5 tips to continue breastfeeding during work
The incorporation to work usually creates problems for mothers to continue with the Breastfeeding. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding on demand during the first six months of the baby's life, maternal leave lasts only 16 weeks and working hours and breastfeeding are complicated.
Breast milk is the best food for babies in their first months of life, as it helps them strengthen their immune system and protects them from diseases and allergies. But babies are not the only ones who benefit from breastfeeding. For the mother it also has multiple advantages such as the reduction of postpartum hemorrhage, a better physical recovery and the establishment of a beautiful bond of love between mother and child.
5 tricks to continue breastfeeding after returning to work
When the newly released moms have to return to their jobs after 16 weeks of maternity leave, some of them give up breastfeeding due to the need to reduce the frequency of feeding and many others wonder how to continue breastfeeding.
1. Start to express your milk 15 days before. The two weeks prior to joining work are a transition period for both the mother and the baby. With the extraction of the milk you can store it and freeze it for when it is needed, and in addition somebody will be able to give you some bottle-feeding with your own milk so that you get used to the teat. In order to maintain a good milk production it is advisable to carry out the extractions every 2-3 hours. Keep in mind that the quality and quantity of breast milk varies as time passes to respond to the nutritional needs of the baby. Therefore, if you start earlier to pump your milk, it will not adapt to your baby's needs. Although it is difficult, it is very important that this moment does not generate any kind of stress or anguish.
2. Preservation of breast milk. At room temperature, if it is not too hot, breast milk stays between 6-8 hours. In the refrigerator, in a glass or plastic container, it is kept for two days. But, without a doubt, it is best to use the milk of the previous day every day and have a small frozen reserve in case any unforeseen event arises.
3. Milk rises in the workplace. This inconvenience usually overwhelms the moms a lot, but with the extraction of the milk regularly, we will prevent the breasts from dripping. With the use of breastfeeding discs, we will prevent clothes from staining. If the rise occurs suddenly and at that moment the extraction can not be performed, there is a small trick: crossing the arms and pressing them against the breasts to stop the rise of milk.
4. Extractions of milk every two or three hours. Ideally, the mother can express her milk every two or three hours. In this way, you can continue breastfeeding the baby in the same way when you return home.
5. Tranquility before everything. The chest does not know hours, it adapts well as soon as the baby demands food. So do not be overwhelmed, as it is much more important for the baby to nurse when he is with the mother. Breast milk is the best milk for children.
Marisol Nuevo Espín
