Will my milk dry up when I go back to work?

Understanding Milk Supply and Returning to Work
As a new parent preparing to return to work, concerns about milk supply are common. Many mothers wonder if their milk will dry up once they stop breastfeeding regularly or if they will be able to maintain their supply while balancing work commitments.
Will Your Milk Dry Up?
The short answer is that your milk supply can decrease if you stop breastfeeding or pumping regularly. According to experts, if you do not breastfeed or express milk, your body will naturally reduce milk production over time. This is a physiological response; your body adjusts to the demand placed on it. If you are returning to work and plan to continue breastfeeding, it is crucial to establish a routine that allows for regular milk expression.
Maintaining Milk Supply While Working
To maintain your milk supply after returning to work, consider the following strategies:
1. Regular Pumping: Aim to pump milk at regular intervals that mimic your baby’s feeding schedule. This helps signal your body to continue producing milk. Many mothers find success by pumping every 2-3 hours during work hours.
2. Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Dehydration and poor nutrition can negatively impact milk production. Ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids and consuming a balanced diet rich in nutrients.
3. Manage Stress: Stress can also affect milk supply. Finding ways to relax, whether through mindfulness, exercise, or support groups, can help maintain your production levels.
4. Consider Your Baby’s Needs: If your baby is still nursing frequently when you are home, this can help maintain your supply. The more your baby nurses, the more milk your body will produce.
Conclusion
Returning to work does not have to mean the end of your breastfeeding journey. With careful planning and attention to your body’s needs, you can maintain your milk supply. If you have concerns about your milk production or experience significant changes, consulting with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider can provide personalized support and guidance.

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.

Do I have to stop breastfeeding when I go back to work?

It’s up to you to decide how long you want to breastfeed. Returning to work doesn’t mean you have to stop. Before returning, you should give your employer written notification that you’re breastfeeding.

What not to do when drying up milk supply?

Try not to touch or massage your breasts. If you are very uncomfortable, you can gently massage your breasts for a few minutes to let some milk out, but only until your breasts soften. Do not pump or empty your breasts completely.

Does milk supply decrease when you go back to work?

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for moms to have difficulty sustaining their milk supply after returning to work. The transition back to the working world and the adjustment to the new normal of juggling work and family is stressful.

Can I go 8 hours without pumping at work?

Ideally, you would pump as often as your baby would nurse. This may not be possible with your work/ school schedule. Most mothers find that pumping every 2-3 hours maintains their milk supply and does not cause them to become uncomfortably full.

How much milk do I need to go back to work?

How much milk should you save. As a working parent, a good goal for your milk stash is 3-5 days (or 36 to 80 ounces) of milk in the freezer before starting back to work, although the amount ultimately depends on how long you’ll be away from your little one each day.

How long does it take for milk supply to fully dry up?

It may take several days or weeks for your breasts to completely stop making milk. Breast fullness should decrease in 1-3 days. You may feel emotional during this time. Be sure to take care of yourself.

How often do I need to pump when I go back to work?

Ideally, you should pump as often as your baby is eating when you are together. Typically, this will require you to pump two to three times within an 8-hour work day. You should pump your breasts until the milk stops flowing — typically 15-20 minutes.

How much milk should I store before going back to work?

How much milk should you save. As a working parent, a good goal for your milk stash is 3-5 days (or 36 to 80 ounces) of milk in the freezer before starting back to work, although the amount ultimately depends on how long you’ll be away from your little one each day.

How do you know if your milk is drying up?

What are the signs your milk supply is decreasing?

• Not producing enough wet/dirty diapers each day. Especially in the first few weeks of life, the number of wet and dirty diapers your child produces is an indicator of the amount of food they’re getting.
• Lack of weight gain.
• Signs of dehydration.