Returning to work after the period of maternity leave does not necessarily mean ending breastfeeding. What's more, the World Health Organization recommends breastfeed the baby until at least six months of age. Weaning must also be done progressively, so do not give up giving the best food to your offspring.
With organization, planning and help of a breast pump You will successfully combine breastfeeding and work outside the home. The baby's first days of separation can be difficult and continuing to breastfeed helps cope with the absence.
What do you need for extraction at work?
Some mothers may combine breastfeeding with your workday, but if not, the most comfortable alternative is pump milk at work with a breast pump and then freeze it in milk containers. Choose an office stay as comfortable as possible. In the case that the chest hardens, it is good to apply a little heat with a cloth (you can use the computer or bath water to heat it).
The frequency and quantity of the extractions will depend on the personal circumstances of each parent, for example, the time that is away from home. Make sure the teat cups are well fixed, they are treacherous, they move. Don't trust, even if you didn't need a nipple in the maternity leave, maybe now, include them in the "extraction kit" just in case. Don't forget to bring breastfeeding discs and a spare shirt to the office In case you stain the other.
If you find it difficult at work, you may be able to extend breastfeeding by pumping milk at home before and after going to work. Although breast milk is always a better option than baby formula, there are mothers who breastfeed partially when they return to work, that is, when they are at home they breastfeed and when they are out of artificial milk.
In any case, you will need bottles for the caregiver or in the store to give her milk in your absence. With the bottles and other products of the Natural Feeling range of Chicco you can adapt the teats according to the time your baby has and his needs.
Practice before joining work
If the baby is not breastfed, and to avoid breast discomfort, the milk should be extracted every 3-4 hours, except for the night that can be spaced 6 hours. It is normal that when you join the work, lower the milk production, but you can recover the volume of production if you do not give up.
If it is removed at home, it can be stored as soon as it is finished in the refrigerator. When it is done at work, an option if there is no fridge is to take a laptop with you. The bottle should always include the date on which the milk has been extracted, so you will need labels or markers.
To get used to the use of the breast pump, it is advisable to start the extraction before returning to work, at least two weeks. This ensures a smooth and safe transition. Don't feel frustrated if at first it costs a little, Stress is not compatible with oxytocin and may cause the quantity or quality of milk to drop. Although it may be a bit complicated at first, keep trying, it's worth it.
In case you need help, you can turn to the other mothers of the office, to your own mother, to a breastfeeding support group so that other moms tell you about their experience or watch a tutorial online.
The breast pump, portable and electric
Before buying the most suitable breast pump, look at the different options that you find in the market. Check if it is comfortable to transport and if it adapts to the breasts, among other features to take into account.
The Chicco portable and electric breast pump allows you to regulate the vacuum speed and the intensity of the aspiration. It has a anatomical bell that adapts to the shape of the breast, a soft silicone coating special for the delicate skin of that area. Besides being completely transparent, you see how the extraction goes. Can be used with batteries or plugged in.
Although sometimes the work environment does not favor extraction, it is worth not stopping breastfeeding for the benefits it brings to the child's health Therefore, this breast pump model also includes several accessories: Two Natural Feeling bottles, two hermetic bottle caps, a slanted Natural Feeling nipple, a support base for the breast pump, a thermal bottle holder and a practical travel bag, which it facilitates and helps you to reconcile daily work with prolonged breastfeeding.
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