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Life is challenging enough when you’re a parent. This almost appears to be an understatement when you’re a single mother who needs to maintain a nine-to-five job. We do not blame you if there are days when you wish you could be afforded 48 hours instead of a meager 24.
Single motherhood, with or without external support, accompanies unique challenges by way of finances, emotions, physical strength, and more. Statista records that the 2023 figures for children living with single mothers stood at 15.09 million.
Another recent study discovered that around 60% of multiple hourly jobs are performed by women. This means women are driving the labor market. It also implies that single mothers are struggling to balance work and their babies. Often, the first area that gets neglected in the process is baby-feeding.
In this article, we will provide young single working moms with some useful tips and a whole lot of hope. You can manage your work along with your baby’s needs. Keep reading to learn how to overcome different baby-feeding challenges.
Juggling Work and Feeding Schedules
The prime challenge of being a single working mother with a newborn that needs regular nursing is balancing work with feeding schedules. It is imperative to establish a fixed routine that works for both.
We understand that this is easier said than done. After all, babies’ feeding requirements are as different and unique as they come. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), your baby’s feeding needs will vary based on their growth. In the first few weeks and months, some infants require feeding every two to four hours.
Others may even cry out in one hour but consume relatively less volume of milk each time. Between six to 12 months, you can feed your baby on demand as they are gradually introduced to more solid foods.
Once the baby has reached the 12-month mark, they may only wish to breastfeed in the morning or before bed. Others may continue to demand larger portions of breastmilk daily. Take some time to understand your baby’s unique patterns at each stage.
Once you’ve determined your baby’s feeding schedule, it’s time to plan your work schedule around it. It seldom works the other way around. This means you may have to have an open discussion with your employer about pumping and breastfeeding requirements.
Modern workplaces understand maternal needs and offer nursing support as well as break times. To streamline your daily routine further, consider time-saving strategies like preparing breastmilk into bottles, using breastfeeding-friendly products, etc.
Educating Oneself on Infant Nutrition
One cannot overstate the importance of nutrition during a baby’s early years of life. As your baby develops each month, they will require a combination of different vital nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, energy, and more. Even micronutrients like calcium and iron are needed for bone health and red blood cell production, respectively.
It has been found that infants between 9 and 24 months are most likely to suffer from iron deficiency. This is primarily because a baby’s iron needs are high during these months. The best nutrition, one that will even adapt to your baby’s growing needs, is mother’s milk.
This is where things can get a bit complicated because some mothers have valid reasons for not being able to breastfeed. If you are among them, do not worry but practice caution while feeding your baby with formula. Despite your busy work schedule, take some time out to research about safe alternatives.
The reason we press upon this subject is the fact that baby formulas are gaining a bad reputation in the market. There can be various reasons involved, one of which is the possibility of the infant developing Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC). This is a serious gastrointestinal condition among newborns, predominantly premature ones or those with a low birth weight.
As per TorHoerman Law, mothers have reported that their babies developed this condition after being fed formulas like Enfamil or Similac. One or two cases may be refuted but over 500 similar allegations cannot be overlooked.
These mothers have filed a lawsuit against baby formula manufacturers like Abbott Laboratories and Mead Johnson. On average, the NEC lawsuit payout can range between $5,000 and $500,000. This confirms what the two companies have known all along. They knew about the risks involved but continued advertising their baby formulas as safe.
In other cases, bacterial contamination in manufacturing plants can affect your child’s health. You cannot rely on large corporations to offer you the consolation you seek. It’s time to self-educate on baby nutrition for safe and healthy child development. As for the baby formula, it is best to steer clear. Choose safer alternatives like human milk from trusted local milk banks.
Seeking Postpartum Support
This one is huge because we perfectly understand that familial support may not always be readily available. First, Johns Hopkins Medicine discusses the most common yet challenging aspect of having birthed a baby. Postpartum blues or depression is not a buzzword because 85% of mothers experience it.
In 20% of cases, the postpartum blues can be so bad that it leads to maternal death. Be it mild to severe, the symptoms call for professional support as well as a community of other mothers who can offer personal advice.
Though mothers can breastfeed even with postpartum blues, the process will surely be difficult. For some, nursing may evoke positive emotions that help counter postpartum depression. If the former is true, you must seek help immediately. Otherwise, if left untreated, it makes it much more challenging to feed the baby.
Some ways to know that your postpartum depression is affecting breastfeeding are dissatisfaction with the process, desire for early weaning, and improper feeding. In case the symptoms are mild, useful online resources on lactation issues will suffice.
If it gets worse, connect with other mothers in the local area through online forums or chat groups. You can even inquire with your healthcare provider about other moms to connect with. Hearing similar experiences and solutions can help you feel empowered and supported. You can even consult with professional lactation consultants for solidarity and encouragement.
Besides the issues, you can discuss ways to make breastfeeding easier during office breaks. Even if you are feeding your infant with formula or milk from a milk bank, ask relevant questions on nutrition and feeding schedules. Find out if your company has support groups that specifically cater to single mothers (because many today do). Community is power and strength, so do not skip it.
From what the statistics tell us, the US has a higher number of single mothers than fathers. Despite the strategies this article talks about, we know it can all seem overwhelming and scary. If your loved ones are offering a helping hand, accept their support whenever possible.
Like they say, two are better than one and there is nothing new under the sun. As you continuously educate yourself on your baby’s needs and build a strong community around you, this too shall pass. Out will emerge a working mother who has discovered the secret of balancing work and baby-feeding.