Breastfeeding and work: everything you need to know

For mothers returning to work who choose to continue breastfeeding, expressing breast milk allows lactation to continue. In particular, it helps to extend breastfeeding over time and avoid an unwanted early weaning. 

Recent studies have shown that mothers who continue to breastfeed their baby after returning to work take less time off to care for a sick child (almost three times less, thanks to the protective immune effects of breast milk). This means a less frequently ill baby when starting nursery or with a childminder, and less exhaustion for the whole family. Some studies on infant health also point to an 8 times lower risk of diarrhoea and a 2 times lower risk of respiratory problems in children who continue to receive breast milk.

Not to mention the benefits of breastfeeding: an easier separation from your baby and a sense of reassurance for your little one and for you (the famous reunion feed!).

You can also use the milk collector, incredibly handy for collecting milk that would otherwise be lost in the breast pad. 

The real secret to combining breastfeeding and returning to work is knowing that it is possible. 

Contrary to popular belief, returning to work whilst continuing to breastfeed is not reserved solely for a "happy few" or for superhero, tireless super women.

Surround yourself with support — talk to your partner and to the people who will be looking after your child. Connect with mothers who have been able to continue breastfeeding their baby after returning to work. There are breastfeeding support groups, for example on Facebook, where you can find testimonials and advice. And if you need to, you can also seek breastfeeding dietary supplements to support your milk supply during the transition period. 

No need to slow down breastfeeding beforehand

A little-known secret for continuing to breastfeed is that it isn't necessary to slow down breastfeeding in the month before returning to work, nor to get your baby used to a bottle (or other more suitable alternative containers).

Indeed, your baby will most likely refuse to take a container from your partner or from you. They won't understand why, when you are still right there, their milk is being offered in a substitute container.

Rest assured: babies always end up accepting a bottle or alternative container from the person caring for them. They quickly realise they need to feed during your absence. Of course, this transition from breast to container can take more or less time, but you have to trust the process. If your baby doesn't eat much in the first few days at nursery or with a childminder, they'll make up for it when you return. 

One of the advantages of not "practising" with a bottle or other container before returning to work — in addition to sparing yourself a great deal of stress — is limiting nipple confusion and having a more established milk supply. Indeed, if you continue to breastfeed your baby right up until your return to work and don't replace feeds with bottles, you will have gained a few extra days or weeks of "full" breastfeeding, and therefore maintained your milk supply.

Don't be afraid of an irregular rhythm 

To combine breastfeeding with returning to work, don't be afraid of having an irregular rhythm.

You can continue to breastfeed your baby on demand when you are with them (evenings, mornings, weekends). It doesn't matter if their rhythm at nursery is different. Your baby will quickly understand that things work differently when you're there. Continuing on-demand breastfeeding as much as possible will help maintain your milk supply. Indeed, the more feeds there are, the more milk you continue to produce. If you notice a drop in your milk supply, don't hesitate to see an IBCLC lactation consultant, and if needed you can also take a breastfeeding dietary supplement. 

Expressing milk to balance breastfeeding and work 

To continue breastfeeding, if you are expressing milk at your workplace, you don't need to wash your pump parts and accessories after every pumping session at work.

Use a zip-lock type bag to store the accessories, and keep them in the fridge for the second pumping session. This way, you save a few minutes of cleaning during the day. In the evening, make sure to wash everything thoroughly with washing-up liquid and leave to air dry. Also consider using a double breast pump to save time and express from both breasts at once!

Remember to bring a cool bag so you can put your breast milk storage bag and keep it well stored throughout the day. 

Alternatives to the bottle for breastfeeding 

Bottles aren't the only option!

You can minimise the risk of nipple confusion by trying alternative containers such as:

– the SNS (Supplemental Nursing System)

– the syringe

– the soft cup or spoon (they will lap up the milk)

– a cup (from 6 months)

"These methods use the muscles of the tongue and face to drink in a more 'physiological' way. They are a form of myofunctional therapy. Myofunctional therapy is simply the rehabilitation of the muscles of the face and mouth." (Lynda Pourchet, IBCLC Lactation Consultant). 

PS: There is no bottle or teat that can prevent nipple confusion 100%. 

For more details on the risk of nipple confusion (and the reasons behind it), have a look at our article written by healthcare professionals. It is written by Caroline de Ville, GP and IBCLC, and Lynda Pourchet, IBCLC Lactation Consultant.

We also give you the keys to paced bottle feeding if you decide to use a bottle.

The final secret to breastfeeding at work 

To keep up with breastfeeding, it helps to know that the pace of the first few months doesn't last forever.

Around 12 months, as weaning foods are gradually introduced, your baby will probably only need two feeds a day (morning and evening), and you will no longer need to express milk at work. This period of expressing milk for your baby is therefore just a matter of a few months.

Finally, above all be kind to yourself. If you don't wish to continue expressing milk beyond 6 months (the duration of exclusive breastfeeding recommended by the WHO), know that giving your child 1 to 2 feeds a day will help you maintain your milk supply, especially if you can breastfeed on demand at weekends. Weaning is not obligatory.

There are many breast pump models on the market. Most are very effective with practice. What matters most is thinking about how you will use it and how frequently. Will you be expressing every day at your workplace? Do you need to carry it with you daily? 

Read our article how to express breast milk to find out more about the different breast pumps and choose the one that best suits your needs. If you have questions about breast milk storage, read our article on the subject. Keeping expressed milk in a cool bag throughout the day, with an ice pack for example, is one option. 

In France, the Labour Code provides that any employed mother who wishes to do so may express milk or breastfeed her baby for up to 12 months from the birth of her child. You are entitled to one hour during your working day to breastfeed at work. You may split this into several breaks throughout the day as you see fit (Art. L 1225-30 of the Labour Code). This is a right you should not hesitate to assert with your employer — it is the law.

Furthermore, in France, if you work for a company with more than 100 employees, your employer must also provide, on or near the premises, a dedicated space for breastfeeding employees. If this is not the case, they must take the necessary steps to put one in place. 
This allows you to express milk in the best possible conditions. If you can, you may also breastfeed at work if your baby is brought to you.