When Play Becomes Problematic: Exploring Compulsive Behaviors in Children
Mar 25, 2025By Isha Gupta
The alarm clock rings, and reality sets in – maternity leave is ending. For breastfeeding mothers, returning to work isn't just about adjusting to being away from their baby; it's about figuring out how to maintain that precious breastfeeding connection while balancing professional responsibilities. Many mothers worry if it's even possible to continue breastfeeding once they return to work. The good news? Thousands of women successfully navigate this transition every day.Â
This comprehensive guide walks through everything a breastfeeding mom needs to know before heading back to the workplace. From conversations with employers and mastering pumping techniques to working with childcare providers and maintaining milk supply, these practical strategies will help make the transition smoother for both mom and baby. With proper planning, support, and determination, continuing to provide breast milk for your baby while pursuing your career is absolutely achievable.Â
Prepare During Maternity Leave
During maternity leave, preparing for breastfeeding while returning to work is crucial. Here are some key steps to take:Â
Master Pumping and Milk Expression
Learning to pump or express breast milk effectively is essential for maintaining your supply when away from your baby:Â
- Buy or rent a breast pump several weeks before returning to work (check with your insurance provider for coverage)Â
- Read the user manual thoroughly and practice using the pumpÂ
- Consider consulting a lactation specialist if you need helpÂ
- Learn hand expression techniques as a backup methodÂ
- Start pumping a few weeks before returning to work to build up a freezer supplyÂ
- Help your baby adjust to bottle feeding (wait at least a month after birth before introducing)Â
Know How to Store Breast Milk Properly
Proper storage ensures milk safety and quality:Â
- Store milk in the back of the refrigerator where the temperature is most constantÂ
- If no refrigerator is available, use an insulated cooler with ice packs (good for up to 24 hours)Â
- Use storage bags designed specifically for breast milk or clean food-grade containersÂ
- Label all milk clearly with your name and the date expressedÂ
- Bring your expressed milk home each day for use or proper storageÂ
- Familiarize yourself with guidelines for how long breast milk can be stored in various conditionsÂ
For more detailed guidance on pumping and storing breast milk, check out "The Ultimate Guide to Pumping and Storing Breast Milk."Â
Talk to Your Employer
Before you return to work, it's crucial to discuss your breastfeeding needs with your employer. This conversation should ideally happen early, even before you go on maternity leave, to ensure that both you and your employer are prepared for your return.Â
Key Points to Discuss:
- Private Space for Expressing Milk:Â Ensure there is a private, non-bathroom space available for you to express milk. This could be a mother and baby room, first aid room, or a spare office.Â
- Storage Facilities:Â Discuss where you can store expressed breast milk, such as a refrigerator or an insulated cooler.Â
- Cleaning Facilities:Â Find out where you can clean pump parts.Â
- Scheduling:Â Determine the best times during your work schedule to express milk.Â
- Your Rights:Â Familiarize yourself with your rights as a breastfeeding employee. In many countries, employers are required to provide reasonable break times and a suitable space for expressing milk.Â
Work with Your Childcare Provider
Your childcare provider plays a crucial role in supporting your breastfeeding goals:Â
Questions to Ask:
- How does the childcare center support breastfeeding families?Â
- Is there a place on-site where you can breastfeed or express milk?Â
- How should you prepare, label, and send breast milk for your child?Â
- How does the center ensure proper storage, handling, and preparation of breast milk?Â
Build Your Support Network
Having support makes continuing to breastfeed while working much more manageable:Â
- Connect with other breastfeeding moms at work or in your communityÂ
- Join online support groups dedicated to working and breastfeedingÂ
- Share your breastfeeding goals with family members and ask for their supportÂ
- Consider consulting with a lactation specialist if you encounter challengesÂ
- Look for employer-provided resources like lactation support programsÂ
Adjust Your Work Schedule if Possible
Consider these schedule adjustments that might make breastfeeding easier:Â
- Start back part-time initially if possibleÂ
- Explore split shifts or flexible hoursÂ
- Look into work-from-home options, even for part of the weekÂ
- Schedule important meetings around your pumping timesÂ
- Use lunch breaks for pumping or visiting your baby if childcare is nearbyÂ
Practice Makes Perfect
Before your official return to work:Â
- Do a few trial runs of your new breastfeeding routineÂ
- Practice your morning routine with pumping includedÂ
- Have your baby practice taking a bottle from other caregiversÂ
- Time how long it takes you to pump to better plan your work breaksÂ
- Test your breast pump in different settings to ensure it works properlyÂ
- Try different pumping schedules to see what works best for your bodyÂ
What to Pack in Your Pumping Bag?
Prepare a well-stocked pumping bag to bring to work:Â
- Breast pump and all necessary partsÂ
- Extra batteries or power cordÂ
- Milk storage containers or bagsÂ
- Cooler with ice packsÂ
- Clean towels or disposable wipesÂ
- Hand sanitizerÂ
- Extra breast padsÂ
- Water bottle and healthy snacksÂ
- Photo of your baby (this can actually help stimulate let-down!)Â
- A cover-up, if desired, for privacyÂ
For discreet feeding on the go, having the right breastfeeding gear is essential. Check out "Breastfeeding Gear: What You Need for Discreet Feeding on the Go" for advice on choosing the best equipment to support your breastfeeding journey while maintaining privacy.Â
Common Challenges and Solutions
Being prepared for potential challenges can help you overcome them:Â
- Declining milk supply: Increase pumping frequency, ensure proper flange fit, try power pumpingÂ
- Limited time: Use a hands-free pumping bra, multitask, when possible, use a double electric pumpÂ
- Privacy concerns: Know your rights, speak with HR, use a sign on the door when pumpingÂ
- Milk storage issues: Invest in a good cooler, properly label milk, use milk storage guidelinesÂ
- Pump problems: Have a manual pump as backup, learn hand expression, keep pump replacement parts on handÂ
Building a breast milk stash can be incredibly helpful for your return to work. Refer to "How to Build a Breast Milk Stash for Going Back to Work" for strategies on how to accumulate enough milk for your baby's needs while you're away.Â
Remember Self-Care
Taking care of yourself is essential for successful breastfeeding:Â
- Stay hydrated throughout the dayÂ
- Eat nutritious foods to maintain energy and milk productionÂ
- Get as much rest as possibleÂ
- Wear comfortable, easily accessible clothing for pumpingÂ
- Be patient with yourself as you adjust to this new routineÂ
Conclusion
Returning to work as a breastfeeding mom definitely takes planning and dedication, but with preparation and support, many mothers successfully continue breastfeeding well beyond their return to the workplace. The transition may have challenges, but knowing that you're providing the best nutrition for your baby while balancing your career can be incredibly rewarding.Â
Be the first one to comment on this story.