Influenced by reports on the benefits of breastfeeding (and the accompanying tide of pro-breastfeeding sentiment among child-care experts), many mothers aim to continue breastfeeding once they’re back at work. To some mothers, ABA’s sunny assertions might feel like one more way they’re required to be superwomen. Barring actually bringing your baby to work — which probably won’t fly at most workplaces — pumping is the best option for keeping up breastfeeding while working. However, not all jobs are created equal in this regard. Studies suggest that a working mum’s success at breastfeeding depends on her work environment and on the support of coworkers and employers. A New York Times article notes that there is a lactation class gap: overall, lower-income mothers have less control over their time and fewer resources at their disposal for lactation. If the idea of pumping at work doesn’t appeal to you, many experts recommend creative solutions for keeping your baby breastfed longer, such as having your baby brought to work on your lunch break, or combining formula and breastfeeding.
Australian Breastfeeding Association
“Can You Return To Work And Still Breastfeed”
“Many mothers are successfully combining work and breastfeeding. Our work environment continues to change, as many more women return to the work force. Many workplaces now have an increased awareness of the importance of an individual’s family responsibilities, and include this in workplace policies. Unfortunately, it seems that the issue of breastfeeding is still left up to the woman to discuss with her employer on an individual basis. Legislation has already been passed in some states, which guarantees that no employer may discriminate against individuals with family responsibilities.” …read the full article
BabyCentre Australia
“Breastfeeding and Work”
“It can seem that, no sooner have you got breastfeeding down to a fine art, than you have to face the decision of whether to stop when you go back to work. In fact, some women don’t start to breastfeed, because they are going back to work and feel that there is little point in starting and then stopping.In some ways, breastfeeding and working may not seem compatible, but it can be done, and you can choose a way that suits you, your baby and your carer. Not only that, but the significant health benefits for your baby mean that you know she is still getting exactly the right food, even though you are not there all the time.” …read the full article
Ask Dr. Sears
“20 Tips For Working And Breastfeeding”
“Women have always worked and breastfed. The pioneer mother on the prairie had lots to do besides nurse her babies, and even modern mothers who are at home during the day struggle with the work of running busy households while responding to the needs of their infants. Combining working and breastfeeding is not really a new concept.” …read the full article
Children Youth and Women’s Health Service
“Going Back To Work”
“However if you are not continuing to breastfeed you will need to begin to introduce a substitute formula to your baby a bit before you are due to return to work. There will be enough changes to get used to for both of you when the return to work happens so it is better to have the new routine already in place.” …read the full article
New York Times
“On the Job, Nursing Mothers Find a 2-Class System”
“When a new mother returns to Starbucks’ corporate headquarters in Seattle after maternity leave, she learns what is behind the doors mysteriously marked ‘Lactation Room.’ But if the mothers who staff the chain’s counters want to do the same, they must barricade themselves in small restrooms intended for customers, counting the minutes left in their breaks.” …read the full article
