The fasting month is coming soon, is there anyone who is still breastfeeding while working? If so, the management of breast milk and the pumping schedule must be considered from now on. Because when fasting, not eating for about 14 hours can certainly affect the smoothness of breast milk.
Before deciding to fast, first consider the age of the baby. If the baby is under 6 months old and is at risk of not getting breast milk, then you should postpone fasting first. However, if the baby is more than 6 months old, has started eating, and does not weigh less, then you can join the fast.
Don't forget to consult your doctor first. There are many cases of children getting diarrhea when mothers fast because the nutrients in breast milk are reduced a lot.
So, tips for successful pumping so that breast milk runs smoothly for working mothers during the fasting month?
1. Eat 3 times a day with good nutrition
Because they don't eat during the day, breastfeeding mothers should still eat 3 times a day, at suhoor, iftar, and before going to bed at night. Pay attention to nutritional intake and consume lots of carbohydrates for additional energy, vegetables and fruit to keep the body fit. Don't forget to take vitamins or breast milk supplements.
2. Consume lots of water
People who don't breastfeed are prone to thirst when fasting while working, especially those who are breastfeeding. So drink as much water as possible at dawn and iftar!
3. Pump as much as possible at night
Pumping too often during the day risks hunger and weakness and reduced milk production. Get around it by pumping at night after breaking the fast and after the tarawih prayer. Also take the time to pump before and after breakfast.
To maintain production, keep pumping during the day at the office but don't obsess over quantity. Pumping is done so that the breasts are stimulated so that they can continue to produce milk.
In order to pump comfortably, make sure you use the best breast pump. The breast pump from Philips AVENT can be an option for a breast pump that is painless, comfortable, easy to use, and has an ergonomic funnel cushion that provides massage to the breasts. There are three choices of breast pumps that can be used as needed, manual, single electric, and double electric.
4. Make sure the number of baby needs
This is important to determine the daily pumping target. How many bottles does the baby use in a day when left at work? If you know exactly the average number of bottles consumed, we can only consider the frequency of pumping. For example, a baby consumes 500 ml of breast milk in a day, then that day you have to pump 500 ml which is divided into several pumping sessions.
For expressed breast milk (ASIP) for babies, also make sure you use safe baby bottles from Philips AVENT. Designed to suit the needs of mother and child, this bottle is easy to clean, the nipple is ergonomic, does not leak, is easy to grip, and is clinically proven to be anti-colic.
The Philips AVENT feeding bottle fits naturally into the baby's mouth because the nipple is as wide as the breast. The nipple petals are also unique so they can increase softness and flexibility without causing the teat to collapse.
5. Set rest time
Adequate rest is also a determining factor for the quantity of breast milk. Set the time well so that you get enough sleep so you don't get tired.
6. Weekend Supply
Don't stop pumping on weekends! Keep pumping according to the schedule on weekdays so that production does not decrease. The pump results this weekend can be saved in case there is a shortage of breast milk for the child when left to work.
Happy breastfeeding in the month of fasting!