Going back to work after maternity leave doesn’t have to mean the end of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding boosts babies’ immunity against respiratory, gastrointestinal and ear infections. It also offers infants long-term protection against allergies, asthma and obesity.
Breastfeeding also benefits nursing mothers, lowering the risk of postpartum depression, hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Women who breastfeed also have a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
But choosing to continue breastfeeding while working comes with some challenges. For mothers who want to exclusively feed their babies breast milk, returning to work means pumping at work.
“While pumping at work can seem daunting, you can prepare beforehand, making the transition easier. Get started by talking with your employer, practicing pumping and starting your baby on bottle feedings. Your healthcare team can guide you as you adjust to pumping at work,” says Gayle Yerge-Cole, RNC, IBCLC, a lactation consultant at Henry Ford Health.
How Should I Talk With My Employer About Pumping At Work?
The ability to pump at work is protected by law. In 2023, the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act (“PUMP Act”) updated a previous law and outlined employer guidelines. The law requires employers to provide mothers breaks and a private place (not a bathroom) to pump. This benefit extends through the infant’s first year.
Before you return to work, talk with your employer about your plans. Ask for information about when and where you can pump at work. “Give your employer time to arrange a private place where you won’t be disturbed. It’s also helpful to have access to a refrigerator where you can store breast milk safely,” says Yerge-Cole.
How Can I Prepare To Pump At Work?
In addition to talking with your employer, Yerge-Cole recommends taking these steps to prepare to pump at work:
- Practice using a breast pump: A lactation consultant can help you find a pump that fits properly, reducing the risk of irritation or infection. There are many options, including battery-powered and electric pumps.
- Begin bottle feedings with breast milk: Replace one or two feedings per day with a bottle feeding of breast milk. Some infants may not take a bottle from their nursing mother, preferring to breastfeed instead. In these cases, ask a family member to give the bottle feeding and enjoy bonding time with your infant. Try different bottle nipples to find the best style for your baby.
- Don’t feel pressured to stockpile breast milk: It’s natural to want your baby to have an adequate breast milk supply when you’re at work. But avoid overpumping, which increases the risk of blocked milk ducts or mastitis, an inflammation of breast tissue. Instead, pump and store enough milk for a few days. The amount of milk you’ll need depends on your baby’s age and your work schedule. Infants up to 3 months feed every two to three hours. Once babies reach 6 months, they feed every three to four hours.
How Can I Make Pumping At Work Easier?
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When it’s time to pump, take a moment to relax. “Looking at pictures or videos of your baby may help clear your mind. Many mothers find drinking water as they pump helps them relax, release milk and stay hydrated,” says Yerge-Cole.
Most pumps have adjustable speeds. Start pumping at a faster speed to encourage the letdown reflex (milk release from the milk ducts). Once you feel milk expressing, turn the pump speed down to allow milk to flow more easily. If your pump is pre-programmed, adjust the speed to fit your needs.
Once you’ve finished pumping on both breasts, clean the pump parts. You can use warm water and dish soap or wipes. This step prevents bacteria from forming and contaminating breast milk in the future. Give pump parts another rinse, especially if you’re cleaning with wipes, before beginning the next session.
Label breast milk bags with your name and date. Store them in a secure refrigerator or cooler with ice packs. While breast milk can last for four hours at room temperature, it’s best to keep it cold to prevent spoiling.
How Do I Know If I’m Pumping Enough Breast Milk?
Some mothers worry they aren’t producing enough milk when pumping at work. “This is a common concern for nursing mothers. Sometimes the stress of balancing work and home can affect your milk supply. Taking time for self-care can help ease your adjustment as you work into this new routine,” says Yerge-Cole.
If your baby is feeding more than you expected when you’re away, it may be due to overfeeding. Ask your baby’s caregiver to use a paced bottle feeding technique to avoid excess feeding. This method involves holding the baby close to the body and keeping the bottle level. Take short breaks during the feeding to watch for cues the baby is full and satisfied.
“If you have other concerns, contact your physician, pediatrician or lactation consultant. We can work with you to find solutions so you can continue breastfeeding your infant,” says Yerge-Cole.
Gayle Yerge-Cole is a lactation consultant who sees patients at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital.
