World Breastfeeding Week: Successful Working Breastfeeding According to Experts

Being able to breastfeed your little one after giving birth is the dream of most mothers. However, not all mothers can breastfeed smoothly. For working moms who still have to breastfeed their little ones, it is certainly a challenge. This year, World Breastfeeding Week is commemorated every August 1-7, 2023 with the theme "Enabling Breastfeeding: Making a difference for working parents" or "Enabling Breastfeeding: Making a difference for working parents". 

MAKUKU collaborates with 𝗱𝗿. 𝗩𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘆 𝗕𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗱𝘂𝘀 𝗕𝗼𝗲𝗻, 𝗖𝗜𝗠𝗜 Lactation Counselor from St. Carolus Hospital held a LIVE instagram on World Breastfeeding Week: Successful Work Successful Breastfeeding on August 03, 2023. Let's find out how to successfully provide exclusive breastfeeding for working mothers.

What is exclusive breastfeeding?

The definition of exclusive breastfeeding according to WHO is that babies are only given breast milk without any additional food or drinks including water until the baby is six months old. If the baby is sick, there are indications and requires the baby to take medicine or vitamins from the doctor, then it can be said that it is still exclusive breastfeeding. However, if giving water or other foods that are given alone without any direction from the doctor is not allowed.

What are the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for the baby?

The benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for babies are increased immunity or better immune system than children who are not. Especially if the baby has a history of allergies so that immunity is better. breastfeeding activities can also be a bonding moment with your little one. And can increase the child's confidence through love and affection that cannot be obtained from food intake.

Breast milk is not only beneficial for the baby, but also for the mother? What are the benefits?

After childbirth, mothers are prone to bleeding complications. By breastfeeding, the body produces the hormone oxytocin or love hormone which can help stop the bleeding. Breastfeeding also makes the uterus contract so that the bleeding stops quickly. 

In addition, breastfeeding can be a natural birth control with certain conditions. These include breastfeeding directly to be more effective than breast squeezing. Must have not menstruated for six months since giving birth. However, if you have your period within this time frame, it is advisable to use contraceptives.

How much milk does a baby need based on his age?

A lot of mothers who have just given birth are worried that their milk is not coming out so there is no need to breastfeed. This perception should be changed and you should wait until the milk comes out. Because if there is no demand, our brain thinks there is no need to produce breast milk. 

While the breast milk requirement for babies is based on age, a newborn whose stomach is the size of a marble only needs a spoonful of tea or coffee. As they get older, the need for breast milk increases. Babies aged 1-6 months need 700-900 ml per 24 hours. Working mothers can fulfill their breast milk needs by breastfeeding directly after coming home.

Working mothers who pump breast milk are advised not to give breast milk with a pacifier or bottle. The child can be taught to use a spoon or cup feeder so as not to confuse the baby's nipple. 

What can increase breast milk production?

 To increase breast milk production, the key is direct breastfeeding. Pay attention to the attachment during breastfeeding, get family support, do lactation massage to make breastfeeding mothers more relaxed. 

To use breast milk booster is an option, if the breastfeeding mother is more calm and confident, it is allowed. However, what we drink and eat is actually good for ourselves. Breastfeeding mothers can eat what they like because it can be a breast milk booster. Choose foods with balanced nutrition and nutrients.

 Is it better to drink breast milk booster or just use natural ones like katuk leaves?

There are several types of ingredients or leaves that are believed to increase breast milk production. In Indonesia, the most commonly consumed leaf to increase breast milk is katuk leaves, which has good content. But unfortunately not all mothers like katuk leaves. If forced to eat what is not liked, it can make the mother uncomfortable and actually interfere with breast milk production. Make sure to eat a balanced diet in terms of nutrition and nutrition.

 For working moms, what are the mandatory equipment at home?

The average pregnant woman has prepared a breast pump. Without realizing it, what should be learned is how to breastfeed and the right attachment. In addition, you must be consistent in breastfeeding. Breastfeeding mothers can express milk by hand and this is the method recommended by WHO. 

Working mothers should prepare media that can accommodate breast milk such as bottles or breast milk bags. Breast milk bags are more practical and easy to carry around while glass bottles can be used multiple times. In addition, prepare a cooler box, ice gel, apron cover, breast pads and a refrigerator or pumping room in the office.

What factors affect breast milk volume?

The mood of a breastfeeding mother can affect milk production. Menstruation can also decrease milk production but not drastically. Breastfeeding mothers are advised to empty their breasts consistently. Even working mothers should pump breast milk at least every 3-4 hours. Before and after pumping breast milk, it is recommended to use nipple cream to prevent irritation and maintain breast skin moisture. Usually, nipple cream uses safe ingredients but should be cleaned when breastfeeding or expressing breast milk. (Aq/MKK)