Returning to Work and Breastfeeding

With a little forward planning, it is perfectly possible
to continue to combine breastfeeding and working. If a
mother intends to return to work very soon after the baby
is born (for example if they are self employed), then it is
essential that she ensures that breastfeeding is established
and that she feels confident with feeding before starting
back at work.

Any mother who returns to work when her baby is less
than six months old and exclusively breastfed will need
to consider where and when to express her milk in order
to maintain supply and meet her baby’s needs. Many
different settings are suitable for expressing, especially if
hand expressing or non electric pump are used.
Anywhere that is private, clean, warm and comfortable
may be used, whether this is an unused office space,
storage area, rest room (not the toilet!) or even a car with
blinds on the windows if out and about.

For a very young baby, Mum will need to express as often
as possible when separated from the baby, much as the
baby would naturally feed. It is important to remember
that it is the frequency and effectiveness of expressing
which matters rather than the volume of milk gained, since
it is this which will stimulate and maintain the supply.

If mums return to work when their baby is over six months
old and taking foods other than breastmilk, it is still well
worth expressing milk at work to be fed to the baby by
cup or bottle. If Mum expresses two or three times during
a typical eight hour working day, then this will probably
provide sufficient breastmilk for the baby’s needs alongside
solid foods.
Mums can then feed their
baby at the breast as normal during days
off and enjoy the convenience of this.
Storage of expressed milk can be
very straightforward. It may be most
convenient to take a cool bag to work,
complete with ice packs to keep the
temperature inside quite low (below five
degrees, like a fridge). Breast milk, unlike
doorstep or formula milk, is very stable
and does not go off’ very quickly.

If a mother does not wish to express milk
at work, it is still possible to continue to
breastfeed. Baby may be given formula
milk (if under one year) when Mum is
not available and then feed at the breast
when Mum returns. The breastmilk supply
will respond to the demands made and
breastfeeding can continue combined
with bottle feeding, giving at least some
of the health benefits of breastfeeding.
Mums who choose this course of action
may need to express a little in the first
days back at work in order to keep their
breasts soft and comfortable and reduce
the risk of mastitis.