Today’s post is written by Ujëbardha Bekolli from SAMBjobs.
We know that it is extremely important that the only source of food for the first 6 months of life is breast milk according to WHO, Unicef and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Afterward, you can start introducing other foods and eventually arrange the breast milk feedings to only in the morning and the evening. The realization that you are their only source of food during those first months is overwhelming for many, and many don’t willingly want to get back to work right away.
But what should a mother who is the breadwinner of the family do?
She MUST get back to work when her paid leave ends, which in South Africa is usually up to 4 months after giving birth. In cases like this, she is often reluctant to leave her baby for over 8 hours every day. Four months are not enough time for these mothers to leave the comfort of their homes and babies. They create a bonding that they want to keep nurturing. A bond only mothers understand.
If you do decide to defy the odds and go back to work while breastfeeding your baby – whether working regular hours or part-time – congrats to you! You’re making a hard decision but kudos for sacrificing yourself to maintain the healthy lifestyle of your baby.
You CAN make it work if making the proper adjustments is available to you. However, be aware that you WILL be facing many challenges!
It is your right!
South African breastfeeding mothers are protected by the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and are legally entitled to 30-minute breaks twice per day for breastfeeding or expressing milk till their infants turn six months. They’re also entitled to a facility that is clean, private, and suitable. Oh, and these breaks are paid!
So, don’t be afraid to ask for your mom privileges.
You can get a job that is flexible for a mother
This way you can be a full-time parent first, and get some money on the side. Yes, you might have to do a slight career change, but who knows, maybe you even find something that you decide to stick to even after your baby grows!
You can look for work-from-home or remote jobs
Possibilities are endless in what you can be useful while also having your baby’s needs in mind. Many international companies offer such jobs, offering employees a wider range of options when it comes to working schedules. These job opportunities turn out to be very beneficial for mothers with newborns. You have your home as a childcare facility (which not all workplaces provide).
This way, you can often even arrange work according to your baby’s feeding schedule and not the opposite.
No breastfeeding break!
Some trade unions, unfortunately, do not see the breastfeeding break as an important issue to support. In such cases where additional breaks are not provided, the mother only has her lunch break to express milk. However, to keep up a good supply of breastmilk, it is advisable for a mom to express as often as her baby would feed if she were available.
Many workplaces do not have onsite child-care facilities
Mothers who choose to express at work when not provided a special facility will be faced with many dilemmas. The main issue is where to express, with many moms having to do the breast milk pumping in their cars, the bathroom or an office storeroom. It’s a no-brainer why these places are not designated for the breastfeeding/expressing process. Neither of them fills the requirements of hygiene (since the pump must be rinsed after every use), OR storage (since the expressed milk needs to be stored safely in a cool area).
Breast pumping can be uncomfortable to adjust to
Not only uncomfortable, but it can lead to sore nipples, pain, or even nipple infection. The infection can be thrush (a yeast infection of the nipples) or bacterial. Thrush symptoms may include itchy or burning, painful nipples which might get flaky, and/or get a rash with blisters. If you have intense nipple or breast pain, it might lead to being unable to concentrate at work.
Coworkers might not be understanding
There might be times you will feel uneasy to take your breaks in front of your coworkers. Here’s how a mom puts her unpleasant experience:
I know you will stand up and announce that you need to go pump, and you will hear a symphony of comments from your co-workers: “Again?” “How long are you going to do that?” “Doesn’t it make you feel like a cow?” “You don’t put your milk in the employee fridge, do you?” ”I wish I got to take ‘breaks’ like you do.”
All in all, it’s up to every mother whether they want to go back to work while breastfeeding or not. We advise you to do your research in finding a flexible job that gives you the freedom to nurse your baby accordingly. If you do decide to go back to your old regular job, though, please make sure to know your rights as a breastfeeding mom and do not be afraid to ask for what you’re entitled to. Whatever you decide, we support you!
For breastfeeding support you can also contact La Leche League (they also have a local FB group) and lactation consultants.
Ujëbardha Bekolli is a writer for SAMBjobs. SAMBjobs is a job portal designed to bring together stay at home moms and recruiters. The platform also brings helpful articles in the Blog section regarding mothers who want to return to the workforce.
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