Do you know that younger mothers aged 20 to 29 years are less likely ever to breastfeed (78.6%) than mothers aged 30 years or older (85.7%)? Balancing work and life after maternity leave can be tricky. You might feel torn between wanting to be with your baby and the need to make money, or the wish to stay connected to your job and grow in your career.

For moms breastfeeding and aiming to keep up the process, sustaining milk supply is a vital concern. This involves expressing breast milk at work and ensuring secure storage, enabling caregivers to feed your baby in your absence. In this blog, we’ll talk about the challenges encountered by mothers during breastfeeding.

The Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is widely acknowledged as highly advantageous for both babies and moms. Health gains go beyond just nutrition, offering instant and lasting well-being perks. Here's an overview of the key benefits of breastfeeding:

1. Nutritional Superiority:

• Optimal Nutrition: Breast milk provides the ideal balance of nutrients, vitamins, and antibodies necessary for a baby's growth and development.
• Easy Digestibility: It is easily digestible, reducing the likelihood of gastrointestinal issues in infants.

1. Immune System Boost:

• Antibodies and Immunoglobulins: Breast milk is rich in antibodies, immunoglobulins, and white blood cells that help protect infants from infections, viruses, and bacteria.
• Colostrum: The initial milk produced, colostrum, is particularly high in antibodies and provides vital immune support in the early days of life.

1. Reduced Risk of Infections:

• Ear Infections and Respiratory Illnesses: Breastfed babies experience fewer instances of ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and gastrointestinal infections.
• Reduced Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Risk: Breastfeeding has been associated with a lower risk of SIDS.

1. Optimal Brain Development:

• DHA and Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Breast milk contains essential fatty acids, including DHA, crucial for brain and vision development.
• Cognitive Benefits: Studies suggest a potential link between breastfeeding and improved cognitive development.

1. Digestive Health:

• Reduced Risk of Allergies: Breastfeeding may contribute to a lower risk of allergies, asthma, and eczema in children.
• Probiotics: Breast milk contains beneficial bacteria that support a healthy gut microbiome.

Challenges Faced by Breastfeeding Moms Returning to Work

Here are some of the most common challenges faced by breastfeeding moms returning to work:

1. Legal Rights and Workplace Support

Fortunately, legal protections exist to support breastfeeding mothers in the workplace. Laws vary globally, but many countries have provisions mandating break times and a private space for expressing milk. 

Yet, the impact of these laws relies on their implementation and the prevailing culture within workplaces. A supportive work environment's significance cannot be emphasised enough. Companies that actively embrace and accommodate the needs of breastfeeding mothers contribute significantly to the overall well-being of both the employee and the organisation.

2. Pumping at Work

One of the most significant challenges breastfeeding mothers face upon returning to work is the logistics of expressing milk. The need for a dedicated and comfortable space for pumping is paramount. 

Many mothers find themselves struggling with makeshift setups or feeling self-conscious about pumping in shared spaces. Employers can make a substantial difference by providing well-equipped lactation rooms, allowing mothers the privacy and comfort they need to express milk effectively.

3. Emotional and Mental Strain

Beyond the physical challenges, there's a considerable emotional toll on mothers separated from their infants during working hours. The stress of maintaining a breastfeeding routine while managing professional responsibilities can lead to emotional strain. 

It's essential to acknowledge and address these emotions, promoting a workplace culture that supports the mental well-being of breastfeeding mothers.

Tips for Breastfeeding Moms Returning to Work

Here are some practical tips for breastfeeding moms returning to work, presented in bullet points:

1. Plan Ahead:

• Start transitioning to a pumping schedule a few weeks before returning to work.
• Practice using your breast pump to become familiar with the process.

1. Communicate with Your Employer:

• Inform your employer in advance about your intention to continue breastfeeding.
• Discuss your pumping schedule and any accommodations you may need.

1. Know Your Legal Rights:

• Familiarise yourself with local laws regarding breastfeeding rights at the workplace.
• Ensure your employer is aware of and compliant with these regulations.

1. Create a Pumping Schedule:

• Establish a regular pumping schedule that aligns with your baby's feeding routine.
• Coordinate breaks with your employer to accommodate pumping sessions.

1. Set Up a Comfortable Pumping Space:

• Work with your employer to create a dedicated lactation room with the necessary amenities.
• Personalise the space with comforting items to make it feel more like home.

1. Invest in a Quality Breast Pump:

• Choose a reliable and efficient breast pump that suits your needs.
• Consider a portable pump for added convenience during work hours.

1. Organise Pumping Supplies:

• Keep all pumping supplies organised in a discreet bag or container.
• Have extra pump parts, bottles, and storage bags readily available.

1. Build a Support System:

• Share your breastfeeding goals with co-workers, if comfortable, to foster understanding.
• Connect with other breastfeeding moms at work for mutual support.

1. Practise Efficient Pumping:

• Optimise your pumping sessions by relaxing and focusing on your baby.
• Use hands-free pumping bras to multitask during sessions if possible.

1. Store Breast Milk Safely:

• Label and date expressed milk to ensure proper rotation.
• Invest in a good-quality cooler bag to transport breast milk home.

Conclusion

The struggle of breastfeeding mothers returning to work is a multifaceted challenge that requires a comprehensive and supportive approach. Recognizing the benefits of breastfeeding, understanding the legal rights and workplace support available, addressing the emotional and mental strain, and fostering robust support systems are all crucial elements. 

By implementing practical tips and learning from success stories, we can collectively create an environment where breastfeeding mothers can thrive both personally and professionally. It's time for workplaces to champion the cause, acknowledging that supporting breastfeeding mothers is not just a legal obligation but a commitment to the well-being of the entire workforce.