Whether you are returning to work, looking forward to a date night, or just running errands, there may come a time when you expect to be separated from your baby. Mother/baby separation can change your breastfeeding routine, but with careful planning you can minimize the disruption this may have on breastfeeding and continue to provide breast milk for your baby. Below are a few tips to help make this transition go smoothly for you and your baby.

Occasional Separations

If you are going to be separated from your baby for less than 3 or 4 hours, you may not need to provide any pumped milk at all. This will depend on the age of your baby, how often they breastfeed, and how easily they can be distracted by their caregiver. If your baby is a newborn, less than about 6 weeks old, their feeding routines are less predictable and you will likely want to make sure your caregiver has breast milk to offer baby in your absence. With older babies, especially if your separations are infrequent and they haven’t had a lot of practice bottle feeding, they may only take a small amount (1-2 ounces) of your milk or they may even be willing to hold off on feeding until you return.¹ 

As a general rule, if you breastfeed your baby right before you leave and as soon as you return, this will minimize the amount of milk that your baby needs while you are gone. You know your baby best, so use your instincts when it comes to this. If you do leave milk, 1-1.5 ounces per hour is a good estimate of how much breast milk many babies will need.¹ If you miss a feeding while away from your baby, it is important to express your milk while you are apart to prevent engorgement, decreased milk supply, and complications such as plugged ducts or mastitis.  

Consistent Separations

If you expect to have regular separations from your baby, such as returning to work, you will need to make a plan for pumping and providing milk for your baby. Here are some suggestions:

1. Finding Your Pump: There are many pumps available with different features and settings.  Practice using your pump before returning to work so you know how to put it together and how it works. 

Some things to consider when choosing a pump:

• • How often will you need to pump?
  • Where will you be pumping?
  • Will you multitask and pump while working or take a break to pump?
  • Do you have access to an electrical outlet?
  • If you’re unsure, you can compare breast pumps available through Aeroflow using our comparison chart to find the best option for your needs.

Other equipment to consider:

• • Milk storage containers or bags
  • Bottles
  • Milk storage cooler (to keep your milk fresh while at work)
  • Pump bag (to carry everything in one place)
  • Spare pump parts (just in case something breaks or gets lost)
  • Pumping bra (for hands-free pumping)
  • Cleaning supplies (wipes, brushes, or sterilizer bags)

2. Talk with Your Employer: Talk about your plans for returning and pumping at work.

You may want to discuss:

• • How often you expect to need to pump
  • How long you will need to pump each day
  • Where you will pump
  • How you will store your milk
  • Flexibility in your schedule

There are state² and federal laws³ that protect your lactation rights in the workplace. These laws include the right to reasonable break time to pump your milk and a private space to pump your milk, other than a restroom. Open communication with your employer is important as you plan to return to work so everyone has clear expectations. If you have to travel for work, please check out this information for traveling while breastfeeding or pumping, with or without your baby.⁴

3. Preparing for Childcare: Give your caregiver detailed feeding instructions. Plan for 1-1.5 ounces of breast milk per hour that you expect to be away from your baby. If you can, provide your caregiver with additional stored milk in the freezer for emergencies.

Be sure your caregiver understands these things about breastfed babies:⁵

5. Other Considerations: Other ideas to make the transition smoother:

What If I Have Questions?

If you are interested in learning more, these Aeroflow classes expand on some of the topics discussed above:

• Navigating Maternity Leave
• Pumping 101
• It Takes a Village

Want More Info?

For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:

References