Breastfeeding & Pumping

Breastfeeding is a beautiful phase of the amazing journey of motherhood and every mom wants to enjoy and cherish these special moments throughout her life. Breastfeeding comes with its own share of ups and downs.

All the mammas who are committed to continue breastfeeding journeys and are career oriented can strike a balance between breastfeeding and work. They can do so without the guilt of not being able to breastfeed the baby.

Here are some tips for the smooth transition:

1. Start Breast Pumping a month before going back to work and start collecting a stash in your fridge.
2. Ask your Employer to give you the liberty of short working hours to begin with or visit your baby in between the work if you live close by.
3. Avail the facility of Crèche if available within the office premises and breastfeed the baby during the working hours.
4. Read through the milk storage guidelines. Expressed breastmilk can be stored at room temperature for four hours and can be kept in the Refrigerator for 24 hours.
5. A compact, handy electric breast pump that can be carried along with you to the office in the bag will make the process easier, quicker and more efficient.
6. Plan ahead and hire a nanny or help to look after your baby if family members are not available. The Caregiver may be needed to train on how to maintain hygiene and cleanliness as far as feeding the baby is concerned.
7. Expressed or pumped breast milk can be offered to the baby in your absence by the caregiver/nanny.
8. Make sure your employer knows about your pumping schedule beforehand and gives you breaks in between work to pump and also provide a clean and hygienic place for pumping. Also check the availability of a refrigerator to store expressed breastmilk.
9. You can breastfeed your baby in the morning and then pump out before you leave for work.
10. After you return, breastfeed the baby first and continue night breastfeeding to maintain your breastmilk supply.
11. Maintain your diet and health and continue taking your supplements.