Breastfeeding

Returning to Work and Breastfeeding

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Your Workplace and Breastfeeding | Breastfeeding Preparedness Before Returning to Work | Introducing a Bottle Before Returning to Work | Adjusting to work routines | Contact us

Your Workplace and Breastfeeding

Discuss plans to pump breast milk during the workday with your employer while you are pregnant. Continued breast milk feedings are not just good for your baby, they are good for the company too. Evidence shows that employer support for continued breastfeeding results in fewer employee absences and increased worker productivity.

Your breast milk-fed baby is less likely to be sick, therefore you are less likely to take days off to care for a sick baby.
You are less likely to be distracted on the job. Your baby will be healthier. Expressing milk when needed will decrease concerns about milk production or some other breastfeeding-related issue.
If you are able to pump every few hours, you are less likely to develop mastitis (a breast infection). Breast infections may require you to take one or more days off work.

Breastfeeding Preparedness Before Returning to Work

Start pumping and storing milk about two weeks before you return to work. Begin by pumping once a day. Many mothers find the best time to pump is in the morning when milk production tends to be greater. There are two ways you may choose to begin.

One way is to pump approximately one hour after you have breastfed the baby. Slowly increase to two to four pumping sessions per day. You can use the double collection kit to pump both breasts at once. Always feed the baby first. Do not be surprised if your baby wants to breastfeed more frequently for a few days whenever you add a pumping session.

Another way is to start pumping one breast as the baby feeds at the other. This method has the benefits of double pumping. It may also interfere less with baby's breastfeeding routine. A mother's body sometimes learns to "let down" in response to the pump more easily. If you try this, alternate the breast being pumped as you increase the number of pumping sessions. You still may want to include a few pumping sessions using the double collection kit before you return to work.

Introducing a Bottle Before Returning to Work

It is best to breastfeed a baby exclusively for the first three to four weeks. This allows the mother's body to establish milk production prior to being away from the baby.

Introduce the bottle before you return to work. Choose a feeding when you may be away from your baby and only provide a bottle to him / her during that time. It may be necessary to have someone else give him / her the bottle. Some babies will not take a bottle from their mother. This will also help the baby adjust to feedings given by someone else.

If you do not have to return to work until the second part of your baby's first year, you may not need to introduce a bottle. Older babies often do well drinking from a cup.

Adjusting to work routines

Feed your baby at the breast before leaving for work. Many mothers find they maintain milk production more easily if they breastfeed again before leaving the care provider.
Try to pump at about the same time your baby would be breastfeeding. If your baby has three bottles while you are at work, you will need to pump three times while you are away from your baby. Pumping less frequently does not help to maintain milk production as well.
Double pumping shortens the time needed for milk expression. Most mothers can empty the breasts in 10-15 minutes with a double pump kit. If you are not able to keep a regular pumping routine at work, express small amounts of milk during quick bathroom breaks. Frequent expression of small amounts of milk will maintain milk production better than going longer periods without pumping at all. You will still need a break to completely empty the breasts with your pump.
Plan to breastfeed your baby when you pick him up at the care provider or as soon as you get home.
You may need to arrange your evening schedule so you can spend more time with your baby when you get home. Breastfeeding more often in the evenings and on weekends can help you better maintain milk supply. You and your baby will also enjoy the time together after being apart.
As your baby grows and solid foods are slowly added to his / her diet, you may find you do not have to pump as often. You should drop pumping sessions one at a time. Have the care provider offer solid foods so your baby breastfeeds more when with you.

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The first few days or weeks after you return to work may be difficult. You and your baby need to develop a new routine. You can expect a period of adjustment as your body and your baby respond to the change. Some mothers have a decrease in milk supply the first week they return to work due to the stress and changes in schedule. If this does occur, it should quickly resolve and milk supply should increase with frequent pumping sessions. Continue to breastfeed your baby as often as possible when not at work.