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"