Spending time away from your newborn baby? Here's how, when and where you can remove the breast milk

Mothers often face challenges when they have to be away from their babies at any stage of their breastfeeding journey. Whether the baby is only a few days old or over 12 months, nursing mothers have to express their milk to maintain their supply and nourish their child. Dr Anuradha Khurana, Consultant OBGY at Daffodils by Artemis, suggests that this can be tough for working moms, who need to juggle their job responsibilities with the needs of their baby. Investing in a high-quality pump can help, along with maintaining a healthy lifestyle and open communication with employers about their breastfeeding needs.

Khyati Choudhary, Founder of MyBirthSquad, says that despite the emotional challenge of going back to work, mothers can balance breastfeeding and work without guilt, thanks to the help of policies like the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act 2017.

Expressing breast milk can involve manual or electric pumping, along with other techniques that help stimulate milk production, such as massage or varying suction levels. Keeping a regular schedule, staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, getting enough rest, and managing stress can help support sufficient milk production. Working out a routine and starting pumping a few weeks before returning to work can make the transition smoother. Employers who provide support like flexible breaks and private spaces for pumping can also make a significant difference.

Roghayyeh Bayazi, Lactation Consultant at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, adds that mothers need societal and family support and a private space to succeed in breastfeeding at work. Different mothers may need to express milk for different reasons, including after maternity leave, and the frequency of pumping will depend on each individual. Cleanliness is also critical to avoid contamination. The key, Bayazi and Khurana suggest, is to gradually adapt and create a balance that works for you and your baby.