Juggling Breastfeeding and Work: Best Practices

Juggling Breastfeeding and Work: Best Practices

breastfeeding at work

Introduction

Breastfeeding, the natural act of nourishing a newborn, can be an exceptionally rewarding experience for new mothers. However, as maternity leave concludes and returning to work looms, the prospect can appear daunting. The task of balancing work commitments while maintaining a breastfeeding schedule can seem nearly impossible. Yet, with the right strategies, you can juggle both effectively. Drawing from the experience and knowledge of professionals at The Impeccable Nanny Agency, we provide a guide that simplifies this process and ensures that both mom and baby’s needs are met.

Understand Your Rights

Before delving into the best practices, it’s important to familiarize yourself with your rights as a breastfeeding mother. As per the Affordable Care Act in the U.S., most employers are required to provide time and a private space (that is not a bathroom) for breastfeeding mothers to pump milk. Therefore, don’t shy away from discussing your breastfeeding needs with your employer.

Developing a Pumping Schedule

Once you are back at work, developing a pumping schedule that aligns with your baby’s feeding routine will be crucial. Generally, the rule of thumb is to pump as often as your baby feeds. A newborn usually feeds every 2-3 hours, so try to mimic this schedule at work. Consistency will help maintain your milk supply and prevent uncomfortable engorgement.

Pumping Tips

  1. Privacy: Make sure you have a comfortable, private space for pumping. You should be able to relax and not worry about being disturbed.
  2. Pump parts: To save time, consider buying extra pump parts. This way, you don’t have to spend time cleaning parts at work; you can do it at home instead.
  3. Storage: Ensure you have an insulated bag with ice packs to store the expressed milk safely until you get home.
  4. Clothing: Dress in layers or wear clothes that provide easy access for pumping.

Communicate with Your Childcare Provider

If you are working with a nanny from The Impeccable Nanny Agency or another provider, clear and open communication is key. Let them know about your baby’s feeding schedule, the quantity of milk they usually consume, and any signs of hunger or fullness your baby displays. This will help maintain the baby’s routine and make the transition smoother for everyone involved.

Take Care of Yourself

Last but not least, take care of yourself. The stresses of work combined with the demands of a newborn can take a toll on your health. Stay hydrated, maintain a balanced diet, and take time for self-care. Remember, your health is paramount for your baby’s health too.

Conclusion

Returning to work while continuing to breastfeed may seem like an uphill task. However, with planning, communication, and some adjustments, it can be managed successfully. Remember, every mother’s journey is unique, so what works best for you may differ from others. Embrace your journey, seek support when needed, and, most importantly, be patient with yourself. You’re doing an incredible job!

We recommend consulting an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant for more info on Lactation. We partner with Catheen Walker. lactationconsultantathome.com/

Is Your Child Developmentally Ready for Potty Training?

Is Your Child Developmentally Ready for Potty Training?

It’s an exciting time when your little one begins to display the signs of being ready to transition from using diapers to using the toilet. But how can you tell when that time has arrived and how do you move forward when it has? Below are some tips to help caregivers make the leap from diaper to toilet.

Signs Your Child is Ready:

  • Your child is between the ages of 18 to 24 months. Please note that this is a general estimate and the age may differ slightly.
  • Their diaper remains dry for two or more hours.
  • They are able to understand and follow basic instructions.
  • Words like “potty,” “pee,” and “poop” make sense to them.
  • They understand the urge to pee and poop and connect these two things to the potty.
  • They are able to get on and off the toilet and successfully pull down and pull up their pants.
  • Your child shows an interest in using the potty.

Prepping for Toilet Training:

  • Use the correct language for the potty, such as “poop” and “pee.”
  • Express that using the toilet has benefits! This could mean talking with your child about how they will soon be just like mommy and daddy, using the toilet just like them.
  • Make sure that your little one is wearing clothing that is easy for them to pull up and down. You can figure out what works by having them practice during diaper changes.
  • Actions speak louder than words, so show your child how to use the toilet. This allows them to easily mimic potty expectations. 
  • Help them recognize when they need to go to the bathroom. This can be as simple as asking them “Are you peeing right now?” to guide them to identify the urge.
  • Get a potty that works for them. Make sure they can easily sit down and get up. 

Toilet Training Tips:

  • Praise your child whenever they sit on the toilet. They don’t have to actually go to the bathroom for it to be a training success!
  • Have your child sit on the toilet 15 to 30 minutes after a meal. This is a natural time for the urge to hit.
  • Do not force your child to use the toilet; if they are kicking and screaming as you place them on the potty, it probably won’t help them learn to use it. 
  • Allow it to become part of each day. This means instead of insisting they use the toilet, weave it into your routine.
  • Use rewards, such as stickers, when they use the potty. 

Take solace in that potty training is not a straight path for most caregivers. Children can use the toilet one day, then not use it the next. Times of stress or change in routine can also slow the process. But that’s life! Remember to be easy on yourself and your child. And if you need guidance, you can always reach out to your pediatrician.

Source – KidsHealth.org. March 2019. “Toilet Training.” Accessed July 14, 2022. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/toilet-teaching.html.

What Training Should a Nanny Have?

What Training Should a Nanny Have?

Training for Nannies

While there may be no formal training required to become a nanny, taking specialized child care training courses will make a nanny a more professional and knowledgeable caregiver. Every child is different and when selecting the best Nanny for your home, specialized classes according to the needs of your child(ren) are important and should be added as a qualifier for your interview process. For example, if your child loves music or is musically inclined, does your potential Nanny candidate have the education and skill to assist in your child’s passion?

Necessary Training:

  • CPR and First Aid
  • Water Safety Certification
  • Infant Care Classes & Certification if taking care of newborns
  • Drivers’ License

Some Optional Training:

  • Nutrition and Cooking
  • Fitness Education
  • Foreign Language Skills
  • Positive Discipline Training

Searching for the best Nanny for your child(ren) and family can be exhausting and overwhelming. We understand that. With over 13 years of experience placing qualified nannies that have a long-term commitment to their families, we go through an intensive vetting and qualifying process so you don’t have to. At the end of the day, the most important person is your child. That’s why we take what we do so seriously.

If you need a nanny and would like for us to help, contact us! Let us know if you have any questions about the process or about our experience. You can also read our frequently asked questions list at the bottom of this page.

You can also connect with us on Facebook or LinkedIn for up-to-date information regarding our agency and helpful family tips and advice.

Pets Are a Wonderful Part of Life

Pets Are a Wonderful Part of Life

Many people love coming home to a pet. Animals bring us joy, love, comfort, and can really make a home feel like a home. Pets are a great responsibility. They require attention, training, feeding, walking, nurturing, and full-time care. When you have a Nanny working in your home, you will need to consider how this will affect her and who will be responsible for the pet in your absence.

Consider these tips:
• Make sure the Nanny does not have any allergies to animals.
• Set expectations of what part of the Nanny’s job will be to take care of the pets.
• Set expectations for the responsibility of the children to take care of the pets.
• Set up proper pet care if the Nanny’s other responsibilities do not include the pets.

What Childcare Professional is Best for You: The Difference Between a Nanny, Au Pair, and Babysitter

What Childcare Professional is Best for You: The Difference Between a Nanny, Au Pair, and Babysitter

nanny vs babysitter

You want to make the best choices for your family. You toil over their food, schools, and health. So when it comes to looking for the best childcare, there are a lot of options that can seem overwhelming. You have to consider what type of childcare professional will fit your needs, including your budget, your preferred age range or experience level, and how frequently you need childcare. All of the variations of childcare professionals can be broken down into three separate categories: Nannies, au pairs, and babysitters. So which one is right for you? The first step is understanding their distinct differences and then deciding which type of childcare professional best aligns with your family’s needs!

Au Pair 

The name au pair tells you a bit about the role itself. The term is French for “on par” or “equal to,” meaning that an au pair’s role is to be an equal partner with the parents when it comes to childcare. Au pairs are usually around 18 to 30 years old, from a foreign country, and typically have time-specific contracts. One big distinction between au pairs and other caregivers is that they always live with the family. Because they typically are moving from a foreign country, they move in with their host family upon arrival and reside with them for the duration of their contract. An au pair is a cost-effective option if you already have a spare room that they could stay in. Au pairs typically work set hours each week, and extensive experience often isn’t required.

Nanny

Nannies and au pairs seemingly have small differences, but nannies offer great benefits that some families may be looking for at the end of the day. Nannies often do reside with their employer, but some elect not to. Unlike au pairs, nannies typically work longer hours and require higher pay. But Nanny agencies often require more experience for nannies versus au pairs. Agencies may require a degree in a childcare field, more years of experience, or extensive references for nannies. If you require more around-the-clock care and professionalism, hiring a Nanny will be the best fit for you.

Babysitters

Babysitters hold the least similarities between the three types of childcare professionals. Babysitters are short-term, as-needed caregivers. If you need someone to watch your kids for a night out or a short vacation, a babysitter should be your go-to choice. Babysitters are not always the vision from movies, numerous agencies represent highly vetted and experienced babysitters for your temporary needs.

If you decide that hiring a Nanny is the right step for you and your family, The Impeccable Nanny Agency is here to help you. With permanent Nanny services, newborn care specialists, and housekeeping services, the Impeccable Nanny has everything you need for your at-home care. Reach out to see how we can match your busy life with the person you need.