How much do you really know about supporting mothers that are breastfeeding their children? There are many aspects to consider:
- if feeds need to be taken at the setting which could be at the beginning and end of the day
- how do you need to store the expressed breast milk if baby will take it from a bottle at the setting
- how do you plan for contingencies such as running out of milk supplies
Do you have a room available that mothers could use to breastfeed? Is it somewhere that is private and can be locked? Always speak to the mother and find out her preferences and thoughts, don’t just assume she will want to be hidden away to feed her baby. Some babies will settle with a feed before mother leaves in the morning and will feed again when she arrives to collect, dependent on their age and if they are weaning onto solids (a young baby may need more regular feeds so this may not be appropriate).
If parents are sending in breast milk for feeds then they are likely to be in already sterilised bottles, in measured amounts that the parents feel suit the baby’s needs. You may however also keep a frozen supply of breast milk in a freezer in case milk supplied is not sufficient, this must be defrosted before given as a feed.
For more information on breast milk storage visit this link:
For more information on the Equality Act 2010 in relation to breastfeeding in public places please visit the link below: