“One night, my 3-year-old asked me if she could sleep in my bed. I told her no. She said, “That’s not fair! Why does Daddy get to sleep in your bed?” READ MORE
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Something you really should plan in advance, but most mothers dread to do when there due date comes near, is discussing with their employers how she can continue to breastfeed her baby. There are a few things to consider. When do you need to go back to work? How long can you stay home on paid and unpaid maternity, disability and family leave? Think about day care: Is the facility close to your work so you can nurse your baby? Can a babysitter come by with your baby so you can feed her at your work? Consider this: Is it possible to take baby to your work or can you bring work home so you can work shorter days at the office? If these suggestions don’t work for you, consider expressing your milk during work time and have the sitter feed this to the baby. According to the law, a mother is entitled to use a reasonable amount of time to express her milk on the job in a private, clean and safe environment close to her work area (no bathroom, please). A mother who is well prepared before she discusses her wish to feed or pump when returning to work has the biggest chance of success. It may help if you explain to your employer that breastfed babies are healthier, so mom will need less time off on days when baby is sick. This benefit will continue as long as baby gets her mother’s milk and even in the years thereafter. The Orange County Breastfeeding Coalition (for more information, call 714.242.1633 or visit www.ocbreastfeedingcoalition.org). |
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