Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure a child’s health and survival.

Breastmilk is the ideal food for infants. It is safe, clean, and contains antibodies that help protect against many common childhood illnesses. It provides all the energy and nutrients that an infant needs for the first months of life, and it continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, and up to one-third during the second year of life. Many new moms struggle with balancing the needs of their careers and their children. They want to return to school or work, but they also want to give their kids the immunological, nutritional, and emotional benefits that breastfeeding can offer. This is not always an easy balancing act. But the good news is that, with planning and determination, it can be done.

 

Why Breastfeeding Matters?

 

Breastfeeding does more than just give babies food. it also helps both mothers and babies feel closer and happier. When a mother breastfeeds, her body releases special hormones like oxytocin and prolactin. These hormones help her bond with her baby, feel more confident, and even reduce the chances of feeling sad after giving birth.

For the baby, breastfeeding supports healthy brain growth, helps build a strong immune system, and enhances their ability to learn and understand emotions. All these benefits grow stronger through the love and connection shared between mother and child during breastfeeding.

Source of Nutrition

Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for infants. It has a nearly perfect mix of vitamins, protein, and fat, everything your baby needs to grow. And it’s all provided in a form that’s more easily digested than infant formula. Breast milk contains antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria. Breastfeeding lowers your baby’s risk of having asthma or allergies.

 

Bonding and Emotional Benefits

 

Breastfeeding goes way beyond just feeding a baby.it’s a special bonding time that helps create a deep emotional connection between mom and child. Those quiet moments of eye contact and closeness build trust and make both feel safe and loved. It also triggers oxytocin, the “love hormone,” which boosts feelings of affection. For babies, breastfeeding provides comfort and a sense of security, not just food. Over time, these interactions can even help shape a baby’s emotional intelligence by teaching things like empathy and connection. In short, breastfeeding strengthens both the physical and emotional bond in a way that lasts well beyond infancy.

 

WHO Recommendation

Infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development, and health.

Thereafter, to meet their evolving nutritional requirements, infants should receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods, while continuing to breastfeed for up to two years or beyond.

Tips for Striking the Balance: Plan ahead

 

Make Plans During Pregnancy

It’s important to plan for breastfeeding before your baby arrives. Pregnancy is the best time to think through how you’ll manage breastfeeding in your daily routine. Talk to your doctor early, ask questions during prenatal visits, and discuss any plans like breastfeeding more than one child. Also, consider taking a breastfeeding class or joining a support group — these can prepare you and help you handle any challenges after birth.

 

Pump and Store Breast Milk

 After four weeks of exclusive breastfeeding, you may start to express and store your breast milk. You can express your milk either by hand or with a breast pump which can be easily purchased or rented. Adopt the method that best suits you.

Start by expressing once a day before gradually increasing the frequency according to the number of feeds which your baby will miss while you are at work. In the meantime, continue to breastfeed your baby directly.

 

Create a schedule: Balancing meetings, breaks, and pumping  

Finding a pumping schedule that fits your lifestyle and milk goals is essential, especially for working moms. If you’re pumping at work, try to pump every 3–4 hours and stick to consistent times. Having a set place and time for pumping can help reduce stress and make it easier to keep up the routine.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding and working shouldn’t be an either-or choice, and thankfully, it doesn’t have to be. With the right support system, thoughtful planning, and a little inner strength, mothers can successfully balance both their professional lives and their breastfeeding goals.

Whether it’s creating a pumping schedule that fits your workday, finding a private space to express milk, or having encouraging conversations with your employer or healthcare provider, each step you take is a powerful one. It may not always be easy, but it is absolutely possible.

Remember, every drop of effort you put in, even on the busiest days, is a gift of love, health, and comfort to your child. So give yourself grace, celebrate small wins, and lean on the tools and communities around you.

Would you like to hire a caregiver to help strike the Balance? Reach out to us at MyMedicaBank