Breastfeeding and returning to work: How to prepare

Preparing to return to work while breastfeeding

If you’re still breastfeeding when going back to work, you’re going to need to express while away from your baby. This not only ensures your little one has plenty of stored milk but is also crucial for maintaining your milk supply and keeping you comfortable.¹

When expressing milk at work, make sure you have a reliable breast pump. The Philips Avent Wearable Electric Breast Pump is a discreet option that can be used beneath your clothes for pumping in the workplace. This wearable pump mimics your baby’s natural drinking rhythm, too, helping you adjust to expressing away from your little one.

Once you’ve sorted your breast pump, it’s time to get to know your rights. Workplace regulations and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) require that employers allow breast pumping at work, and should provide a private, safe space for you to do so.² You should also be permitted to take pumping breaks, though your employer has no obligation to pay you during these breaks.

Speak to your employer about pumping policies to know more about what to expect when you return to work. It might also be worth discussing flexible working policies, such as hybrid working or flexible hours, that allow you to balance breastfeeding and work with ease.

Tips to manage the transition

When it comes to how to transition from breastfeeding to pumping for work, preparation is key. Try using your Wearable Electric Breast Pump in the weeks leading up to your return, allowing you plenty of time to get used to expressing without your baby.

You can also use this as an opportunity to pump and store breast milk so that it’s ready for your baby when you’re at work. Store your milk in a sterilised container or a breast milk storage bag. Your milk can stay in the fridge for up to 8 days, and in the freezer for up to 6 months (providing the freezer is -18°C or lower).³

Use this opportunity to help your baby adjust to a bottle, too. A few successful trial runs before you head back to work will help you feel more confident when you’re away.

Advice for pumping at work

Your first time expressing milk at work can be a little daunting. To build your confidence and create a safe, stress-free experience, follow these tips for pumping at work:

• Pack everything: Keep all of your essentials, like your pump and bottles, together in a cooler bag. Make sure this is packed and ready to go every evening before work, ensuring you don’t forget it in the morning rush.
• Wear pump-friendly clothing: Choosing loose tops and nursing bras helps you pump without the need to remove clothing, ensuring you feel comfortable while expressing milk at work.
• Create a relaxing environment: Listen to music or bring a book while you pump to calm any nerves. If you’re struggling to express, look at photos of your baby to increase your milk supply.⁴

After breast pumping at work, store your milk in the fridge or in your cooler bag. With plenty of ice, it’ll stay fresh for up to 24 hours and be ready for tomorrow’s feeds.³

Going back to work: Pumping schedule

Sorting out your back-to-work pumping schedule ensures you’re pumping often enough to maintain a steady milk supply. It’s also a great way to keep on top of your new routine, helping you feel more in control as you transition back into the workplace.

Depending on your baby’s schedule, it’s generally best to express 8-12 times every 24 hours, which equates to every 2-3 hours.⁵ In an 8-hour work shift, that means you’ll be expressing 2-3 times.

Let’s take a look at a schedule for pumping at work:

• A morning feed with your baby at around 7 am (depending on when they wake up)
• First pump between 9-10
• Second pump between 12-1
• Third pump between 3-4
• Feed your baby at home

Of course, this will change depending on your baby’s feeding schedule and your working hours. Adjust the times to suit your day-to-day routine.

Breastfeeding and returning to work FAQs

How often should I be breast pumping at work?

You should breast pump every 2-3 hours, or in line with your baby’s feeding schedule.⁵ It’s important to stick to a routine in order to keep up your milk supply and improve your comfort while away from your baby.

What if I miss my back-to-work pumping schedule?

Missing a pumping session every now and then is completely normal when you’re working as a breastfeeding mum, so don’t beat yourself up. Instead, try to pump as soon as you can. After pumping, return to your normal schedule for a steady routine.

How much milk should I store for my baby when going back to work?

If you’re breastfeeding and returning to work, make sure you have 1-2 days' worth of breast milk stored in the fridge or freezer. The aim here is to pump and store enough to keep them full while you’re away, and the milk you express at work will replenish what’s been drunk.

Returning from maternity leave definitely takes some planning. By preparing to pump at work well in advance, you’ll be able to tick a pretty significant task off of your to-do list! With the Philips Avent Wearable Electric Breast Pump by your side and a schedule ready to go, you’ll feel more confident about going back to work and breastfeeding.