How do I cope with breastfeeding when returning to work?

Navigating Breastfeeding While Returning to Work
Returning to work after maternity leave can be a daunting transition for new mothers, especially when it comes to continuing breastfeeding. Balancing professional responsibilities with the needs of a breastfeeding infant requires careful planning and communication. Here’s how to cope effectively with this significant life change.
Planning Ahead is Key
Preparation is crucial for a smooth transition back to work. Before your return, it’s essential to have open discussions with your employer about your breastfeeding needs. This includes understanding your rights as a breastfeeding employee and discussing potential accommodations, such as flexible work hours or designated pumping breaks. Knowing your options can help you create a supportive environment that allows you to continue breastfeeding.
Establishing a Pumping Routine
One of the most effective strategies for maintaining breastfeeding while working is to establish a pumping routine that aligns with your baby’s feeding schedule. Ideally, you should aim to pump at the same times your baby would typically breastfeed. This consistency helps maintain your milk supply and makes the adjustment easier for both you and your baby.
Creating a Comfortable Pumping Space
When returning to work, it’s important to have a designated, private space for pumping. This area should be comfortable and equipped with the necessary supplies, such as a breast pump, storage bags for milk, and a cooler if needed. Communicating your needs to your employer can help ensure that you have access to a suitable space.
Gradual Transition Back to Work
If possible, consider a gradual return to work. This could mean starting with part-time hours or working from home initially. Such flexibility can ease the disruption of your breastfeeding routine and help you adjust to the demands of your job while still meeting your baby’s needs.
Maintaining Milk Supply
To ensure a steady milk supply, it’s vital to pump regularly while at work. Many mothers find success by scheduling pumping sessions during breaks or even before and after work. Keeping a consistent pumping schedule not only helps maintain your milk production but also provides you with the opportunity to store milk for your baby .
Communicating with Your Employer
Having a proactive conversation with your employer about your breastfeeding plans can set the stage for a supportive work environment. Discussing your needs early on allows for the development of a plan that accommodates both your professional responsibilities and your breastfeeding goals.
Conclusion
Returning to work while breastfeeding is undoubtedly challenging, but with the right preparation and support, it can be a manageable experience. By planning ahead, establishing a pumping routine, and maintaining open communication with your employer, you can continue to provide the benefits of breastfeeding to your baby while fulfilling your professional obligations. Remember, this journey is personal, and finding what works best for you and your family is key to a successful transition.

How to keep breastfeeding when going back to work?

Consider expressing your milk
You can use a good quality electric pump or learn to hand express. This is especially important if your baby is less than a year old. Expressing milk will enable you to maintain milk production as well as ensuring your baby can still receive your milk whilst you’re apart.

What is the 120 breastfeeding rule?

The 120-minute rule is a helpful guideline for exclusive pumpers. It suggests spending at least 120 minutes (or 2 hours) each day pumping. How you divide that time depends on your baby’s age.

How long should you be on bed rest after having a baby?

It can also help you recover safely to avoid postpartum injuries and reduce your risk of things like postpartum depression, anxiety, clogged milk ducts and mastitis. The basics of the rule consists of 5 days in bed, 5 days on the bed and 5 days around the bed.

How do breastfeeding moms return to work?

Practice using your pump or hand expressing breast milk before returning to work so you are comfortable with the process. Build a supply of frozen breast milk before returning to work. Think about how much breast milk you will need to leave at home or at childcare for your baby before your first day back at work.

How do I stay regular while breastfeeding?

The first remedy should be to increase fruit, vegetable and fibre intake, along with additional water consumption. Exercise may also help to relieve symptoms. If you are taking opioid-based pain relief medication (e.g. dihydrocodeine, co-dydramol, tramadol or morphine), this may cause constipation.

How do moms go back to work after having a baby?

Here are a few ways to make returning to work after having a new baby a little easier.

• Communicate with your boss before you return.
• Make your new needs known.
• Find childcare you trust.
• If you plan to continue breastfeeding, create a pumping strategy.
• Be patient with yourself.

How a working mother can still manage breastfeeding?

Breastfeed directly whenever you can
Instruct your baby’s caregiver to try not to give a full feeding an hour before you reach home. Otherwise, your baby might be full and not want to breastfeed right away. As much as possible, try not to skip direct breastfeeding at night as this helps to sustain milk production.

How do working moms manage breastfeeding?

Plan ahead

1. Keep their babies with them and breastfeed throughout the day.
2. If the workplace is nearby, go home during the day to breastfeed or have someone bring their baby to them.
3. If the workplace is further away, use a day care centre nearby where they can go to breastfeed during their workday.

What is the 5 5 5 rule for breast milk?

Something I recommend to moms is the 5-5-5 rule. Try and use milk within five hours at room temperature, five days in the fridge, and by five months in the freezer.

How to emotionally let go of breastfeeding?

However you do it, try to honor your last breastfeeding session in some way. When we experience a transition such as weaning, it’s natural to feel deeply emotional. Commemorating the transition in some way helps us process it, make peace with how it ended, and honor our time as a breastfeeding parent.