I have just started an informal (i.e. non-HR) page at work about going on maternity leave. I found the whole experience so stressful and my company is pretty unique in several aspects which I won't go into which make it all so much harder. There are also certain things that HR just can't advise on like how to manage coming back part-time, how to fit a nursery run in your day, etc.
Anyway, in addition I thought I might add a bit about breastfeeding, after all some women might still be bfing when they return to work. I just wanted opinions on how this sounded. I don't want to be wanky or patronising, but want to be humorous, all of which go against my natural instincts! This is what I was thinking:
'Breastfeeding
Yep, I said it. Breastfeeding. There, I said it again. Contrary to what some people think breastfeeding is a normal, natural process and there is no more reason why you can't mention it than you would say to a colleague 'I'm just popping to the loo'. Chances are that breastfeeding is a big part of your life for a while, in the same way that golf is to some people. Or World of Warcraft. It needn't be a taboo.
If you do a bit of research into the subject you might get the impression that breastfeeding isn't as simple as it should be and you might come across certain challenges. For the most part it should be easy and natural, but the reality is nowadays we try and fit breastfeeding into a different lifestyle, one with routines and structure and technology, and one where we usually have less people, most importantly, older woman around to help us and guide us than we once would. Often it is the case that our mothers and aunts didn't breastfeed and don't know how to help us.
Fortunately there are people and groups around who can help and support us. [My county] has a breastfeeding support network [website] and holds groups across the area dedicated to breastfeeding support. They are also a great place to socialise even when you no longer need support. The local group in [my town] is held at [children's centre] on [day, time] where you get the advice of a breastfeeding counsellor [sp?], support from peer supporters (other mums, given a little training) and a cup of tea and a biscuit. There are also helplines you can call [should be on local website]. Another extremely good resource is Kellymom.com.
Breastfeeding and returning to work
So you may be planning on coming back to work after 6 months or longer so how is this relevant to work? Well guess what? You can breastfeed beyond 6 months! And it isn't weird, or unnatural. It's the most natural thing in the world, as well as an excellent (and free!) source of nutrients and immunity for your baby. And you can still do it when you come back to work. Occupational Health have a room where you can go to express breast milk and a fridge in which to store it. Breast milk lasts in the fridge for much longer than you would think (see Kellymom for details) and you can freeze it, to ensure your baby has a good supply while you are at work. Invest in a decent pump and a cool bag and you are ready. Your line management will allow you time to express during the working day. Take a magazine and a picture of your baby. Sounds strange? Well the magazine is because it can be a boring 20 minutes and last time I was down there they only had ancient copies of Hello! And the picture is to help you encourage a 'let down' (don't know what that is yet? Give it time and your ears will be open to a whole new world of baby-related idioms like 'Bumbo', 'baby-led weaning' [I had to get a plug in there!] and 'doidy cups'). Woman have managed to breastfeed and work successfully for many months. Hopefully, should you chose to do so, you can continue for as long as you want, even once you have returned to work.'
What do you think? It isn't wholly work related, but hopefully work won't mind me adding it to the maternity page with a view to supporting colleagues. It is going to potentially be part of people's work lives if they are still feeding when they return to work. Tell me if it is a bit crap.
Thanks