Breastfeeding It is a practice to be promotedGiven its benefits at both the individual level (for the baby and the mother) and the collective level, breastfeeding is beneficial even beyond the six months of exclusive breastfeeding recommended worldwide. However, a few months ago, the Spanish Association of Pediatrics published data showing that only 68 percent of women continue breastfeeding after the baby is three months old. One of the factors that determines this cessation (if not the main one) is... incorporation to work; so in part it is the legislation of our country on maternity protection (16 weeks is clearly insufficient) is responsible.
That doesn't mean we should resign ourselves to it, because in addition to demanding paid maternity leave of at least 6 months, we can make it possible for our breastfeeding to continueDespite working outside the home. And this is one of the key aspects of the World Breastfeeding Week, that through the motto 'Breastfeed and work', proposes recommendations focused on spaces, time and support.
Is compatible Is breastfeeding okay while working?
Of course! Sometimes it's not easy and requires good organization; At other times it is conditioned by fears of working mothers based on myths such as 'you will stop having milk'"It's too much of a burden for you," etc. And that's without even considering the unsolicited advice: "The baby can be just as healthy on formula," "You have the right to leave the house too, don't worry about the baby." The truth is, not only on a social level, but also in terms of personal perceptions, sometimes you just don't quite understand. the lack of interest in children's rights.
Perhaps the most difficult thing is to reach six months, because once introduced complementary feeding, sure everything is easier; in the meantime, You already know that breastfeeding leave exists.the possibility of expressing milk at the workplace…
Breastfeeding leave
At the end of the 16 weeks, you can make use of the breastfeeding permit. You have the right to be absent from work for one hour.This time can be divided in two; in the case of multiple births, the mother can be absent for two (twins) or three (triplets) hours. The leave lasts for nine months and is an individual right, so the father can also take it; it is also independent of whether your baby is breastfed or formula-fed. But today we're focusing on breastfeeding.
Furthermore, depending on the agreement with the company, it is possible transform that hour into a half-hour reduction at the beginning or end of the workdayor request the flexible schedule to facilitate direct connections. In certain agreements can accumulate full-day breastfeeding leave: that is, accumulate all the hours of the permit (one per day for 9 months) and add them to maternity leave. It is a decision that should be discussed and made in advance.
Complementary measures
- Extending the 16 weeks of sick leave: adding up the vacation days corresponding to the current year, and those that have not been enjoyed from the previous year.
- Request a reduction in working hours, (to be enjoyed until the child is 12 years old), with a proportional salary reduction, would also facilitate breastfeeding.
- Provide support and informationBecause when mothers know how to make 'breastfeeding and working' compatible, there are fewer dropouts.
- Discuss options with the company such as partial teleworking, shift change or temporary relocation for guarantee extraction breaks and adequate spaces.
- Plan the midweek return so that the adaptation of mother and baby is gradual.
- Coordinate with the person or center caring for the baby a diet plan (hours, indicative amounts and method of offering) and daily communication channels.
Maintain breastfeeding
It is very important Take into account all influencing factors before deciding how we will maintain breastfeeding, and these factors are different in each case. Normally the age of the baby is valued (3 and a half months are not the same as 8); working hours and distance from work place to home; what the mother wants to do; the solution that is chosen to take care of the child (the father, a grandparent, a caregiver, or the nursery).
With babies under 6 months old, ideally, in your absence, receive expressed breast milkFrom that age onwards, your absence can be used to offer complementary foods If they are already introduced, and maintain feedings on demand when you are together.
How will you continue to breastfeed your baby?
Of course, when you meet again each day: ON DEMAND, without pressure or schedules, and also:
Direct or delayed feed
The first option is for someone to bring the baby to your workplace so you can breastfeed. delayed breastfeeding es when you express your milk so that someone can give it to the baby instead. Important aspects:
- Use a suitable breast pumpAnd a mini electric one is even better if you're looking for speed and efficiency.
- Prepare in sufficient quantity and store in containers of 50 to 100cc to adjust supply to demand.
- The milk from both feedings can be mixed, provided that has not been thawed and that the mixed extractions are chilled and made in less than 24 hours.
- Keep it fresh for a maximum of two days in the refrigeratorLonger periods of time require freezing.
- Give instructions to the caregiver: regarding heat in a bain-marieOffer as much as the child needs, respect their satiety cues, etc. Avoid microwave heating; if used, do so with a lot of caution to avoid creating excessively hot areas.
- Consider the kassing-method or bottle feeding at the baby's pace (paced feeding) to minimize nipple confusion.
- It's not ideal, but it can be done. to bring forward the introduction of complementary feeding a little.Many solid foods cause fewer allergy problems than formula (it's cow's milk, don't forget); and they help satisfy the baby.
- It's common to have to pump at work since milk production is regulated according to the baby's needs. For this, bring... portable fridge with frozen ice packs and containers. Also ask for a space that meets hygiene standards and be private (and have a power outlet for the breast pump)
Preservation and safety of breast milk
- In the refrigerator (coldest area), the expressed milk is preserved Up to 48 hours.
- In the freezer, you'll have milk for the next three or four months If you maintain the cold chain and use suitable containers. Always label with when and where.
- To defrost, move the container from the freezer to the refrigerator several hours in advance or defrost in a water bathDo not refreeze what has already been thawed.
- Before offering, shake gently to homogenize the fat (it is normal for it to separate).
- Transport in Portable cooler with cooling plates If there is no refrigerator at work; if it is well sealed, it can keep the milk in good condition for several hours.
Workplace extraction plan
- Make one general test Using a breast pump at home to learn about timing and adjustments.
- Programme extraction breaks approximately every 3 hours (adjust according to your feelings and the baby's age).
- Carries extraction kit: breast pump, correct cups, bags or containers, labels, wipes, absorbent pads, photo or garment with the baby's scent to encourage let-down.
- Negotiate in your company a private, clean space with power outlet and access to refrigeration; if this does not exist, request viable alternatives.
- If you notice engorgement or leakage, a short comfort extraction or manual therapy can provide relief.
If the baby doesn't feed in your absence
Some babies, especially at first, prefer wait for her mother and compensate in the late afternoon and evening with frequent feedings. This behavior is common and usually stabilizes within a few days. It makes it easier for the caregiver to offer small amounts at a slow pace and respecting hunger and satiety signals.
What if the milk smells rancid when it's defrosted?
It can happen due to the action of lipase, a natural enzyme in milk. It doesn't mean the milk is bad. Many babies accept it without a problem; if not, you can scald gently Freshly drawn milk (heat until small bubbles appear around the edge and cool quickly) before freezing, which reduces odor without eliminating essential properties.
All of this is separate from breastfeeding leave; sometimes you have to find combined formulasBecause breastfeeding on demand before the introduction of solids requires a lot of presence
Remember that you will be able to, even though decrease productionthe baby rejects the offer from their caregiver, or for other reasons. In the latter case, it will probably greet you by latching onto your breast. And not leaving her until you leave again, there's nothing wrong with that, although it will all depend on her age; it's more likely to happen with very young babies.
Additional helpful ideas: return to work two days before the weekendAsk the caregiver to avoid offering a bottle in the two hours before your arrival to encourage direct feeding, and rely on breastfeeding groups where other mothers share creative and practical solutions.
And lastly, you already knew that you can enjoy unpaid leave, truth? All the above is complemented by the risk avoidance for breastfeeding, if any (derived from the job)
Images - milkwood.net y desireefawn.
Returning to paid work is a stage that It raises concerns If there haven't been any long separations between the breastfeeding dyad so far. Depending on the nature of your work and the age of your baby, you will probably have to adjust your breastfeeding relationshipBut even if you spend time away from your baby, it doesn't mean breastfeeding has to end. Continuing to breastfeed is possible with planning, information and supportClear labor rights, a realistic pumping plan, safe storage, and trained caregivers make all the difference to continue breastfeeding with confidence.