If I work, should I stop breastfeeding?
The decision whether or not to continue breastfeeding when you return to work is a very personal one.
A few considerations can help you to understand what is the right thing for you and your baby:
- if your baby is in the nursery, your milk helps him or her fight off those germs to which he or she may be exposed and consequently reduces the risk of illness;
- getting the baby to take your milk helps you take care of him even if you are not with him;
- breastfeeding can facilitate the return to work and can be a pleasant opportunity to 'catch up' even at night when you are no longer together;
- also, fortunately, breastfeeding is flexible. It does not have to be "all or nothing". If the baby is already six months old and is also taking other foods or if you cannot or do not want to squeeze in milk, you can always continue breastfeeding only when you are with your baby.
If breastfeeding is interrupted, milk production will gradually decrease after a while when the milk is not taken in by the baby and/or drained. To avoid discomfort or breast problems, whenever you have an unpleasant feeling of fullness, squeeze just enough to relieve the tension.
For more information:
https://www.nhs.uk/Planners/breastfeeding/Documents/breastfeedingandwork%5B1%5D.pdf