For millennia, human mothers have balanced child-rearing with the demands of survival. Sarah Blaffer Hrdy, a renowned anthropologist, highlights the crucial role of “alloparents” – other caregivers like grandmothers, aunts, and older siblings – in supporting mothers who are gathering the necessary food and social connections to ensure the survival of offspring. These support systems allowed mothers to hunt, gather, and contribute to the community while their children were cared for by others. This evolutionary perspective underscores the inherent need mothers have to provide for their families. Going back to work is not just something you are doing for yourself, it’s a deep instinct to create a better life for your children. You have a lot to be proud of! Here is your comprehensive guide to going back to work while breastfeeding.   

Prioritizing Fresh Milk: Why It Matters

When a mother returns to work, the question of how to feed her baby often arises. While building a large freezer stash of expressed milk might seem like the most practical solution, prioritizing the provision of fresh breast milk whenever possible offers significant advantages. Breast milk is a dynamic fluid, teeming with antibodies, immune cells, and growth factors that constantly adapt to the baby’s changing needs. Frozen milk, while still nutritious, loses some of these valuable components over time. By providing fresh milk as often as possible, mothers can ensure their babies receive the most up-to-date and beneficial nutritional support.

Incorporating Pumping into Your Workday

Successfully pumping at work requires careful planning and a proactive approach.

1. Scheduling Pumping Sessions:

• Assess your needs: Determine how often your baby typically feeds and how much milk you’ll need to provide. A good ballpark estimation is 30-40 ml for every hour that you are away.
• Incorporate pumping into your work schedule: Schedule pumping breaks throughout the day, similar to other work-related meetings.
• Communicate with your employer: Discuss your pumping needs with your employer and HR department. Familiarize yourself with the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the lactation accommodation provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for guidance and support.

2. Creating a Pumping-Friendly Workspace:

• Find a private and comfortable space: This could be a designated lactation room, an empty office, or a private corner of a break room.
• Set up your pumping station: Bring your pump, cooler bag, ice packs, and any other necessary supplies. Consider using a portable pump for convenience.
• Optimize your workspace: Make sure you have access to a power outlet, a comfortable chair, and a surface to place your equipment.

3. Pumping at Your Desk: A Practical Approach

Many mothers find that pumping at their desk is the most convenient option. While not ideal for everyone, it can be efficient and discreet.

• Discreet Pumping Solutions: Utilize a discreet pumping bra or cover to maintain privacy.
• Time Management: Set a timer to stay on schedule and avoid interruptions.
• Hydration and Snacking: Keep water and healthy snacks nearby to maintain energy levels during pumping sessions.

4. Storing and Transporting Breast Milk:

• Proper Storage: Store expressed milk in clean, labeled bottles or bags. Immediately refrigerate or freeze any milk that won’t be used within a few hours.
• Cooler Bags and Ice Packs: Invest in a high-quality insulated cooler bag and plenty of ice packs to keep your milk cold during transport.
• Consider a Cercis Chill Cup: These innovative products use phase change materials to maintain a consistent temperature, ensuring your milk stays safe and fresh.

Building a Small Stash: A Practical Approach

Aiming for a small freezer stash of breast milk can provide a buffer and reduce stress. This allows you to cover unexpected situations, such as a longer workday or a sudden illness. Pumping once every couple of days, ideally in the morning when milk volume is typically higher due to lower fat levels, can help build a modest supply.

Building a Large Stash: A Plan for Success

For mothers who are unable to pump at work, building a substantial milk stash becomes crucial. Consistency is key. Aim to pump at the same time each day, ideally in the morning when milk production is typically highest. Taking a supplement to increase milk supply into your routine can support milk production and help you establish a consistent supply. While building a stash requires dedication and effort, it provides peace of mind and ensures your baby continues to receive the benefits of breast milk even when you’re away.

Supporting Milk Supply When Pumping:

Maintaining a consistent milk supply while pumping can be challenging. Incorporating White Gold by Milkcare into your routine can provide valuable support. White Gold, with its blend of galactagogue herbs, can help maintain milk production, making it easier to establish and maintain a pumping schedule. Additionally, White Gold by Milkcare can be particularly helpful when transitioning from mostly breastfeeding to pumping, which can be a significant hormonal shift.

Maintaining Supply and Strengthening Bonds: Breastfeeding at Home

Even when you’re not pumping at work, breastfeeding throughout the afternoon and evenings is possible and important for maintaining your milk supply and strengthening the bond with your baby. Once your milk supply is well-established, you’ll likely find that you can continue to fully breastfeed your baby during evenings and weekends even if you don’t pump at work. Night feedings are particularly important for maintaining milk production and reconnecting with your baby after a long day. Consider breastfeeding as a special way to reunite and bond after your workday. To ensure your baby is ready for your return, kindly ask your caregiver to avoid overfeeding your baby just before you come home.

Tips for Success:

• Communicate with your employer and colleagues: Openly discuss your pumping needs and any necessary accommodations.
• Prioritize self-care: Get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and manage stress levels to support your milk supply.
• Find a pumping support group: Connect with other working mothers for encouragement, advice, and camaraderie.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help: Whether it’s from your partner, family members, or a lactation consultant, reach out for support when you need it.

Returning to work while breastfeeding can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By planning ahead, communicating effectively, and utilizing resources like Milkcare, you can successfully navigate this transition and continue to provide your baby with the best possible nutrition.