Breastfeeding Tips when you're returning to work - PART 1

Question:

“I just wanted some advice about returning to work and breastfeeding. I am returning to work part time and can express at work. My son will be 7 months old and I would love to feed him until he is 1. Has anyone tried to return to work and still breastfeed? I'm worried that it will be too hard but I do not want to stop. Any suggestions , tips or horror stories would be appreciated"

Answer

This is a great question, but with a long answer. We'll post the answer over 2 blog posts as there is so much to cover! This week we'll cover whether it is possible and what you will need, and next week we'll talk about some practical preparation tips.

So firstly, is it possible?

The answer is yes, but it may take some juggling and getting used to at first, as with all things new in the parenting and breastfeeding world!

There are a few useful tips, which can help you achieve a smoother transition:

• It is advisable to let your employer know that you when you return to work you are planning to continue breastfeeding your child and therefore will need time and space to express milk at work. It is advisable to discuss this with them as early as possible, at least 2 months prior to the return date.
• Your employer and their HR department can get lots more information on creating breastfeeding friendly work places here
• Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission laws (2010) say that an employer must make reasonable efforts to accommodate the needs of an employee who is a breastfeeding mother. The International Labour Organisation recommends one or more daily breaks or a daily reduction of hours of work, counted as working time and remunerated accordingly. Each state may vary slightly in how they support your return to work and the entitlements to paid additional breaks for expressing or feeding your baby at work. Look up what is applicable to you through the state government websites.
• Discuss the possibility of breastfeeding during breaks and lunchtime, and flexible work hours and breaks with HR and then it is advisable to document your requirements in a letter to your employer prior to your start date.

What will you need?

• It is important that you have access to a private room (not the toilet) with a comfortable chair. A “do not disturb” sign or lock on the door can help many women feel more relaxed. The workplace should provide access to a fridge for you to store your milk in as well. If there is no fridge storage for your milk, then ideally discuss this with HR and your employer, but as a last result, expressed breast milk (EBM) stores for up to 24 hours in a good cooler box with adequate ice blocks. See NHMRC guidelines on storage of milk (page 59)
• A pump – one that works efficiently for you. An electric pump is ideal, but if you find that your good old faithful manual pump works well, then who am I to say you must have an electric one! A double electric pump is the most efficient, but often very expensive. Way up the pros and cons for you. If you are returning to full time work, or have twins, then a double pump will probably be worth the expense.
• You may find that your baby can be bought in to see you in your breaks to have a feed directly or that baby is being cared for by local child-minders so you can pop out to have a cuddle and a feed in your breaks.

I hope this is helpful! Next week we'll go into some more tips on what you can do to prepare for your return to work! You can read Part 2 here.

Have you returned to work while still breastfeeding? How did you find it? Do you have more tips or stories to share?