Preparing to Return to Work After Baby

Returning to work after baby is a significant milestone in motherhood. It could be one that you’re not exactly looking forward to, or one that you’re excited about! Either way, a return to work doesn’t have to mean the end of your breastfeeding journey. With the right information, fears around expressing or feeding at work don’t have to hold you back.

Plenty of mums continue to breastfeed their baby when it’s time to return to work. Here are some ways you may choose to go about it:

• Expressing breast milk so that you have enough stored up and on hand for someone else to feed your baby

• Enrolling your baby to childcare close to work, so that you can easily feed them throughout the day

• Have your baby’s caregiver bring your child to work for feeds

Boobs in the workplace

It’s understandable to feel a little daunted by the idea of whipping your boob out around your colleagues in a professional environment - but don’t worry, it should never have to be that awkward.

 

If you have any concerns, speak up. It’s important that you feel comfortable and relaxed in the space so that you can express or feed effectively. Having open conversations from the start with your employer and other staff will help to develop a supportive and understanding work culture.

Before you head back to work

For the sake of you and your baby, there are some simple steps to think about as you start planning your return to work that will make the transition much easier.

Start expressing: It’s a good idea to start expressing 2-3 weeks before you plan to return to work. It will give you the opportunity to build up some back up supply, as well as adjust to a new routine and feel completely comfortable with expressing.

Find the right pump for you: an electric breast pump will be the most efficient option if you feel like you’re going to be under time pressure at work - particularly a double one (like our Advanced Flow Double Electric Breast Pump) as it cuts down expressing time significantly. It is possible to hire a pump so you can try before you buy, but if you intend to express for some time, then an effective, quality breast pump is well worth the investment.

Get baby used to the bottle: give your baby some time to adjust to having expressed milk from a bottle, as well as being fed by someone else, or being fed in different environments.

Keep breastfeeding: continue with a regular feeding routine, particularly before and after work, or on days when you’re at home to maintain a good supply.