Last monday was my first day back to work after giving birth. As a breastfeeding mom, my worry is on how to maintain my milk supply especially there will be 9 or 10 hours without latch.
Latching is one factor that helps increase milk supply because the nerves signals our brain that the baby needs milk. This is the basic concept of suppy and demand. Less latch may result to decreased milk supply.
In the Philippines, there is a law where establishments are required to allot a breastfeeding station for breastfeeding moms. This also applies to office premises.
Good thing in our office there is a room near the clinic so that employees can extract breastmilk while at work during our breaks. There is a lazy boy, a small refrigerator, a sink, a sterilizer and even an electronic breast pump. I feel that the company gave value to the employee and respect mother's choices to breastfed their babies.
Sink
Lazy boy for comfortable milk express
Sterilizers..not just one but three
Refrigerator to store milk
I would also like to share one instance where I was at the mall. The breastfeeding station of the mall is on the other side of the building. But my son was already hungry and crying. I asked the saleslady if I can use the dressing room and they allowed me. They were very accomodating. Also their dressing room has stool that it why I was able to comfortably feed my baby.
It is heartwarming to know more and more people are being open with breastfeeding. But I cannot deny the fact that there are still some who cannot accept it. It's unfortunate to hear some stories where moms would feed or extract milk in the comfort rooms or in a small corner which is very unsanitizing and uncomfortable.
It hasn't been 100% acceptable but we are getting there. Maybe in a few years time, everyone will be knowledgeable on the importance of breastmilk to ones health and from there they will be open to it. There will be no more awkward moments when they see a breastfeeding mom.
How about you? Share your breastfeeding journey.