Better Health Centre |+| Breastfeeding and Working Mothers

How new mothers can work and breastfeed at the same time.

In days gone by, when a woman decided to raise children, she would leave her job to do just that as soon as she found out she was pregnant. In today's society, that is not always an option, and it is very common for a woman to return to work, as soon as she has completed her maternity leave. One of the main problems with this is breast feeding then becomes a luxury to most working mothers that she can no longer do because of her time away at work.

Some companies have become more conscious of the problems nursing mothers face. There are now companies that provide facilities needed for a working mother to express her milk, which can then be fed to her baby. Not all companies do this, though, which causes a sad reality for some mothers who wish to breastfeed. Many working mothers admit defeat, and switch their babies to milk or soy based baby formula, rather than quit or get fired from her job.

When a mother is fortunate enough to be able to pump her milk while at work, she will need to give careful consideration on doing it properly and successfully. The following are some thoughts and ideas a working mother should consider when she is allowed to pump her breast milk at work.

• A breast pump is a necessity. Electric breast pumps are recommended.
• A cooler bag is needed, to put the milk in once expressed.
• Plenty of bottles will be needed and do not forget the lids.
• A marker pen is needed to date your feeding bottles.
• Appropriate attire is necessary.

Whether the mother is a high profile business woman, or a woman who works in a factory, her clothing needs to be suitable for pumping breast milk.

The last thing any woman wants is to attend a meeting, or talk to her boss, with stains on her clothing from expressed breast milk. Tops that button down at the front are recommended by many breastfeeding mothers. Keeping a napkin or cloth handy is also recommended, in case of accidental spillage.

When a mother decides to go back to work after having her baby, it does not necessarily mean she can no longer breast feed. With a little ingenuity and thought, she can do both – using a breast pump continues to give mother and baby the best of both worlds.