| I was recently honoured to speak on breastfeeding to | | | | - How many other mothers here breastfeed? Perhaps |
| a group of students studying childcare at my | | | | even speak to a couple of them to get their |
| daughter's college. I shared with them the importance | | | | perspective on the issue. |
| that breastfeeding has to the mother-baby. I was | | | | - If you are dealing with a nanny or childminder, ask |
| encouraged by the number of truly thoughtful | | | | politely about her personal experience with |
| questions these young people asked. They will play a | | | | breastfeeding. |
| crucial role in the future in ensuring that more nurseries | | | | - What are your facilities for storing and warming |
| adopt a breastfeeding friendly environment. | | | | breast milk? |
| But if you are a mother who is considering returning to | | | | And of course...once you select the right childcare, |
| work...how do you choose the best childcare for your | | | | never assume that they know the proper ways of |
| breastfeeding baby? In addition to all the other | | | | storing and re-heating your milk. The Breastfeeding |
| questions you will be asking of your nanny, childminder | | | | Network has a great leaflet entitled "Expressing and |
| or nursery, there are a few unique to breastfeeding: | | | | Storing Breast Milk." It has wonderful little tear out |
| - Do you have a breastfeeding policy? | | | | reminders that you can ask them to post on the fridge. |
| - Is there facilities for breastfeeding either when | | | | Breastfeeding in the evenings after a hard day at the |
| dropping off or picking up? (This may be | | | | office can be one of the most pleasurable ways to |
| crucial...imagine trying to make it home in the car or on | | | | unwind...and it allows your baby to continue to receive |
| the tube/bus with a baby that missed her mum and | | | | the perfect nutrition and boast her immunities. With a |
| wants to nurse first thing.) | | | | little preparation, support and perseverance you can |
| - What training does your staff have on breastfeeding | | | | continue to enjoy the closeness of this bond for as |
| and breast-fed babies? | | | | long as the two of you wish. I have...three times. |