Ways to Continue Breastfeeding When You Return to Work

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Going back to work needn't mean putting an end to breastfeeding. However, the thought of doing both can seem stressful. We asked Joanna Brett, NCT Breastfeeding Counsellor, for her advice for women returning to work who want to still breastfeed

One of the questions you may have about returning to work after having a baby is whether it will be possible to continue to breastfeed. We asked Joanna Brett, NCT Breastfeeding Counsellor for her advice for women who are returning to work and wish to continue breastfeeding.

Depending on the age of your baby, the hours you are working and who is looking after your baby while you are at work, you may decide to breastfeed your baby exclusively, to express to provide breastmilk or to feed your baby on a combination of breastmilk and formula.

Plan Ahead

If you are returning to work before your baby is taking solids in any quantity, planning ahead is particularly important. Your baby will need regular feeds during the day, and you will almost certainly need to find a way to either feed your baby or express whilst you are at work to maintain your milk supply and remain comfortable. Think about how long you will be away from your baby during the day and who will be feeding them. Speak to your employer about the breaks and facilities that you will need to express at work comfortably and talk to the person who will be looking after your child about your baby's feeding patterns.

Don't Panic if Your Baby Won't Take a Bottle

Some breastfed babies are reluctant to take a bottle so do not worry if your baby is not keen on the idea at first.

Many babies refuse to take a bottle from their mother but are happy to do so from another carer, particularly if the mother is not around. Some babies will be fussier than others about the temperature of the milk or the position they feed in so try different approaches. If your baby still won't take a bottle, they can be fed from a gently-tilted cup or a spoon.

From the age of about four months, your baby may prefer a beaker with a spout so that s/he can have a go at holding it themself.

Practise Pumping or Hand Expressing

If you would like your baby to have breastmilk when you are at work, you may need to express.

Some people find hand expressing easy and straightforward, others prefer to use a breast pump. The suction cup fits over your nipple and mimics the sucking of the baby to stimulate milk flow which is then collected via a funnel into a bottle. If you are having difficulty with your baby latching on you may find this is a good solution for feeding your baby breastmilk while they are unable to feed directly from you. You may find it useful to create a backup supply of frozen, expressed milk too before you return to work and to ensure there is enough supply for the days and weeks ahead.

Continue Breastfeeding When You are With Your Baby

Breastfeeding regularly when you are with your baby will make it easier to express when you are away and will give you and your baby intimate time together.

Many mothers continue to breastfeed morning and night when they return to work, even if their baby is having formula milk during the day.

It does not matter if you breastfeed more times on days when you are at home with your baby than on days you are working as, once established, your milk supply will adjust swiftly to different demands.

Look After Yourself

Returning to work when you have a young child can be challenging, so try not to neglect your own wellbeing. Some days it may seem easier said than done, but eating well and getting enough rest will help you to maintain your milk supply and deal with the demands of being a working mother.

Take Advantage of Flexible Working Where Possible

You may be able to arrange to work shorter days when you first return to work to accommodate an early feed with your baby or to work fewer days in the early weeks. If you are able to work in a hybrid fashion with some days at home this may ease the transition or if your office is located close by, your employer may be receptive to you taking your lunch hour at home to see your baby and feed them or for the baby to be brought to you and given a feed in a secure and private room.

Store Expressed Milk Safely

Expressed breastmilk can be stored in a suitable container at room temperature for up to six hours and at the back of a fridge for up to five days, providing the fridge temperature is less than 4°C. Whilst at work or travelling, you can use a cool bag containing ice packs until you are able to refrigerate the milk.

Breastmilk can be frozen for up to six months in a freezer that stays at -18°C or lower. Ideally breastmilk should be defrosted in a fridge or at room temperature but, to defrost more quickly, you can run it under cool and then warmer water. Do not re-heat the milk in a microwave or saucepan. Use defrosted milk immediately and throw away any that is not used. It's helpful to label expressed frozen milk with a date of storage.

Prepare for Changes in Your Breasts and Milk Flow

A change in feeding patterns can result in your breasts becoming uncomfortably full or if you are weaning your baby onto formula, your milk supply will start to diminish, and your breasts will feel less compacted When your breast is full, some leaking may occur, you can wear a breast pad to prevent your clothes from becoming damp. It may help to build in time at work to express regularly because leaving a full milk supply for too long can result in blocked ducts and mastitis as well as a feeling of discomfort.

Talk Through Any concerns

If you have questions or worries about breastfeeding or expressing when you return to work, talk them through face-to-face with your local GP, your parenting support group or a breastfeeding support network or counsellor.

Alternatively, you can contact a helpline, such as:

• NCT Helpline on 0300 330 0700 or the
• National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212.

Know Your Rights

Employers in the UK have obligations towards women who are breastfeeding when they return to work and employers must comply with these. Your HR department can advise you of your rights. Statutory guidance stipulates that the employer must provide a suitable area where a breastfeeding mum can rest and this should include somewhere you can lie down, if necessary, be hygienic and private so milk can be expressed if you choose to do so.