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It is possible ... with a little bit
of planning!
Any mother who works outside of the home can
tell you: juggling family and work is an everyday challenge. However,
if you feel ready to go back to work, you may be wondering how
you can continue to breastfeed. Rest easy: with a little bit of
planning, it is totally possible to combine working and breastfeeding.
It is perfectly normal for a mother going back
to work to feel even more sadness at the thought of seeing this
natural act that has protected her baby's health and created
such a strong bond between them. Breastfeeding is as beneficial
to you as it is to your baby, no matter how old. You can maintain
your milk supply by expressing your milk during working hours,
and breastfeeding when you and your baby are together, for as
long as you wish to do so.
This period of transition will nevertheless
require a bit of patience. It is important to choose the right
pump for your needs, and to learn to use it. The choice is yours
to make. Working and breastfeeding? Yes, it's possible!
WHY
CONTINUE TO BREASTFEED ?
AN
INVESTMENT FOR YOUR BABY'S HEALTH, AND YOURS!
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the
Canadian Pediatric Society (CPS) agree that breastmilk offers
superior nutrition to baby, no matter at what age.
The WHO recommends
exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, and continued breastfeeding
with appropriate complementary foods until at least 2 years of
age, and as long as mother and baby wish to do so.
Less than 10% of Canadian babies are fed according
to WHO/UNICEF recommendations.
The Canadian Pediatric Society states that “breastfeeding
is the best nutrition for infants. Breastfeeding can continue
until 2 years and beyond. Breastfeeding is rarely contra-indicated.
»
Refer
to Benefits
of breastfeeding and Risks
and costs of formula feeding to learn the main reasons that
make continuing to breastfeed after returning to work an excellent
choice for your baby's health, and yours as well. Some benefits
of breastfeeding are especially important for babies in daycare
settings, where their immature immune system is all the more solicited.
SAVINGS
OF MONEY AND TIME
Financially,
continuing to breastfeed after returning to work is by far the
most economical choice, in spite of the breast pump expenditure.
Artificial baby milks in Canada cost between 40$ to 60$ per week,
per child. Breast pump costs are quickly recuperated, and you
can continue to offer your baby the best nutrition (and a unique
relationship) totally free of charge! Moreover, the health benefits
of breastfeeding also mean less sick days, which represent savings
for parents as well as employers.
MUCH
MORE THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS ...
All
this being said, remember that breastfeeding is much more than
milk. Although it is becoming increasingly possible to define
and quantify the benefits of breastmilk, le dynamic process of
breastfeeding is much more difficult to describe, but it is nonetheless
complex and important to consider. Many mothers are happy to come
home to their breastfeeding relationship on weekends and holidays.
The time invested in maintaining their milk supply while away
from baby allows them to continue to enjoy this special bond,
and can help ease the transition to going back to work and being
separated from baby.
See also Dr. Jack Newman's
article What
to feed the baby when the mother is working
outside the home
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