Exclusive breastfeeding when you have to return to work

MANY nursing mothers are faced with the challenge of having their bonding time cut short because they can get only a few weeks post-childbirth with their little ones before having to return to work. In addition, they are also left with the guilt of robbing their babies of the many advantages associated with breastfeeding.

With this in mind, even as they have to pull themselves away from their bundles of joy, more women are opting to prolong breastfeeding for as long as they continue to produce milk, even after returning to work.

“As is recommended by World Health Organization, nursing mothers are encouraged to exclusively breastfeed up to six months. Unfortunately, most employed mothers who work outside of home return to work after 12 weeks of maternity leave. This means that the dynamics of the process of breastfeeding will change now that you re-enter the world of work. It may be challenging, but it can be and has been done,” paediatrician Dr Anona Griffith shared.

But how do these mothers achieve optimal breastfeeding in light of this obvious hindrance?

“Baby and mommy should be prepared for the transition starting a few weeks prior to the actual event. This will include an introduction of the caregiver(s), if new. We want to make sure that the baby is comfortable and that the mother, having observed the interaction between child and caregiver, would eliminate the possibility of unnecessary anxiety build-up,” Dr Griffith advised.

She said that having achieved this, there are some basic guidelines that mothers and caregivers alike should follow in order to make the process seamless. These include:

•Try to express and store breast milk in preparation for each day.

•Breast milk can remain refrigerated for up to three days. Therefore, you can store enough milk just in case you are too tired, busy, or late to express it freshly.

•Importantly, breast milk can be stored for varying periods depending on the location of placement. If stored in a freezer, the shelf life increases to as many as three months in the case of a single or two-door refrigerator unit. In a stand alone freezer unit, it will be safe up to six months, provided that there is consistency in conditions; for example, there are no frequent power outages or repeated defrosting and refreezing of contents.

• Milk should be labelled with the date of collection and time and should be used first in, first out.

•Stored milk should be reheated in a water bath and any unused portion discarded. Hence, it is advisable to freeze in serving portions and not large amounts.

Dr Griffith noted that another important aspect of exclusive breastfeeding is establishing a routine with regards to feeds and general care and maintenance of feeding implements.

“Hygiene practices and instructions are crucial to administering breast milk to children. Sterilisation techniques for cups and bottles should always be followed to ensure that children are not exposed to bacteria and other germs that could cause them to become ill. Additionally, the baby should be fed by a caregiver most times, even with the mother present, to reduce anxiety on both sides associated with separation,” Dr Griffith advised.

She cautioned mothers, however, that there are also other factors that could influence milk production which might make it difficult to continue exclusive breastfeeding of their babies.

“Once back at work, it must be understood that milk production may decrease for multiple reasons. These will include increased stress levels which may affect the release of hormones — especially oxytocin — responsible for milk production, as well as not having enough time or the appropriate location to express adequate amounts of milk,” Dr Griffith pointed out.

Other factors that could influence exclusive breastfeeding include lack of storage facilities for expressed milk, and lack of employer or peer support for continued breastfeeding.

To address these concerns, Dr Griffith recommended the following:

• Engage your employer and colleagues in the discussion about how healthy and recommended baby-friendly spaces in the workplace may lead to better work conditions.

•Feeding the baby well and continuously once mom gets home will encourage ongoing milk production. Weekends and days off also encourage this.

Dr Griffith said that even if exclusive breastfeeding is not achieved for whatever reason, enjoy the journey and celebrate the successes, however, small.