastfeeding can be a wonderful thing for both mother and baby. It creates a close bond and provides your baby with the purest form of nutrition. In a perfect world a mother and baby would be allowed to continue to breastfeed as long as they both wanted to. We don’t live in a perfect world though. What happens when a mother has to return to work? Is there any chance to successfully continue to breastfeed?
It can be difficult, but fortunately there are many tools and support systems available for a breastfeeding mother who returns to the workforce. Employers are required by law to be supportive of breastfeeding mothers. The Lactation Accommodation Law requires a company to provide breastfeeding mothers reasonable time to pump or flexible work hours. The company must also provide breastfeeding mothers with a comfortable and private place to express their breast milk that is not a bathroom stall.
Pumping is something that must be practiced before returning to work. It takes some time to get the hang of it. It is best if a mother is able to return to work after 3 months or longer so that they have time to establish a secure breastfeeding foundation and milk supply. Babies that are started on a bottle before they are on their way to a successful breastfeeding relationship can loose interest in nursing earlier on.
It is important to purchase a hospital grade pump for use after returning to work. Hand pumps are not only tiring but they will also not express milk as efficiently and could lower a breastfeeding mother’s milk supply. Medela and Ameda are great brands to try. These can be expensive but are well worth the cost you are saving on formula costs and considering the health and emotional benefits that you are giving your baby. Quality pumps can be rented for a monthly fee from most hospitals. They require you to purchase the pieces that come in direct contact with breast milk in order to prevent the spread of diseases.
The first few times pumping at work can be difficult. Be sure to find a secure area where you feel comfortable and safe from interruptions. If you are tense you will not be able to successfully express breast milk. Keep a picture of your baby with your pump. Looking at the sweet face of your baby can not only comfort some of the butterflies that come from leaving your newborn for the first time, but it can also encourage the flow of breast milk. Pump during a time when you do not feel pressured for time. The first few weeks of pumping will take longer as you get the hang of it but it will get easier as time goes on.
Breastfeeding after you return to work can be done if you are committed to continued breastfeeding. It does get easier once you establish a routine and many mothers find it comforting to know that even though they are away from their baby they are still providing the nourishment that their baby needs. It can help mothers to feel like they are still taking care of their baby even though they are not able to be there while they are at work.
Originally Published on Suite101.
