There’s no doubt that working moms need to be organized. This is especially crucial when a breastfeeding mom first returns to work. From knowing where and when to pump to having a plan for storing your milk, there’s a lot to keep in mind. As a lactation consultant, I know that taking the following six steps will help you to continue breastfeeding, provide ample milk for your baby, and ensure that your child is being cared for by someone who supports your breastfeeding goals.
In addition to finding a childcare provider who is CPR certified, you might want to ask some questions to ensure they are supportive of your breastfeeding goals.
While returning to work is stressful, being well prepared will make it easier. Following these tips should help you feel confident that first day back.
Find breastfeeding-friendly childcare
Finding quality childcare for your baby is one of the most important things you will do as a working mother. In addition to finding a childcare provider who is CPR certified, you might want to ask some questions to ensure they are supportive of your breastfeeding goals and can take care of your child in the way you’ve envisioned for your family. It’s hard enough pumping while at work, and sometimes, when caregivers aren’t familiar with a breastfed baby’s cues or needs, this can lead to the baby “getting ahead” of a mom’s supply. The amount of milk a breastfed baby eats will not increase after four to six weeks of age. The composition of that milk will adapt to meet their changing needs. In contrast, for example, formula-fed babies will receive a greater quantity of formula as they age. Caregivers who are familiar with breastfed babies and ready to work to understand your baby and her cues can help support you in your goals.
If you’re able to, visit your workplace a week or so before going back to work for a trial run.
Questions for a breastfeeding mom to ask a potential childcare provider:
- Are babies fed based on cues or according to a schedule? Healthcare providers recommend feeding babies when they show hunger cues.
- What feeding cues do you watch for? Early feeding cues include a baby smacking their lips, sticking their tongue out, and sucking on their hands.
- What signs do you look for that let you know a baby is full? When a baby pushes the bottle out and purses their lips, this indicates the baby is full.
- Are you familiar with paced feeding? Paced feeding involves positioning the baby and bottle so that the milk flows slowly and more closely mimics breastfeeding.
If you are considering childcare providers outside of your own home, also consider asking:
- Where is breast milk stored and prepared?
- What systems do you have in place to make sure babies get the right breast milk?
- Is there a freezer where I can leave some backup milk?
- Is there somewhere that I can breastfeed on-site? Depending on how far away your home is from the daycare, having the option to breastfeed when you first drop your baby off and when you pick them up can decrease the number of times that you’ll need to pump at work.
On average, babies eat 25–30 ounces of milk per day and two to five ounces at each feeding. Calculate how many feedings you will miss while you’re at work.
These conversations should take place whether your childcare arrangements are at a daycare center, home-based daycare, or at your own home. This includes friends and relatives who are caring for your baby.
Find out where you can pump at work
Visit your workplace’s designated pumping area before you go back to work postpartum. Is there a sink for you to wash your pump parts? If not, you will need to figure out where you can do that. An alternative is to use pump sanitizing sprays or wipes. Is there a refrigerator where you can store your milk? If not, you will need to make sure you have an insulated bag with freezer packs. Are there paper towels provided so you have a clean place to put your pumping parts? If your pump needs to be plugged in, check if there is an electrical outlet. Is there a table for you to put your pump on? Does your cord reach the electrical outlet? If it’s far away, pack a small extension cord in your pumping bag.
Calculate how often you need to pump at work
Most moms get more milk in the morning hours than in the later afternoon. You will want to pump at different times to see how many times you need to pump to get enough milk for your baby.
Do a practice run for your pumping breaks
If you’re able to, visit your workplace a week or so before going back to work for a trial run. Walk from where you do your work to the pumping room. Do a whole pumping session, including cleaning up and storing your milk. Walk back to where you do your work. If you are going to be combining eating with pumping, include that in your practice run. This will help you feel comfortable with the process and prepared once you actually start.
Build up a freezer stash of breast milk
You’ll need a freezer stash for your first day of work and for backup. Once you go back to work and start pumping there, you’ll be pumping for the next day’s bottles (and make sure that your baby will take a bottle).
First, determine how much milk you will need in your freezer stash. On average, babies eat 25–30 ounces of milk per day and two to five ounces at each feeding. Calculate how many feedings you will miss while you’re at work. Pump within 15–20 minutes after a feeding; you’ll pump off the leftover milk. This is important so that you don’t take food away from your baby’s next meal. The amount of milk a mom will pump varies from woman to woman. How much you pump will determine whether you need to pump a few times a day or whether you only need to pump every few days.
Know your rights: Legal protection of working moms who breastfeed
There are federal and state laws that provide legal protection for breastfeeding mothers at work, and the Fair Labor Standards Act provides rules for hourly employees. For instance, in the first year after a child is born, mothers must be given reasonable break time to express milk or breastfeed as often as needed. Employers must also provide a private place to pump.
Employers are not required to pay for pumping or breastfeeding breaks unless it is a break time that is normally paid.
Check with your human resources department to find out what your company’s policies are (but note that employers with fewer than 50 employees may be exempt if they can show these accommodations impose an undue hardship). Also, note that your state may have additional laws that provide for additional protection.
Like this piece? Subscribe to our newsletter for real stories about women on their journey to motherhood.