If you’re nanny to a new-born baby or infant who’s still being breastfed, you can help make things much easier for mum, especially if she’s already started back at work and needs to continue breastfeeding.
To help both mum and baby, follow these simple tips:
- Think about mum’s nutritional needs when doing the weekly shop. Be sure to buy plenty of fresh fruit and veg, and avoid snacks high in sugar or fat.
- Encourage mum to drink plenty of water, but be prepared to make her a cup of coffee if she’s particularly worn out. 24 ounces of coffee is safe for nursing mothers and shouldn’t affect the baby.
- Keep pumping equipment clean and dry so that it’s ready when mum needs it. That includes bottles, sterilisers, brushes and the pump itself.
- Prepare the nursing area for mum so that she has books to read or music to listen to help her and baby relax during feeding time.
- Remember to keep stocked up on nursing pads for mum as these can run out quickly.
- If mum is expressing milk whilst at work, offer to pick it up so that you can use it to feed the baby. Mum will also appreciate seeing her new baby for a few minutes each day.
- Keep track of when you feed the baby so that mum can follow the schedule when she gets home from work.
- Learn how to properly store breastmilk and left-overs. You could even train to be a lactation specialist.
- Try to have a healthy, nutritious meal ready for mum when she gets home from her long day at work. Slow-cooked meals can be healthy and easy to prepare and can help give mum the energy she needs to take care of her baby during the evening.
- If there are older children in the family, plan some non-messy activities that they can do when mum gets home from work so that they don’t require all her attention but can still be in the same area while she’s caring for the baby.
Do you have any tips on how to help a breastfeeding mum? Share your thoughts in the comments below!