Breastfeeding: Before Returning to Work

If you plan to have the caregiver give formula or cow’s milk (for babies over 10 months) to your baby while you are at work, you can start substituting formula or cow’s milk feeds for breastfeeds that will not be given, starting about 2 weeks before you return to work.

It’s a good idea to start leaving the baby with the caregiver for short, and then gradually longer periods of time one to two weeks before your return to work so the baby and caregiver can start getting used to each other.

Some mothers like to have one or more trial runs of the morning routine before starting work, so they can fine tune the process and figure out how long it takes to get organized for work with a breastfeeding baby.

When thinking about which approach you will adopt, consider:

• Is there a suitable (private, clean) place to pump?
• Will the nature of your job allow you time to pump if needed?
• Are you likely to have support from your employer and co-workers?
• Is electricity available if you are using an electric pump or will you need a battery pack?

If the work setting is currently not supportive of breastfeeding mothers, do you want to work at changing it yourself?

At the Workplace

It is possible to manually express your breasts at work to provide breast milk for your baby. If you are experienced at it and find it easy, you may prefer not to use a breast pump. However, many mothers find it faster and more convenient to use a breast pump.

You may wish to discuss your plans with your employer ahead of time to talk about:

• Hours of work: full time, part time, job sharing, part time for awhile, then full time
• Benefits of breastfeeding to mother/baby and employer (less time lost from work as breastfed babies aren’t sick as often)
• Your plans to pump your breasts or breastfeed your baby at breaks- start work earlier in the day or end later if needed
• Private location to breastfeed or pump breasts

Other tips:

• Some workplaces already provide a private location to pump and the use of a rented breast pump.
• Find a supportive co-worker before you return to work. Another breastfeeding mother can be very helpful.

At Home

• Talk to your family about what support you’ll need from them
• Consider how you want your baby to be fed while you’re at work. The options include:

  Exclusively breast milk – The baby is breastfed when you are at home and may be brought to you to breastfeed at breaks and/or lunch, or you may pump your breasts one or more times while at work, and your milk will be given by the caregiver by cup or bottle. Some older babies may have solids, juice and water while away from you, and breastfed when they are with you.

  Partially breast milk, partially formula or cow’s milk (by 10-12 months of age babies can have cow’s milk) – The baby is fed formula when you are at work and breastfed when you are at home. This may not require any regular pumping. Two common approaches:

  • Some mothers breastfeed when they are home with the baby (mornings, evenings, nights, weekends) and the caregiver gives formula or cow’s milk when you are at work.
  • Other mothers prefer to establish a routine during the work week and keep to that same pattern on the weekends also. These mothers may breastfeed morning, evening and night, but not during the daytime.