Back-to-Work Breastfeeding
Tips for Success
You don’t have to give up breastfeeding when you return to work. With thoughtful planning, communication, support and practice, breastfeeding after your return to work is possible. More breastfeeding mothers are returning to the workplace and employers are accommodating their needs. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies receive breast milk through the first year of life. If you're returning to work before your baby's first birthday but want to continue to breastfeed, take the following aspects into consideration:
4 Weeks Prior to Work:
Timing
Wait as long as possible after baby’s birth to return to work to establish a good milk supply, and consider half days for several weeks while you transition back into work.
Communicate
Let your employer know of your pumping needs in advance. This will give you a chance to develop a plan that will work for both of you. If you will need a private space to pump, give your employer enough time to make arrangements. Educate your employer about the important health choice you have made and the simple accommodations you’ll need.
Introducing a Bottle
If your baby will be receiving a bottle of expressed breast milk when separated from you, then you can introduce an occasional bottle once your baby is gaining well at breastfeeding prior to your return to work. Wait until a solid weight gain pattern is established.
Milk Storage at Work
You will need a small refrigerator, however, a cooler or thermos works, too.
Breast Pump & Supplies
You may consider using a double-pumping kit with your electric breast pump to reduce the amount of time you'll need to express milk at work. Take time to practice with the pump before returning to work.
Extra Milk Supply
Before returning to work, begin storing breast milk in the freezer (it keeps up to six months frozen) to help fill in your supply needed at home, in case you miss a pumping session or two while at work.
Choosing a Caregiver
You will need a caregiver who supports breastfeeding and will work with your feeding schedule, especially before and after work.
Back to Work:
- Return to work midweek. You will have the weekend to recover and regroup if necessary, and reduce your overall stress.
- Spend your lunch hour with baby. You’ll both enjoy the reconnection and it will help your milk supply. This involves more planning, however, it can help ease the transition into new routines.
- Track your pumping frequency. Count the entire time away from baby including travel time. You will probably need to express once for each feeding that you miss.
- Bring a picture of your baby to work. Breastfeeding mothers have reported that just looking at their babies can stimulate the let down process while pumping milk at work.
- Get proper nutrition and rest. Keep up your fluid intake and eat a balanced, nutritious diet. If you become overtired, your milk supply will decrease. This may be challenging to get enough rest, however, asking for help and support is important in your goal to continue breastfeeding.
- Join a breastfeeding support group. You’ll enjoy sharing tips and learning from the experiences of other mothers.
- Professional help is available. If you experience problems, do not delay in asking for help! Certified lactation consultants can assist at any stage of breastfeeding and many mothers need assistance during the back-to-work transition when routines are changed and your baby is growing quickly. Your pediatrician can offer information and support about breastfeeding and your baby’s health.
