Breastfeeding career moms need creative solutions in order to continue nursing after returning to the job. Breastfeeding has been making a veracious comeback over the past few decades. Mothers are educating themselves on the benefits of nursing for both baby and mother.
Breast is Best
The American Academy of Pediatrics has this to say in their official statement about breastfeeding on their website, “Although economic, cultural, and political pressures often confound decisions about infant feeding, the AAP firmly adheres to the position that breastfeeding ensures the best possible health as well as the best developmental and psychosocial outcomes for the infant.”
Human milk is meant for consumption by human babies! The AAP also states breastfed premature babies have shown significant growth and progress beyond that of their formula-fed counterparts. Studies have also proven that breastfeeding lowers the risk of many illnesses in babies and mothers, including asthma, childhood leukemia, and breast cancer for the mothers.
Transitioning from Home to Work
One of the joys of breastfeeding is the bonding that forms between mommy and baby. After the initial challenges of getting baby to latch on correctly, engorged breast, and sore nipples, time just flies by and baby is receiving the best nourishment on Earth. After mother has exhausted her maternity leave, she is faced with tearing herself away from her breast milk-dependent infant to return to her career. William Sears, M.D., renowned pediatrician and author of the 2003 publication,The Baby Book, brings some comfort to career moms, “Breastfeeding helps you feel connected to your baby even while you are apart. This is a special relationship that no other caregiver will have with your baby.”
Planning Before Returning to Job
Mothers who are fortunate enough to take their babies to work with them should invest in a comfortable and durable sling carrier. The closeness of the sling will prevent baby from crying a lot and will come in handy when breastfeeding discretely in a work environment.
Most mothers will have to hire a caregiver to watch their infant. The father, a close family member, or any other mindful and loving caregiver would be ideal for baby’s smooth transition from mothers breast to expressed milk in a bottle.
Pump a stockpile reserve of bottled breastmilk so the caregiver will never have to run short. Dr. Sears offers more advice, “Breastfeed your baby at the caregiver’s before leaving for work and as soon as you return. Instruct your caregiver not feed your baby within an hour before you leave work.” This way, baby and mother are eager to reunite after a long day apart.
Pumping at Work and Home
The first key to pumping is finding a great pump. Medela is a company well known for its quality breastpumps and breastfeeding accessories. A breastpump that is convenient for working moms who have to pump their milk during their lunch hour and breaks will probably include: a battery/electric option, a portable cooling system for expressed milk, and a double pumping mechanism for more efficient pumping. Ask other working mothers who pump their milk for suggestions and references.
La Leche Leaugue International, a worldwide breastfeeding support network gives this advice at on how to deal with employers, “Educating your employer about the important health choice you have made and the relatively minor physical accommodations required in the workplace will encourage cooperation.” Working mothers should not feel ashamed or discouraged from pumping their milk at work.
Patience With the Nursing Baby
Not all babies will take to the bottle right away. Many babies will not be picky, but for those who are more particular about what they are sucking on, start introducing the bottle of expressed milk two weeks before returning to work. Some employers might be willing to give the mother a part-time schedule at first, putting mother and baby at more of an ease.
Breastfeeding is the most precious gift a mother can give to her baby. It is an investment in the health of the child. All the pumping, leaking, and accessorizing is well worth the time and effort. In today’s world, working is just a fact of life for most mothers, and that’s great! Breastfeeding can be incorporated into any busy mom’s schedule.
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