Breastfeeding and work

Many women successfully combine breastfeeding and paid work. To do so, it helps to have support from your employer, colleagues and family, along with some flexibility in your working arrangements.

Work-related obstacles to breastfeeding#

Several factors can make it harder to keep breastfeeding once you return to paid work:

• An early return to work. Research suggests that mothers who plan to return to work very soon after giving birth may be less likely to start breastfeeding at all.
• Limited paid parental leave. Where paid leave is short or unavailable, many mothers find it harder to establish and continue breastfeeding.
• Inadequate facilities. A lack of privacy or no access to a refrigerator to store milk can be a real barrier.
• No lactation breaks. A mother needs regular breaks to express milk or to feed her baby.

In many places, employees have legal entitlements to a period of parental leave and to reasonable workplace support for breastfeeding. Check the laws and entitlements that apply where you live and work.

Planning before you return#

If you would like to continue breastfeeding after you return to work:

• Ask your supervisor, human resources manager, an equal employment opportunity officer or your union about your workplace’s breastfeeding policies.
• Try to do this before you go on parental leave.
• Discuss your intention to continue breastfeeding with your employer, ideally before your leave begins.

If you cannot go to your baby for feeds during working hours, decide how often you will need to express milk. The number of times per day will depend on the age and needs of your baby. If you are unsure, speak with a healthcare professional, child health nurse or lactation consultant.

To express breastmilk at work, you will need:

• a clean, private area (not a toilet)
• access to a refrigerator to store the milk
• somewhere to keep your manual or electric pump, if you use one
• somewhere to wash your hands
• regular opportunities for breaks.

Choose an appropriate method#

Breastmilk can be expressed by hand or with a manual or electric breast pump. An electric pump with a double pumping kit is the fastest, which can make it a good choice for use at work.

Consider buying or hiring an electric pump#

Speak with a lactation consultant or breastfeeding support service for advice on the best choice of pump for you.

You might also look for childcare or a babysitter close to your work rather than close to home. That way you may be able to visit during breaks to breastfeed your baby, or have the carer bring your baby to your workplace. Discuss these options with your employer and the baby’s carer.

Expressed breastmilk: safety#

Breastmilk must be stored correctly and kept free from germs that could make your baby ill. Safety suggestions include:

• Use clean hands and clean equipment.
• Express into clean containers — glass or plastic containers or sealable plastic bags. Label each container with the time and date the milk was expressed.
• Refrigerate the breastmilk within one hour of expressing. If no refrigerator is available, store it in an insulated cooler with a freezer brick.
• Freshly expressed breastmilk can also be stored at room temperature for several hours if necessary, provided the room is reasonably cool (around 26 °C / 79 °F or lower).
• Freeze any excess breastmilk you will not use soon.

Keep the milk cold on the commute home#

For example, pack the milk in an insulated cooler with a freezer brick.

Do not use a microwave to thaw or reheat breastmilk. Thaw or warm it by putting the bottle or bag in a container of hot water. Then test the milk on the inside of your wrist — it should feel about the same temperature as your skin. Breastmilk can also be given at room temperature.

Discrimination and breastfeeding#

In many places it is unlawful for an employer to treat you unfairly because you are breastfeeding or expressing, and employers may be required to make reasonable efforts to accommodate a breastfeeding mother. Try to negotiate a reasonable agreement first. If your employer makes it difficult for you to continue breastfeeding, speak to your union representative or a breastfeeding support service for advice.

Key points#

• Many women successfully combine breastfeeding and paid work with the right support and flexibility.
• Plan ahead — discuss your needs with your employer before going on parental leave.
• To express at work you need a clean, private space, a way to store milk, and regular breaks.
• Store and handle expressed breastmilk carefully to keep it safe for your baby.

Where to get help#