31/07/2023
Today marks the start of World Breastfeeding Week 2023 with the focus on breastfeeding for working parents.
The return to work is one of the most common reasons for stopping breastfeeding, and due to maternity leave most often being 4 months in South Africa, this means that infants often aren’t able to be exclusively breastfed for the recommended 6 months.
As a mother, I think it’s important to note that you absolutely CAN continue to breastfeed once you return to work. This might look different for everyone, but it is possible. Whether it means popping out to breastfeed your baby or expressing at work and breastfeeding your baby in the hours that you’re home. 🤱🏼
It’s worthwhile communicating openly with your employer, and informing them of your wish to continue breastfeeding. This way you can start a conversation about pumping or breastfeeding breaks, breastfeeding policies and breastfeeding facilities. Support from employers and colleagues is crucial, and something that I wish all employees would have.
While studying my SACLC I did a mini research project on this exact topic, and I’ll be sharing some of the literature and statistics over the next week that I found really interesting and beneficial!
If you feel a bit lost and need assistance with the specifics around expressing/breastfeeding when you return to work, a lactation consultant can assist you in making it a smooth transition. 🧡