Returning to work is an important step, often tinged with apprehension for most breastfeeding mothers. Many wonder how to continue breastfeeding while managing their daily professional life. Lack of time, complex organization, social pressure... The challenges are numerous, but with the right advice and a little anticipation, it is entirely possible to reconcile breastfeeding with your professional activity ! In this article, you will find concrete tips for calmly continuing your breastfeeding while regaining your place at work.
Breastfeeding and working: what are the options?
After their maternity leave, some mothers choose gradually stop breastfeeding before returning to work.
While others wish continue to express milk or even directly breastfeed their baby during the day.
3 solutions are generally available to you if you wish continue your breastfeeding while working.
- Exclusive breastfeeding with milk pumping at work: you express your milk during your work hours to maintain your production and provide breast milk for your baby.
- Mixed breastfeeding: you combine breast feeding when you are with your baby and bottle feeding (expressed breast milk or artificial milk) while you are away.
- Breastfeeding on demand outside of working hours: you breastfeed only in the morning, evening and night, adapting your milk production to your baby's needs. This last option is the riskiest. Breast milk production is based on the phenomenon of supply and demand. Therefore, if you reduce stimulation during the day, this would impact your lactation. This option is to be preferred only when for problem-free breastfeeding and who is already well installed.
Some mothers also choose to find their baby on midday time for a feeding, if distance permits.
Others prefer breastfeed on demand outside of working hours, taking advantage of the evenings and nights to maintain lactation and strengthen the bond with their baby.
If you notice a drop in production, don't worry. Breastfeeding adapts! Increase the frequency of feedings in the morning and evening may be sufficient to maintain satisfactory lactation.
Prepare for the smooth transition
Whatever choice you make, remember that there is no right or wrong solution: every woman and every family must find the organization that suits you.
Anticipate the recovery ⏳
The ideal is to prepare for this transition a few weeks before the start of work.
Note that currently in France, the latest studies highlight that the average duration of breastfeeding in France is approximately 20 weeks.
This duration is lower than WHO recommendations (World Health Organization), which recommends a exclusive breastfeeding during 6 months (currently, only 1 in 5 children still receive breast milk at 6 months).
Getting to know a breast pump 🔌
If you want to express milk at work, start by familiarizing yourself with a breast pump at home.
Install a draw rate which mimics your baby's feedings to maintain a stable milk production.
Choosing the right breast pump to return to work 👜
THE choice of breast pump will be decisive in ensuring comfortable and efficient drawing experience at your workplace. Here are some criteria to take into account in your choice:
- Portability : opt for a light and not too bulky model, which you can transport easily between your home and your workplace.
- Efficiency : THE double pumping electric breast pumps are particularly recommended, because they allow milk to be expressed of both breasts simultaneously, thus reducing the time required.
- Noise level : if you work in a shared environment, a breast pump compact and quiet may be a more practical option.
- Ease of cleaning : choose a model with parts that are easy to disassemble and clean.
Expressing milk at work with Emy Pump 👌
The Emy Pump breast pump has been specially designed For facilitate breastfeeding at work.
It's a discreet and wireless model, which simply slips into the bra and hides completely under clothing.
This portable breast pump allows you to express your milk while remaining dressed, and above all, having your hands free !
I want to express my milk hands-free
In terms of comfort, the Emy Pummp nomadic breast pump is supplied with 6 breast shield sizes so you can find the perfect fit on each of your breasts.
Its hospitable power, its large integrated tank as well as its long autonomy of several drawing sessions make it a perfect ally for those who wish continue breastfeeding calmly at work!
In all cases, we advise you to take the time to test several models before making your choice. For example, you have 30 days to test and try the Emy Pump portable model and if it does not suit you, you will be fully refunded.
Some pharmacies or specialty stores also offer breast pump rentals, which can be a good option for try different devices.
Build up a milk reserve 🥛
Build up a milk reserve before returning to work can also be reassuring.
But it is not necessarily necessary to have liters in advance, a few containers stored in the freezer allow you to manage unforeseen events more calmly.
Gradually introduce the bottle 🍼
If you are considering a mixed breastfeeding (breast + infant milk), gradually introduce the bottle with your expressed milk or artificial milk.
Some babies accept this transition easily, others require a little more patience.
But don't panic. If your baby refuses the bottle, there are other alternative containers that you can offer him.
Managing separation from your baby 💔
Leaving your baby for the first time is always a moment full of emotions.
If possible, try to test your childcare arrangement a few days before resuming so that the transition is smoother.
Chat with your employer 🗣️
Finally, it may be useful to discuss with your employer breastfeeding conditions in your workplace.
Is there a suitable space for express your milk ? Is a refrigerator available for store your milk ? Better anticipate these questions before the big day of returning to work.
Expressing milk at work: instructions for use
That's it, now that you have anticipated everything, the big day of recovery has arrived. Here are some tips for organizing your days and continue your breastfeeding peacefully at your workplace.
Organize your drawing sessions ⌚
For expressing milk at work, it is essential to establish a routine adapted to your schedule:
- Plan your breaks : Try to schedule your pumping sessions at times when your baby would normally have nursed if you were together (usually every 3 to 4 hours).
- Communicate with your employer : inform them in advance of your needs to avoid any misunderstanding.
- Prepare your equipment : make sure you have everything you need (breast pump, storage containers, cooler or insulated bag for transport, etc.).
Note that French law provides one hour a day dedicated to breastfeeding, divided into two 30-minute periods.
Although this break is not always paid by the employer, it represents a valuable opportunity for maintain your milk supply.
Create a calm and comfortable environment 🤫
If possible, locate in a quiet place, if possible away from stress and noise.
A double pumping breast pump Saves time by pulling both breasts simultaneously.
And if you work on a computer, some mothers are even able to express their milk continuing to work.
Use an effective breast pump 🔋
Depending on your job and your professional constraints, it may be useful to invest in a portable and discreet breast pump like Emy Pump, which allows express milk while continuing your activities.
I am looking for a practical and discreet breast pump
This type of device is ideal for active mothers who want integrate breastfeeding into their daily work without wasting too much time.
THE portable breast pump Emy Pump allows you to continue working, take a break, be in a meeting, drink a coffee... follow the course of your day completely naturally without this really impacting his working time.
Its sound and visual discretion makes it the ideal companion breastfeeding mothers at work.
Maintain your milk production 🥛
To maintain a optimal milk production, always favor breastfeeding at will at home, whatever the age of your child.
Remember that oxytocin, the hormone responsible for milk ejection, is stimulated by love and attachment.
During your pulling sessions away from your baby, do not hesitate to create a conducive atmosphere by surrounding yourself with objects that evoke your baby, such as a photo or an item of clothing.
And above all, don't forget to tune in moments of relaxation and positive thoughts.
These little kind touches will encourage milk production and flow, even far from your child.
Please note that there are also natural methods For promote milk production and which you can apply in parallel to be sure to maintain it well.
Storing milk safely ❄️
Preserving breast milk is a key step in guarantee its quality and the health of your baby :
- In the refrigerator : milk can be stored for up to 4 days at a maximum temperature of 4°C.
- In the freezer : you can store milk for up to 6 months in a dedicated freezer (-18°C).
- During transport : If you do not have access to a refrigerator at your workplace, you can use a cooler with ice packs to keep milk cool until you return home.
Be sure to label each container with the date and time of the draw in order to use the milk in the correct order.
These information is essential and above all necessary when you provide your milk to childcare facilities. They are essential for administer your milk to your baby in complete safety.
I am looking for a practical and discreet breast pump
Breastfeeding and work: what are your rights?
Not all employers are (unfortunately) informed of rights of breastfeeding mothers. However, the law provides for arrangements, and certain companies are setting up dedicated spaces.
The rights of breastfeeding mothers at work
In France, the law provides for provisions for protect breastfeeding mothers.
1️⃣ Breastfeeding breaks 🍼 : you have the right to one hour a day (divided into two periods of 30 minutes), for one year from the birth of your child (Article L1225-32 of the Labor Code). Some companies offer more favorable conditions. At the house of Fizimed, these break times are paid and do not end when the child is one year old. A breastfeeding mother benefits from this time until the end of breastfeeding !
2️⃣ A room dedicated to breastfeeding : your company must provide a room dedicated to breastfeeding, clean and equipped, if it employs more than 100 employees (Article L1225-30). And if you work in a smaller company, your employer will surely find a unoccupied meeting room or a quiet corner to offer you. Even if we know that today we are still far from this mentality in certain companies when we know that one mother in 3 expresses her milk at her workplace secretly in the toilet…
3️⃣ Arrangement of working time ⌚: your employer must allow you to arrange your working hours to facilitate breastfeeding, wherever possible.
4️⃣ Protection against discrimination ❌ : it goes without saying, but it is still important to remember that it is prohibited from discriminating against an employee due to her situation as a breastfeeding woman.
Raise awareness among your professional entourage🤝
Do not hesitate to raise awareness among your professional entourage. The more breastfeeding is normalized, the easier it will be for mothers to continue this adventure without pressure.
So inform your colleagues and superiors of your choice to breastfeed and your needs !
If possible, exchange with other colleagues who breastfed while working : their experience could be valuable to you!
How to continue breastfeeding and working?
Manage breastfeeding and returning to work can seem like an insurmountable challenge.
But withe preparation and organization, it is very easily possible to get there! Without it having too big an impact on your daily life and your productivity.
Every mother must find her own balance. Whether you choose exclusive breastfeeding by expressing your milk at work or mixed breastfeeding, the main thing is that this choice suits you and feel good about this choice.
Breastfeeding is a gift for your baby, it should also be a fulfilling experience for you. Don't feel guilty if everything doesn't go as planned.
Remember that every drop counts. If you need further help or advice, please do not hesitate to consult a midwife or a lactation consultant.
And above all, you are not alone! Many mothers have been there before you and found solutions adapted to their situation.
The important thing is to do what's best for you and your baby. Because beyond milk, it is above all a unique bond that you continue to build with him, day after day!
