All in a day's work.
So, you've just managed to get your head round breastfeeding, your baby is latching on well, your nipples are no longer on fire and you are both really enjoying the experience. Then that time arrives when you have to decide whether to stop as you go back to work.
You may worry that breastfeeding and working don't go together. But plenty of mums combine the two – it just takes a little forward planning. Try not to let the fact that you'll be returning to your job put you off getting started with breastfeeding in the first place.
Breastfeeding and working – can it be done?
Breastfeeding and working may seem impossible to combine, but it can be done. Choose a way that suits you, your baby and your childcare provider. The health benefits for your baby outweigh the time sat expressing your milk.
Its all in the planning.
You'll find it easier if you do a little research first. Tell your employer you will still be breastfeeding. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises you to put it in writing. Your employer will then be expected to do a risk assessment to make sure you can safely and comfortably express your milk at work.
Although there is no clear right to breastfeed while you are at work, your employer is required to provide somewhere for you to rest.
However, if your employer makes it difficult for you to provide your baby with breast milk, this could be seen as putting your baby's health at risk. The HSE states that if this happens, your employer should offer alternative work, or suspend you on full pay, for as long as it is necessary to protect you and your baby.
The HSE says it is good practice, but not a legal rule, for employers to provide:
• a clean fridge for storing expressed milk
• a place to wash, sterilise and store containers
• time off to express or breastfeed Start expressing milk a month or so before you return to work. That way, you should be an expert by the time you go back, and you will have a good quantity of milk that you can freeze.
You should also prepare your baby if she is going to change from breast to bottle. If she is used to your breast and nothing else, you will need to help her learn how to feed from a bottle or beaker, and this can take time.
If you wish to continue giving your baby just breast milk, you will need to make sure that the person looking after your baby is happy to do this. It's important to think about this when you are choosing childcare.
Should I mix breast and bottle?
Mixed feeding is when your baby has formula milk while you are away, and breast milk when she is with you. This means that you don't need to express milk and you and your baby still have the togetherness of breastfeeding before and after work. This can be even more rewarding when you have been apart.
Your body will need to adjust to making less milk. The best way to do this is if you gradually reduce feeds during the week before your return.
Speak to your health visitor or a breastfeeding advisor for more advice and information.
