Heading back to work after maternity leave can feel like a huge transition and if you’re still breastfeeding, you might be wondering how to keep it going while juggling meetings, deadlines, and childcare.
The good news? With the right planning, support, and tools, it’s absolutely possible to continue breastfeeding after returning to work, and many parents do so successfully.
This practical guide will walk you through everything from expressing and storing milk to talking with your employer and finding your rhythm.
Can You Still Breastfeed After Going Back to Work?
Yes. Whether you’re exclusively breastfeeding, combination feeding, or expressing and bottle feeding, returning to work doesn’t mean you have to stop.
Here’s how some parents continue breastfeeding:
- Feed morning and evening, and pump during the workday
- Express full-time and bottle feed expressed milk
- Combination feed, using both breast milk and formula
- Breastfeed when together, and skip expressing if baby is over 6 months
What works for you will depend on your goals, your baby’s age, and your daily routine.
Planning Ahead: What to Do Before Returning
1. Talk to Your Employer Early
By UK law, your employer must:
- Provide a clean, private space for expressing (not a toilet)
- Allow flexible breaks to pump
- Offer a fridge to store breast milk, where possible
Make a plan with your manager or HR department about:
- Where and when you’ll pump
- Where to store milk
- Any changes to your schedule
2. Introduce a Bottle Beforehand
Start offering a bottle of expressed milk a few weeks before your return, ideally when baby is around 6–8 weeks old and after breastfeeding is established.
Our NaturalWave Bottles are designed to encourage baby to use the same sucking motion as at the breast - ideal for switching between breast and bottle.
Some babies will skip bottle feeding and go straight to cup feeding and this is fine too.
3. Build a Freezer Stash
Begin pumping once a day, ideally in the morning when supply is higher. Store milk in small amounts (60–120ml) and label with date/time.
Your Pumping Routine at Work
How Often Should You Pump?
- Every 3–4 hours to mimic baby’s feeding schedule
- This usually means 2–3 pumping sessions during a full workday
- If you go longer without pumping, milk supply may drop
How Long Should You Pump?
- Each session: around 15–20 minutes
- Pump until milk flow slows and breasts feel soft
- Use a Wearable Pump for efficiency
Where to Store Milk at Work
- Store in a cool bag with ice packs or a fridge
- Use pre-sterilised Lansinoh Milk Bags for convenience
- Label clearly and take home daily
If a fridge isn’t available, milk in a cool bag will keep safely for up to 24 hours.
Tips to Protect Your Supply
- Don’t skip pumping sessions - even if it’s just for 10 minutes will help maintain supply
- Stay hydrated and snack regularly
- Pump at home after bedtime if needed to boost supply
- Use skin-to-skin when you're back with baby to reconnect
- Express while looking at a photo or video of your baby - it helps trigger let-down
How to Make It Easier
- Wear a hands-free pump for multitasking
- Keep extra pump parts and breast pads in your work bag
- Have a backup manual pump in case of power issues
- Store your kit in a discreet, clean pump bag
- Use Lansinoh’s Breast Therapy Pads warm before pumping to encourage let-down
What If You Want to Stop Expressing?
Some parents decide to switch to:
- Morning and evening feeds only
- Mixed feeding with formula or expressed milk
- Gradually weaning off breastfeeding
All of these are valid choices. Reducing feeds slowly will help prevent engorgement or blocked ducts. Always listen to your body.
Midwife’s Top Tips
- Feed baby just before leaving and as soon as you return
- Be kind to yourself - it’s an emotional adjustment
- Keep a photo or keepsake of baby with you to help stimulate milk flow
- Don’t worry if you pump less than baby takes - you can supplement if needed
- Know your rights and ask for support – you’re entitled to it
Returning to work while breastfeeding isn’t always easy but it is absolutely possible. With planning, communication, and products that support your routine, you can continue to feed your baby and protect your breastfeeding journey on your own terms.
