CG Returning to Work and Pumping -

Returning to Work and Pumping

Returning to work can feel like a big transition, but with some planning and preparation, you can successfully continue providing breast milk for your baby. This guide will help you prepare for pumping while working, including tips for choosing the right pump, communicating with your employer, preparing your caregiver, and making the transition easier for both you and your baby.¹

Finding the Right Pump

There are many pumps available, each with different features and settings. Take time to practice using your pump before returning to work so you’re comfortable with how it works and how to assemble it.¹ Testing it ahead of time will help you feel more confident when it’s time to pump at work.

Things to consider when choosing a pump:¹

How often will you need to pump?
Where will you be pumping?
Will you multitask and pump while working, or will you take breaks to pump?
Do you have access to an electrical outlet?
How portable and discreet do you need the pump to be?
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

Along with your pump, you’ll need a few essential supplies to make pumping at work easier and more efficient.¹ Some things 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)

Talk with Your Employer

Open and honest communication with your employer is key when planning to return to work and continue breastfeeding. Make sure to discuss your pumping needs and how your employer can support you. Some things you might want to discuss with your employer:

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

It’s important to note that both state and federal laws protect breastfeeding employees, requiring most employers to provide reasonable break time and a private space (other than a restroom) to pump.^2,3 Open communication will help ensure that both you and your employer have clear expectations. If your job requires travel, consider reviewing guidelines for traveling while breastfeeding or pumping.⁴

Preparing for Childcare

It’s important to prepare your childcare provider so they know how to handle and feed your baby breast milk.⁵ Provide them with detailed instructions on how much milk to offer, how to store the milk, and how to handle bottles. Generally, you’ll want to plan for about 1 to 1.5 ounces of breast milk per hour that you are away from your baby. It’s also a good idea to provide extra stored milk in case of emergencies.⁵

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

It’s best to feed babies on cue, not by a rigid schedule.
Breastfed babies rarely take more than 4-5 ounces of milk per feeding.
Paced feeding is best practice for breastfed babies, which helps mimic the breastfeeding experience and prevents overfeeding.

Introducing the Bottle

While there is no need to spend a lot of time pumping and bottle feeding during your maternity leave, especially if you will be off for several months or more, once breastfeeding is well established you can introduce a bottle, as needed or desired.⁵ After you’ve introduced a bottle, continuing to offer it a few times per week will help your baby stay familiar with taking it. If you decide to wait until closer to returning to work to start pumping and bottle feeding, try to give yourself and baby a few weeks to adjust to your new feeding routine.⁵

Pro Tip: Whenever your baby takes a bottle, make sure to pump at the same time so your milk supply stays in sync with their needs. While most babies transition to bottle feedings easily, others may need more practice, so remain patient and give yourself and baby plenty of time.

Other Considerations for a Smooth Transition

The transition back to work doesn’t have to be stressful.⁵ Here are some tips to make the process easier for you and your baby:

Practice your morning routine: Try practicing your morning routine before your official return to work. This will help you feel more organized and confident when the time comes.
Trial run with your caregiver: If possible, have a “trial day” with your caregiver or daycare center before your return. This will give you and your baby a chance to adjust to the new routine and get comfortable with their care.
Breastfeed during drop-off and pick-up: If your schedule allows, consider breastfeeding your baby when you drop them off and pick them up from daycare. This reduces the need for pumping and the number of bottles your baby needs.
Frequent breastfeeding when you’re together: When you’re with your baby, breastfeed frequently to reconnect. This helps maintain your bond and keeps your milk supply up.
Get support from your partner, family, and friends: Make sure to lean on your support network during this transition. Having help around the house, or emotional support from family and friends, can make all the difference as you balance work and breastfeeding.

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

To register for these classes, log into your portal or click here.

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:

https://www.hersourcehealth.com/aeroflow-care-guides/ ‎

References