Are working and breastfeeding compatible? Yes! It boils down to commitment — how serious you are about giving your baby the best nutritional start.
Basically, you have three challenges to consider: how to feed baby while mother is gone, how to keep up mother’s milk supply when she’s away from baby, and how to minimize the amount of time mother and baby spend away from each other. Many mothers choose to pump their breasts every two to four hours during the time that they are away from their babies. This helps to maintain their milk supply, and the expressed milk can be stored and later given to baby while mother is away at work. When mother and baby are together — nights, weekends, holidays — mother encourages baby to nurse often, so that they can continue to enjoy their breastfeeding relationship. As baby gets older and starts to eat a variety of foods, mother may mump less at work by continues to breastfeed her baby when they are together.
Benefits of Continuing To Breastfeed While Working
Once you realize the benefits of extended breastfeeding for baby, mother, and family, you will find a way to do it.
*Mothers miss fewer workdays. Because breastfed babies are healthier, mother (or father) will need to stay home less often with a sick baby.
*Breastfeeding saves money. Even considering the cost of a high-grade breast pump, breastfeeding is cheaper than buying formula. Also, because breastfed babies are healthier, you will need to spend less on medical care.
*Breastfeeding help you feel connected. Pumping and storing your milk 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.
*It’s the modern this to do. Years ago breastfeeding while working was considered unusual. Now most mother do it, and workplaces are becoming more breastfeeding friendly.
We have seen mothers come up with the most creative plans for minimizing their time away from their babies while working. They find ways to enjoy longer maternity leaves, work from home, commute with their babies or even bring baby to work. Here are some possibilities to keep in mind as you plan your working and breastfeeding lifestyle.
Plan Ahead – But Not Too Much
It is best not to dwell on “the day I have to go back to work.” Don’t be concerned with all of the what-ifs: “What if he won’t take a bottle?” “What if he won’t settle for the babysitter?” “Should I get him used to the bottle and start leaving him right away so he won’t get spoiled?” Being preoccupied with leaving baby and dilute your attachment to your newborn. This subconscious detachment does not seem right. Mothers should have the joy of being absorbed into mothering, at least for a few weeks! Focus on your baby for the first few weeks; it will do both of you good. best portable fire pump