Returning to Work

Carolyn Bakker

Updated August 20, 2024 15:50

I’m going back to work after my baby is born. Any suggestions on how I can make this a smooth transition for both of us?

It’s great you are planning ahead for your return to work! Being prepared to breastfeed is top priority so that things can get off to the best start. Consider taking a breastfeeding class during your pregnancy. Ask your peer counselor about the breastfeeding Zoom classes we offer.

During Your Pregnancy

Figure out how much time you can be off from work. If possible, take the maximum amount to ensure breastfeeding is well established.
Talk with your employer about your pumping needs. This form is a great guide to start the conversation. Laws protect a mother’s right to pump at work. Click here for more info on the 2022 Pump Act.
Consider your daycare/caregiver options. Choose someone who is knowledgeable or willing to learn the proper storage and handling of breast milk. Having support from baby’s caregiver is crucial in your breastfeeding success.
Research breast pumps and call your insurance company to find out which are covered. The WIC program also provides pumps. Click here for information on choosing a pump.
Make a breastfeeding plan for your hospital stay and share it with your doctor and hospital staff.

After Baby is Born

Get breastfeeding off to a good start and focus on recovering, bonding, and establishing a good milk supply for the first few weeks.
Wait to pump for about 2-4 weeks, if possible. Once you’re confident that baby is latching well and your milk supply has evened out, think about adding a morning and evening pumping session to start storing breast milk. You don’t need a freezer full of milk. Several days to one weeks worth of feedings is plenty.
Make sure you are using the correct breast flange to optimize how much milk can be pumped.
To reduce nipple confusion, bottle introduction can begin between 2-4 weeks of age.
Offer baby a bottle of breast milk using the paced bottle feeding method. This helps babies go back-and-forth from breast to bottle easier and prevents overfeeding/waste.
Practice your routine. A few days before your return to work, take baby and your breast milk to daycare for a trial run. Share your preference for paced feeding, explain how to handle your breast milk, and inform the caregiver of how much/how often baby typically eats. For more information on the average intake of a breastfed baby, click here.

When You Return to Work

Consider going back part-time and/or starting on a Wednesday or Thursday instead of a Monday.
Bring your pump, pump parts (tubing, bottles, flanges, electrical cord), storage bags, and if needed, a cooler with ice packs.
Breastfeed baby immediately before and immediately after work.
Pump as often as baby would usually breastfeed (around every 3 hours). Keep growth spurts in mind and consider adding pumping sessions during those times.
Keep pump parts in a storage bag in the fridge between pumping sessions to save time cleaning them at work. Wash them in warm, soapy water each night at home.
Discuss any changes to your pumping schedule that need to be made with your supervisor.
Breastfeed often when you’re with baby. Take advantage of evenings and weekends to nurse on the breast, as this is very beneficial to your milk supply. Some breastfed babies tend to consume most of their calories when with mom by nursing frequently when together and less while apart. This is called reverse-cycling, and as long as you can cope with the demand, there is nothing wrong with it.

Bottle Feeding Tips

1. Offer the bottle 1-2 hours after the last nursing, while baby is active but not starving.

2. Make bottle feeding a pleasant experience by smiling and talking in a soothing voice.

3. Go slow; babies who are used to being fed at the breast like to take their time. Give baby a small taste on their lips and be gentle.

4. Stop if anyone becomes frustrated. Try again later when everyone is calm.

5. If possible, have someone other than you offer the bottle to baby.

Your commitment to providing breast milk for your baby while you're at work is admirable! Once baby arrives, ask your peer counselor about the Zoom breastfeeding support group, to engage with other moms for support and encouragement.

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