Breastfeeding and the working mom

Can I continue to breastfeed once I return to work?

Yes, you can. If you live near work or have on-site or nearby daycare, you may be able to take nursing breaks to feed your baby. If that's not possible, you have two choices:

 

Option 1: You can keep up your milk supply by using a high-quality electric breast pump to express milk during the workday. Your child's caregiver can give your baby bottles of your expressed breast milk. (You can also supplement with formula if you can't produce enough milk.) You'll still be able to nurse your child whenever you're not at work.

The U.S. Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), signed into law in 2010, requires employers to provide moms of babies younger than 12 months a reasonable break time for pumping and a private place to pump, other than a bathroom. (Employers with fewer than 50 employees don't have to comply if compliance would create "undue hardship.") For more details, read this U.S. government fact sheet.

Option 2: If you can't or don't want to pump at work, you can gradually replace daytime feedings with formula while you're still at home but continue to nurse at night and in the morning. Remember, though, that if you don't nurse or pump during the day, your milk supply will diminish.

What are the advantages of pumping at work?

Pumping at work stimulates your milk production, so you'll have plenty of milk available when you nurse. Your baby will have the health and nutritional advantages of breast milk even when you're not there. What's more, pumping can be a wonderful way to feel connected to your baby during the workday.
You'll save money by not buying formula (or not as much of it). And you may avoid missed workdays, because breastfed babies are half as likely to get sick in their first year as those on formula.

One of the best things about continuing to breastfeed is coming home to a baby who wants to nurse. You get to snuggle right away, re-establish your bond, and nurture your baby in a way no one else can.
To make sure your baby will want to nurse when you get home, ask your caregiver not to feed him during the last hour of the workday, or to feed him just enough to take the edge off any hunger. Then you and your baby can look forward to a warm reunion every day.

How can I successfully manage pumping at work?

You'll need:

• A breast pump, preferably a fully automatic electric pump with a double collection kit so you can pump both breasts at the same time as efficiently as possible
• Bottles or bags to collect and store your milk (storage bottles often come with the breast pump)
• Access to a refrigerator or a small cooler to keep the milk cold until you get it home (most pumps come with a cooler pack)
• Breast pads to protect your clothes if you leak
• A hands-free pumping bra. While not required, many moms love these because they enable you to pump while leaving your hands free to type, make phone calls, and so on. (You can also try making your own hands-free pumping bra by attaching rubber bands to the clasps on a regular nursing bra or cutting holes in an old jogging bra.)
• A place to pump. Ideally, you'll have access to a private room at work where you can pump, such as an office, a conference room, or even a large, clean closet with a chair, countertop, and electric outlet. Try to find a room with a door that locks so you don't have to worry about anyone intruding on your privacy.In fact, the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act now requires employers to provide break time and a private spot for moms to express their milk, other than a restroom, where co-workers can't observe or intrude. (Some exemptions apply for businesses that employ fewer than 50 people.) Ask the building manager or human resources staff for suggestions, and enlist the support of a co-worker or supervisor if necessary. 
• Preparation. It's a good idea to get used to pumping a week or two before returning to work so you'll know what to expect and how it feels. You'll be much more confident pumping at work if you already know that you can produce enough milk to fill a storage bag or bottle. Plus, it's reassuring to have a stash of breast milk in the freezer when you head off to work.

Your milk supply may vary daily. To maximize your milk flow, try to pump at the same time and place each day. Stress and fatigue are your biggest enemies, so try to relax. To get in the mood during pumping breaks, some moms like to have a picture of their baby handy, an article of baby clothing, or even a recording of their baby's babbles and coos. And remember, you're still a nursing mom, so eat well and drink plenty of water while at work.

How often should I pump?

Pumping every two to three hours is ideal. This timetable should provide all the milk your baby will need while you're gone and allow you to keep up your milk supply so that you can continue to nurse your baby in the morning and evening and on weekends. If this isn't possible, just do the best you can.

How do I store breast milk at work?

Pump and store milk either in glass or plastic bottles or in plastic milk collection bags. Leave room at the top of each bottle or bag for expansion if you'll be freezing the milk. Label the bottles or bags with the date so you can use the oldest ones first. Store them in the office refrigerator or a cooler while at work. (Fresh milk will keep in an insulated cooler bag, with ice packs, for up to 24 hours.) Tote the milk home in an insulated cooler with an ice pack.

Should I tell others that I'm pumping?

Support is the key to success. If you know other moms who pump at work, it's a good idea to ask them for encouragement and advice. Otherwise, you don't have to tell your co-workers what you're doing on your breaks if you feel uncomfortable, but you should tell your supervisor.

While your boss is probably required to allow you to pump, it's not a bad idea to reassure her that pumping won't interfere with your work. You may even find that you're more productive, given the demands on your time.

How can I keep my breasts from leaking at work?

During the first weeks that you're back at work, your breasts will probably feel very full at feeding times and may leak milk. Pumping regularly – say, during your morning break, lunch break, and afternoon break – will often help prevent leaking.

Some moms leak no matter what, though. If this is the case for you, use breast pads in your bra to protect your clothes from stains and avoid embarrassing wet spots.

What if I have to travel for work?

Traveling – even frequent business trips without your baby – doesn't mean you have to stop breastfeeding.

Reviewed by the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board