Cuti Habis? Ini 6 Cara Memperbanyak ASI bagi Working Mom

Mothers returning to work after maternity leave often face major challenges in maintaining their breast milk supply for their babies. Limited time, work pressure, and the need to pump breast milk at work are often obstacles. In fact, breast milk production must be maintained to meet the baby's nutritional needs, while also maintaining the emotional bond between mother and baby. Even though time and energy are limited, it is important for mothers to maintain the quantity and quality of breast milk so that the baby continues to receive optimal intake. However, there is no need to worry, let's find out how to increase breast milk supply below!

Preparation Before Returning to Work

Ways to increase breast milk supply when returning to work start with making various preparations as summarized in the description below.

1. Build a Breast Milk Supply

Mothers are advised to start pumping at least two to three weeks before returning to work to build a stockpile of expressed breast milk. This helps mothers reduce pressure when returning to work and ensures that the baby continues to get enough breast milk when the mother is not at home.

Expressed breast milk should be stored in a sterile container and kept in the refrigerator or freezer. Also, make sure to follow the proper breast milk storage guide to maintain its quality.

2. Choose the Right Breast Pump

Choosing the right breast pump is very important. Manual pumps are suitable for mothers who do not pump very often, while electric pumps are usually more efficient for routine use at work. Size and portability are also important for comfort.

A comfortable and efficient breast pump makes the pumping process easier and painless. Additional features such as adjustable suction power, double pumping, and extra accessories should also be considered.

3. Seek Support at Work

Before returning to work, it is important to discuss breastfeeding needs with your supervisor, such as providing time and a proper place to express milk. Some workplaces may have a lactation room or an area that mothers can use to pump breast milk in private and comfortably.

4. Prepare Breast Pumping Equipment

Prepare all the necessary equipment, such as sterile breast milk bottles or bags for storing expressed milk, a cooler bag, and an ice pack to maintain the temperature of the breast milk during the trip home.

Read also: These Are the Benefits and How to Use Ice Gel to Chill Breast Milk

Ways to Increase Breast Milk Supply While Working

Now, after making preparations, it's time for you to learn how to increase breast milk supply even though you have returned to your active work routine. To keep breast milk production stable, here are some tips that you can try.

1. Express Breast Milk Regularly

The key to maintaining breast milk production while working is to pump regularly, at least every 3-4 hours. This mimics the baby's breastfeeding pattern and helps keep breast milk production optimal. It is important to find a comfortable, clean, and private place at work so that the pumping process is more relaxed and effective.

2. Breastfeed Directly Before and After Work

Before leaving for work and after returning home, prioritize direct breastfeeding. This not only helps breast milk production but also maintains the emotional bond between mother and baby.

3. Pay Attention to Food and Fluid Intake

Nutrient-rich food intake and sufficient fluids are very important to support breast milk production. Breastfeeding mothers need to maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated throughout the day. Pack healthy snacks and drinking water so that you can maintain your nutritional and hydration needs while at work.

4. Use Natural Breast Milk Boosters

Consume foods or supplements that can help increase breast milk production. Some foods and supplements such as katuk leaves, oatmeal, almonds, or special supplements can be an option to increase breast milk production.

5. Reduce Stress

Stress can hinder breast milk production. Mothers must find ways to manage stress through meditation, yoga, or other relaxation activities.

6. Get Enough Rest

Try to get enough sleep at night. Enough quality sleep is very important for maintaining breast milk production and overall maternal health.

Read also: How Long Does Breast Milk Last in a Cooler Bag? Check Here!

Additional Tips to Increase Breast Milk Supply

Ways to increase breast milk supply can also be pursued by seeking support from a partner and family, as well as maintaining a positive mindset. You can see the explanation as follows.

1. Involve Your Partner or Caregiver

The involvement of a partner or caregiver in giving expressed breast milk can lighten the mother's burden. It also helps build a bond between the baby and other caregivers.

2. Don't Hesitate to Ask for Help

If you experience problems with breastfeeding or pumping breast milk, don't hesitate to consult a lactation consultant or an experienced medical professional.

3. Stay Positive and Confident

Breastfeeding while working is indeed challenging, but with a positive approach and the right strategy, mothers can successfully provide enough breast milk for their babies.

Hegen Breast Pump Helps Mothers Increase Breast Milk Supply

The Hegen Breast Pump is the right choice to help breastfeeding mothers returning to work increase their breast milk supply because of a number of features and advantages specifically designed to make it easier for mothers in the breast pumping process, even amidst the busyness of work. The following are the reasons why the Hegen Breast Pump is a highly recommended choice.

1. Ergonomic and Comfortable Design

The Hegen Breast Pump is designed with attention to the mother's comfort when pumping breast milk. The ergonomic funnel shape and size that fits various types of breasts make this pump painless when used for a long time. This is important for working mothers, as they need to pump breast milk regularly and comfort is a major factor in maintaining smooth breast milk production.

2. Time Efficiency with an Electric Pump

For mothers with busy schedules, Hegen offers an electric pump option that is efficient and fast in expressing breast milk. Hegen's pumping technology facilitates a double pumping process, allowing mothers to pump both breasts at once, thus saving time and increasing the amount of milk expressed.

3. Gentle and Natural Suction Feature

The Hegen Breast Pump uses suction technology that mimics a baby's natural suckling pattern, which helps trigger the let-down reflex (milk ejection reflex) more effectively. This means breast milk will come out faster and the pumping process becomes more efficient.

With a gentle and painless rhythm, mothers will not feel pressured when pumping breast milk, thus keeping milk production smooth.

4. Portability and Ease of Use

The Hegen Breast Pump is very light and easy to carry, making it an ideal choice for working mothers. The practical design allows mothers to carry this pump easily in their work bags.

In addition, this pump is easy to use and clean, which reduces the burden on busy mothers. With limited break time at the office, mothers can quickly and practically pump breast milk without having to struggle with complicated tools.

5. Leak-Proof Closure System and Practical Storage

Hegen is known for its innovative storage system for bottles and breast milk containers that can be directly used to pump, store, and feed breast milk without the need to transfer milk from one container to another.

This saves time, reduces the risk of contamination, and maintains the cleanliness of the breast milk. Hegen bottles also have leak-proof caps so that breast milk is safely stored in a cooler bag when the mother is at work.

6. Supports Sustained Breastfeeding

With the Hegen Breast Pump, mothers can ensure they can still meet the baby's breast milk needs even if they have to return to work. This pump helps mothers maintain consistency in breast milk production, which is crucial for maintaining supply in the long term.

Given that breast milk production works on the principle of supply and demand, pumping regularly with an effective pump like Hegen can help increase and maintain the amount of breast milk.

7. Modern Technology Support

The Hegen Breast Pump is equipped with advanced technology such as stimulation and expression modes that assist mothers in pumping more breast milk. The stimulation mode serves to stimulate breast milk production, while the expression mode maximizes milk release after the let-down reflex occurs.

With settings that are easily adjusted according to needs, mothers can choose the intensity that is most comfortable and effective for them.

8. Durability and Long-Term Investment

Hegen dikenal dengan produk yang tahan lama dan berkualitas tinggi, sehingga membeli Hegen Breast Pump merupakan investasi jangka panjang yang bernilai. Pompa ini dapat digunakan untuk waktu yang lama dan dapat disesuaikan untuk berbagai keperluan menyusui, bahkan setelah bayi tumbuh.

Hegen Breast Pump adalah pilihan terbaik untuk ibu bekerja karena menggabungkan kenyamanan, efisiensi, portabilitas, dan teknologi canggih dalam satu produk. Dengan fitur-fitur inovatif yang dirancang untuk mendukung produksi ASI secara maksimal, Hegen membantu ibu tetap fokus pada pekerjaan tanpa khawatir tentang pasokan ASI untuk bayi.

Fungsionalitas dan kepraktisannya membuat ibu bisa dengan mudah memenuhi kebutuhan ASI bayi, bahkan di tengah aktivitas kerja yang padat. Kunjungi official website Hegen Indonesia di sini untuk berbelanja sekarang!

Referensi:

Mary Squillace. Panduan Memerah ASI di Tempat Kerja. https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/breastfeeding/tips-pumping-work/

Adrienne Santos-Longhurst. 5 Cara Meningkatkan Produksi ASI. https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/how-to-increase-breast-milk