title: Maternal-infant separation and breast-feeding. The return to work or school.
abstract: Breast feeding is now practiced by more than 50% of new mothers, many of whom return to work or school within six to eight weeks postpartum. Their breast-feeding experience need not, and should not, be terminated because of this temporary, though regular, separation from their infants. The obstetrician has a role in facilitating continued breast-feeding after the return to work or school. Counseling these patients should include a discussion of hand expression and breast pumping, the means of storing human milk, infant changes related to regular maternal absences and avoiding exhaustion.
mesh_terms: D001942:Breast Feeding; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008425:Maternal Behavior; D008895:Milk, Human; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D011247:Pregnancy; D013997:Time Factors; D014886:Weaning; D014930:Women; D014931:Women, Working