Breastfeeding after maternity leave? Don’t forget to nourish yourself
Breastfeeding mothers returning to the workforce face challenges in maintaining their own nutrition and milk supply. Practical strategies like consistent breakfast habits and integrating snacks with pumping sessions can help manage energy levels.
Why it matters
Supporting maternal health in the workplace is essential for the well-being of both the mother and the infant.
The demands of new motherhood can make it easy to overlook hydration, so keeping water within reach can help throughout the day. (Envato Elements pic)
PETALING JAYA: Returning to work can be one of the biggest challenges for mothers who want to continue breastfeeding. Between pumping schedules, meetings, commutes and the demands of the working day, many find that their own nutrition is the first thing to fall by the wayside.
While some mothers stop breastfeeding earlier than they had hoped because of the difficulty of balancing work with regular pumping and self-care, looking after their own wellbeing remains an important part of supporting both themselves and their babies.
Breastfeeding is demanding on the body. Producing milk requires energy, nutrients and fluids, which is why breastfeeding mothers need around 500 extra calories a day, along with more protein, calcium, iodine and fluids than before pregnancy.
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