How long should my baby be breastfed? Can I continue to breastfeed when I return to work after my maternity leave?
Transcript
How long should my baby be breastfed? Can I continue to breastfeed when I return to work after my maternity leave?
The longer your baby is breastfed, the more health benefits both you and your baby will have. World Health Organization recommends that babies should be breastfed exclusively in the first 6 months and continue to be breastfed until 2 years or above while solid food is being introduced to their diet. When your baby starts trying other food, the chance of food allergies would be lower if she is still on breastmilk. Basically, there is no hard and fast rule on when to wean. It is better for you to work together with your child on the way and time to wean.
Some mothers may stop breastfeeding because they need to return to work, yet discuss early with family and employer, prepare well beforehand will make breastfeeding possible after returning to work. If you want to know more, you can return to the topic "Expressing and storing of breastmilk at workplace", or refer to the leaflet "Establish Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace The Employee's Guide" in the Family Health Service website: www.fhs.gov.hk. You can also seek advice from Maternal and Child Health Centres or other healthcare professionals for a suitable solution to continue breastfeeding.