Returning to Work

Many mothers worry about how they will continue to breastfeed their babies once they return to work, but moms in almost every line of work are continuing to breastfeed.  All it takes is a little planning and commitment for you to successfully return to work and continue to breastfeed your baby.

If you will be away from your baby long enough that you will regularly miss one feeding or more, you may need a breast pump.  There are many different types of pumps available and cost varies greatly.  Click here for more information about pumps.

Before you return to work

• Take as much time for your maternity leave as you can

• Build up your milk supply by breastfeeding often

• Let someone feed your baby a bottle when she is 2 to 6 weeks old so she can get used to it

• Talk to your employer

  • Schedule a meeting with your employer before you plan to return to work

  • Talk about pumping or nursing on site

    • Where to pump or nurse

      • Use an office-if the door doesn't lock, hang a sign on the outside of the door or ask that a lock be installed.

      • Use a cubicle-use a shower curtain rod or dowel to hang a curtain when you need to pump

      • Use a bathroom-this should only be used if there are no other options

    • When to pump or nurse

      • You will need to pump the same number of times a day that your baby breastfeeds

      • Each pumping session will take 15-30 minutes (depending on the pump)

      • Be prepared to adjust your work time to accommodate your employer

    • Where to store your milk

      • It is safe to store breastmilk in a shared staff refrigerator

      • An insulated bag with ice packs can be used for up to eight hours

  • Explain why breastfeeding is important to you

  • Discuss the questions and concerns your employer has

• Leave your baby with your caregiver for a few hours as a test run for several hours.

• Make your first day back to work a Thursday if possible.  The adjustment may be easier if you have a short first week.

Child Care

• Locate a child care provider that is close to work and supports breastfeeding.

• Take your baby to the child care provider before you return to work so he can get used to it.

• Visit the child care provider a few times to help build up an immunity to germs.

Pumping

• Start pumping and storing milk a couple weeks before you return to work.

• Pump one breast while your baby nurses from the other.  This will increase your milk supply.

• If your job does not provide a room for pumping, find another quiet place to pump.

• Plan to pump at work as often as you would nurse your baby at home.

• Look at a picture of your baby while you pump.

• Pump before your breasts feel too full.

Maintaining your milk supply

• Nurse often when you and your baby are together.  Breastfeeding is the best way to make more breastmilk.

• Massage your breasts while pumping or breastfeeding.