Annually, August 1 - 7 is World Breastfeeding Week. In the United States, the month of August is recognized as National Breastfeeding Month. Each week of August in the USA recognizes the unique lactation journeys of different communities. The worldwide theme in 2023 – ENABLING BREASTFEEDING: Making a difference for working parents is a critical one to address. World Breastfeeding Week 2023 brings into focus the crucial link between lactation and the challenges faced by new parents as they return to work. 

As childbirth educators, it is important to provice expectant and new parents with knowledge and strategies they will need to successfully combine their breast/chestfeeding goals with their professional responsibilities. It is painful to acknowledge the negative impact that returning to the workforce often has on parents who hope to continue to feed their baby with human milk. Today we will explore the challenges faced when returning to work, and practical solutions that childbirth educators can use to help foster a successful lactation journey when the families in your classes return to work after giving birth.

The Benefits of Breast/chestfeeding for Working Parents

Breast/chestfeeding offers a multitude of benefits for both infants and working parents. For infants, human milk is a complete source of nutrition, providing essential nutrients and antibodies that bolster their immune systems. Bodyfeeding can also foster a strong bond between parent and child, promoting emotional well-being for both, especially when parents may struggle from being separated from their babies during their work shifts.

For working parents, bodyfeeding has numerous advantages, such as:

1. Cost-Effectiveness: Human milk is free, eliminating the need to purchase formula, bottles, and related accessories, which can be a significant financial burden for some families.

2. Convenience: Breast/chestfeeding provides on-demand, nutrition, readily available at the right temperature and without the need for preparation or sterilization.

3. Improved Health and Well-Being: Breast/chestfeeding can aid in postpartum recovery and may reduce the risk of certain health conditions for the birthing parent including breast cancer and diabetes.

Challenges of Returning to Work While Breast/chestfeeding

Despite the many benefits of breast/chestfeeding, returning to work can present challenges for lactating new parents. Here are some common obstacles:

1. Time Constraints: Balancing feeding and/or milk expression with work demands can be challenging, especially when employers provide limited break times or lack designated lactation spaces.

2. Maintaining Milk Supply: When separated from their infants for extended periods, some parents may struggle to maintain their milk supply due to the demands of their job.

3. Stigma and Support: Negative attitudes toward breast/chestfeeding in the workplace may deter some parents from openly discussing their needs or seeking support from supervisors or human resource departments.

Practical Strategies for a Successful Transition

As childbirth educators, your guidance can be instrumental in helping new parents overcome these challenges and make a successful transition back to work while maintaining breast/chestfeeding. Here are some strategies to share with the families in your classes:

1. Create a Lactation Plan: Encourage expectant parents to develop a comprehensive breast/chestfeeding plan that includes pumping schedules, milk storage guidelines, and discussions with their employers about their breastfeeding needs. Let them know the benefits of doing this before the baby arrives.

2. Advocate for Workplace Support: Urge parents to communicate their lactation needs and requirements with their employers and human resources departments. Encourage them to inquire about available lactation facilities or request the creation of private, clean, and comfortable spaces for expressing and storing milk.

3. Master the Art of Pumping: Provide hands-on guidance on pumping techniques and selecting the right pump for individual needs. Educate parents on proper storage, handling and prep of expressed human milk. Share resources of where to get a pump and identify the experts in your community for fitting phalanges, supplies, parts replacement and answering any questions the lactating person might have.

4. Establish a Support System: Encourage new parents to seek support from colleagues, supervisors, and fellow employees in the workplace who may have walked this path before them. Online peer to peer communities can also provide valuable advice and emotional support.

5. Plan for Childcare Near Their Workplace: If feasible, suggest arranging for childcare close to the workplace to facilitate the potential for bodyfeeding breaks and minimize travel time.

Conclusion

World Breastfeeding Week 2023 reminds us of the importance of supporting new parents as they navigate the challenges of balancing breast/chestfeeding and returning to work. Discussions of lactation and returning to work while they are still in their childbirth classes will help families to consider important factors that could set them up for success. By arming them with knowledge, practical strategies, and advocacy skills, childbirth educators play a vital role in fostering a positive and successful breast/chestfeeding journey amidst work responsibilities. Let us seize this opportunity to empower new parents, workplaces, and communities to create a bodyfeeding-friendly environment where the well-being of both infants and working parents is prioritized. Together, we can promote a healthier and more fulfilling experience for families worldwide.

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