Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding is Valued
Health Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend infants exclusively breastfeed/chestfeed for the first six months and continue to breastfeed/chestfeed up to 24 months and beyond, along with age-appropriate solid foods.
Today, there is increased awareness about the importance of supporting breastfeeding/chestfeeding, both in public places and in the workplace.
More and more parents are successfully returning to work or school while continuing to breastfeed/chestfeed. By making a few adjustments to your schedule, you too can continue to provide your breastmilk/chestmilk to your baby.
Before Returning to Work
Talk to your employer. Together, work out a plan with a flexible schedule to allow for time breastfeeding/chestfeeding and/or expressing your breastmilk/chestmilk. Decide ahead of time where you will feed/express and where you can store your milk. You will need:
- A comfortable place with a chair, small table and electrical outlet if needed.
- Bottles or milk storage bags.
- An electric or manual breast pump (or learn to hand express). If you do not already have a pump and have private insurance, check if they will cover the cost of a pump (sometimes you need a prescription for the coverage).
- A fridge to store expressed milk or a cooler with an ice pack.
Did you know?
Some parents have their baby brought to them so they can breastfeed/chestfeed during breaks. If your child is being cared for nearby, you may be able to travel to them over a break.
Tips to Help on this Journey
- Ease into your new routine. If able, plan to go back part-time. By planning ahead, you may find it easier to overcome any challenges.
- Start your new routine at least two weeks in advance; if you plan to feed your baby expressed breastmilk/chestmilk while at work, start pumping to save some milk.
- Label pumped milk and always use the oldest milk first.
- Breastfeed/chestfeed on demand when you are with your baby.
- If you plan to breastfeed/chestfeed at the end of your day, inform your baby’s caregiver so they don’t feed your baby just before you want to breastfeed/chestfeed.
Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Resources
For further information you can contact:
- Your local public health nurse, midwife or health-care provider, elder or knowledge keeper
- Breastfeeding Hotline (24 hours a day, seven days a week) at 204-788-8667 or toll free 1-888-315-9257
- Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll free 1-888-315-9257 (Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week )
- Winnipeg La Leche League Phone Support and Groups at 204-257-3509 Website: www.lllc.ca
Additional Information
Adapted with permission from Southern Health-Santé Sud
