Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding for Working Mothers
In 21st century, with increasing recognition of the benefits of breastfeeding, more and more working mothers choose to breastfeed their babies. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months after birth, with subsequent introduction of complementary food while continuing breastfeeding until the age of two or beyond. Returning to work does not mean working mothers have to stop breastfeeding. With adequate preparation and support from employers, working mothers can still continue to breastfeed their babies even when they return to work. This is made possible by working mothers expressing breastmilk in their workplaces for feeding their babies at home.
What you have to know?
Points to note：
- Breastmilk can be expressed by hand or by using a pump
- Wash hands thoroughly before expressing and handling breastmilk
- Make sure all equipment is sterilised before you start
- Breastmilk should be stored in a fridge and carried home in a cool bag
- Clearly label the date and time of expressed breastmilk before storing in the fridge
- Never store breastmilk near the freezer doors where the temperature is unstable
- Be prepared to keep an extra underwear and some breastpads at work
- Pay attention to storage temperature and duration for expressed breastmilk
- Build a store of expressed breastmilk 2-3 weeks before returning to work
Storage of breastmilk
Location |
Temperature |
Duration |
|---|---|---|
Room Temperature |
25 - 37°C
|
4 hours |
Ice bag with cold pack |
-- |
24 hours |
Refrigerator ＊Freezer compartment |
2 - 4°C ≦-18°C |
5 days 3 months |
Self-contained freezer unit |
-20°C |
6 months |
Related Information and hotline
For more information about breastfeeding, please visit Family Health Service website (www.fhs.gov.hk) or call Breastfeeding Hotline (2961 8868).
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