Breastfeeding and Returning to Work
Are you breastfeeding and dreading returning to work? You're not alone!
Many breastfeeding mums worry that they will have to wean their baby from breastmilk to formula upon their return to work and very often are unaware that there are other options.
One to consider is to breastfeed before you leave for work and again as soon as you return home. You should also try to continue breastfeeding during the night to help keep your milk supply high.
You can express breastmilk and store it for use when you are at work.
If possible try to keep on breastfeeding even after you have returned to work. Your antibodies will be an invaluable source of protection. They will help to protect your baby from germs and infections carried by his new caregivers and environment.
You may find it is not possible to express and store breastmilk. If so then an alternative may be to consider the possibility of supplementing breastmilk with formula. This way you can continue breastfeeding when you are at home, in the mornings or evenings. Formula can be given whilst you are at work. This can work well for lots of mums and is less disruptive to both mum and baby. Unfortunately many mums are not aware that they can combine the two. Remember it is always best to continue with breastfeeding even if you are breastfeeding less.
If it is not possible to continue breastfeeding remember that you have done very well to breastfeed at all; congratulate yourself! Any benefits your baby derived from breastfeeding, for however long, continue even after you have stopped. Your baby has had the best possible start in life.
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