Breastfeeding - Returning to Work

Breastfeeding can present some unusual challenges for the working mother. However, none of these challenges should be viewed as a reason not to attempt it. With preparation and support from family and employers, many mothers continue to breastfeed their babies while working out of the home on a full-time basis. It is important for breastfeeding mothers to know what obstacles lay ahead and how to overcome them. Advance preparation is vital. The following plan is intended to help smooth the transition of returning to working while breastfeeding.

Obstacles to successful breastfeeding for the working mother include: short maternity leave (less than 8 weeks), lack of support from employer, inadequate breaks for pumping, inability to pump due to lack of private space, maintaining job performance, maintaining milk supply, and leaking/engorgement. Factors that support breastfeeding for the working mother include: on-site child care, a clean and private place to pump, flexible schedules, support from employer and family, adequate breaks for pumping, and increased breastfeeding during non-working hours.

• Discuss your plans for maternity leave and breastfeeding with your supervisor & agree on the length of leave to be taken
• Discuss options for returning to work - part-time, full-time, flex-time, working at home
• Discuss use of breaks for pumping
• Identify a clean, private place for you to pump
• Talk to other working mothers
• Know your legal rights for breastfeeding in the workplace
• Participate in the corporate lactation program, if available

• Establish a good milk supply with exclusive nursing (no formula) and pumped milk in a bottle
• Practice pumping, time yourself so you know how long it takes to completely empty the breasts
• Buy or rent a high quality electric pump with a double pump set-up to maximize efficiency
• Give your baby a bottle of pumped breast milk everyday starting at 3-4 weeks of age
• Identify clothing that allows easy access for pumping - patterns hide leaks better
• Keep your employer abreast (no pun intended) of any changes during your leave
• Buy boxes of disposable breast pads to prevent leaking through clothes

• Try to return to work at the end of the week so your first week back will be short
• Get your rest and proper nutrition
• Keep your pump and equipment ready to go
• Bring your baby's picture to work
• Try to pump every 3 hours while you are away from your baby
• Pump in a clean and private place
• Breastfeed more often during non-working hours
• Have some formula available for your baby for the "just in case" event
• Continue to talk with other nursing mothers for support
• Use a cooler with an ice pack to store pumped milk if a refrigerator is unavailable