Safefood is urging parentsto make practical changes to everyday lifestyle habits such as portion sizes, drinks and screen time to make a big difference to the health and wellbeing of children.
It is important that mothers are supported to continue to breastfeed when they go back to work. The WHO, Department of Health and HSE recommend that children are exclusively breastfed for 6 months.
March 04 2013
It is important that mothers are supported to continue to breastfeed when they go back to work. The WHO, Department of Health and HSE recommend that children are exclusively breastfed for 6 months.
It is important that mothers are supported to continue to breastfeed when they go back to work. The WHO, Department of Health and HSE recommend that children are exclusively breastfed for 6 months. After that they should continue to breastfeed in combination with the right foods to two years of age and beyond.
There has been lots of research carried out into the health benefits of breastfeeding for your baby and you. The longer you breastfeed, the greater these benefits are.
Maternity leave is currently 26 weeks. Many Irish women return to work from the time their baby is 26 weeks. Some mothers take unpaid leave but will return to paid employment before their baby is 2 years old.
You can find lots of useful information and advice about breastfeeding at www.breastfeeding.ie the site also has listings for the breastfeeding support services in your area
It helps to plan ahead before you return to work. You will be making arrangements for childcare. Think about the childcare option that suits you, your working hours and your plans to continue to breastfeed. See the section below for things to consider when making childcare arrangements.
Depending on the age of your baby when you return to work you and your baby’s needs will vary. For example a 7 month old baby may still be feeding at regular intervals during the day. A baby who is near to his first birthday may just be feeding in the morning and evening. Feeding patterns will vary from one baby to the next, but older babies will tend to feed less often.
You will also need to consider your needs in relation to your milk supply and how to combine pumping / expressing and work. It is a good idea to start to express milk several weeks before you go back to work. This will help you to have a good milk supply and also ensure that you have a supply of expressed milk ready for your childminder. Taking lactation breaks to express milk will help you to continue to have a good milk supply and have milk for your childminder to give to your baby the next day.
Consider also what arrangement suits you and your baby best and discuss with your manager as soon as possible. For example you may want your baby to be brought to you for breastfeeding breaks. You may wish to have lactation breaks or flexible working arrangements so that you can express milk.
For more information, the HSE ‘Breastfeeding and Work -guide for parents and employers’ can be downloaded or ordered here (opens in new window)
Supporting employees to continue to breastfeeding is beneficial for employers because it:
Many workplaces have workplaces policies which support employees to continue to breastfeed. These include family friendly policies, flexible workplace arrangements and lactation breaks. Rooms are also provided which affords privacy to the breastfeeding employee to express her milk.
You’ve probably been thinking about childcare for some time. If you are planning to continue breastfeeding when you go back to work you will need to consider this when choosing childcare. Regardless of how much you plan for it, going back to work and leaving your baby can be stressful. Try to make arrangements that suit you and the balance you want to have between your work and family life.
Whether you choose a crèche or a childminder, finding one to suit you can take some time. Talk to your public health nurse or other mothers in your support group for information about facilities in your area. Word of mouth is often the best way to find what you’re looking for.
Things to Consider: