Breast milk provides a variety of benefits for babies. In addition to meeting their nutritional needs, breast milk also provides antibodies from the mother, protecting the baby from the risk of short-term and long-term infections.

Direct breastfeeding is the most convenient for mothers, as it can be done anywhere without the need to prepare bottles and formula milk. However, how can a baby continue to receive exclusive breastfeeding when the mother has to return to work?

Tips for pumping breast milk for working mothers

Maternity leave is given for 3 months,  according to Indonesian Law No. 13 of 2003. However, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended to continue for 6 months.

To ensure that the baby continues to receive the benefits of breast milk, working mothers can pump and store breast milk as expressed breast milk (EBM) in a frozen state.

The challenge lies in the fact that breast milk often flows more smoothly during direct breastfeeding compared to pumping. How can you then ensure that the baby receives an adequate amount of breast milk? Here are some tips to consider:

• Choosing a breast pump

There are two types of breast pumps: manual and electric pumps. Electric pumps are usually faster and more efficient than manual pumps. If you plan to pump breast milk regularly or use it at work, an electric pump would be a better choice.

Breast pumps also typically offer double-period time-pumping features, allowing both breasts to be pumped simultaneously. This can save time, as more breast milk can be expressed in a shorter period of time.

Additionally, ensure to choose a breast pump that is easy to disassemble, clean, and reassemble to facilitate its use at work.

• Practicing at home

About two or three weeks before you return to work, prepare pumping sessions at home to help you get used to and adjust easily to the transition between breastfeeding and working. Learn how to use the breast pump and assemble and disassemble it quickly.

If your baby is not yet used to the bottle, start introducing the bottle about two weeks before you start working. Babies need time to learn how to suck from a bottle and reduce the likelihood of bottle rejection when you cannot breastfeed directly.

Gradually increase the pumping sessions before the return-to-work date to allow your body to adapt to more frequent pumping and boost breast milk supply.

• Consistent pumping times

Choose a consistent pumping time each day according to your work schedule. Some mothers prefer pumping at specific times, such as before or after lunch or during the middle of their work hours. Find a time that does not disrupt your work and allows you to feel relaxed while pumping.

Also, adjust the pumping frequency according to your and your baby's needs.

• Choose a comfortable space

Make sure you have a suitable and comfortable place to pump breast milk in the office. Some offices provide rooms for pumping breast milk or quiet spaces that can be used for this purpose. If there are no specific facilities, find a quiet and private place to pump.

If you have issues with a continuously decreasing breast milk volume despite consistently following your pumping schedule, talk to a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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