Making Breastfeeding Possible for Working Mothers!

Making Breastfeeding Possible for Working Mothers!

The first week of August has been celebrated as International Breastmilk Awareness Week. After childbirth, working women are forced to stay home so that they can breastfeed. I agree, it is quite important for the new born until 6 months of age. According to the recent guidelines, exclusive breastmilk feed is advised till 6 months – not even water is recommended.

When I was in that situation,I made myself clear – neither am I giving up on my career nor my responsibility in feeding. This made me do elaborate research to improve my knowledge on how to express, store and improve breastmilk production. Inspite of being a doctor, I was amazed by the technological advancement and the help from social media on getting to know about breast pumps, storage, how to increase milk production, etc.

The magic ingredient is water – the more you stay hydrated, the more are the chances of your milk supply staying sufficient. Expressed breastmilk is equal to a direct breastfeed – except for the way it is given – your expressed breastmilk is 100% clean and safe for you and the baby.

Why is breastmilk the best milk?

It has all the nutrients and antibodies to boost your child’s immunity and development.

How does the mother benefit?

Feeding helps the mother stay healthy and fit, reduces weight, there is no chance of galactocele i.e., breast swelling due to retention of breastmilk, less chance of breast and ovarian cancer and also diabetes.

We all invest in so many appliances; from A to Z our homes are filled with gadgets. An electronic breast pump is one such gadget every new mother should invest in to extract their liquid gold (breast milk) and the return is enormous. The device is simple and handy, battery operated in certain models.

It’s all about time management. Never let yourself get tagged with the term postpartum blues – it means the mother gets no ‘me’ time. There is no need to give up on your fitness routine, catching up with friends and travelling. You can catch up with a straight stretch of 6 hours sleep if you have expressed breastmilk handy.

The motto for 2021 is to protect breastfeeding and this is a shared responsibility. Let’s spread awareness and motivate feeding mothers to balance their work and family.