Introduction to Breastfeeding at Work
As a lactation consultant in London, I've had the pleasure of supporting numerous mothers who have successfully continued breastfeeding after returning to work. With the right guidance and support, you can too. According to the NHS, breastfeeding has numerous benefits for both mum and baby, and it's recommended to exclusively breastfeed for the first six months (NHS, 2022). In fact, the NHS reports that breastfeeding can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 4.3% for every 12 months of breastfeeding (NHS, 2022).
In my London clinic, I've seen many mums struggle to balance work and breastfeeding. However, with the help of a good breast pump, such as the TheRelievoo Wearable Pump, you can express milk at work and continue to breastfeed your baby. The sound of a breast pump can be daunting, but many mums find it becomes a familiar and reassuring sound, a reminder that they're nourishing their baby even when they're not together.
Preparing to Go Back to Work
Step 1: Plan Ahead
Before you go back to work, it's essential to plan ahead and prepare your baby for the transition. According to the NCT, it's recommended to introduce a bottle or cup to your baby at around 4-6 weeks old to help them get used to drinking from something other than the breast. This can be a great opportunity to involve your partner or other family members in feeding, and to get your baby accustomed to the smell and feel of a bottle.
Step 2: Choose a Good Breast Pump
A good breast pump is essential for expressing milk at work. Look for a pump that is comfortable, efficient, and easy to use. The TheRelievoo Wearable Pump is a great option, priced at £85.90 (was £171.80), and comes with free Royal Mail tracked delivery and a 30-day money-back guarantee. I've seen many mums find this pump to be a game-changer, allowing them to express milk discreetly and efficiently.
Expressing Milk at Work
Step 3: Find a Private Space
When you're at work, it's essential to find a private space to express milk. According to the NICE guidelines (CG30), employers should provide a private space for breastfeeding mums to express milk. This could be a dedicated breastfeeding room, or simply a quiet corner where you can sit comfortably and express milk without distraction.
Step 4: Store Your Milk Safely
Once you've expressed your milk, it's essential to store it safely. The Tommy's website has some great tips on how to store breast milk safely, including using airtight containers and labeling the milk with the date and time it was expressed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake that mums make when going back to work is not planning ahead. It's essential to have a plan in place for expressing milk at work and storing it safely. Another mistake is not choosing a good breast pump. A good pump can make all the difference in expressing milk efficiently and comfortably.
I recall working with a mum who was struggling to express milk at work. She was using a manual pump and finding it painful and time-consuming. I recommended she try the TheRelievoo Wearable Pump, and she was amazed at how easy and efficient it was. She was able to express milk quickly and comfortably, and was able to continue breastfeeding her baby for several more months.
Breastfeeding Rights at Work
As a breastfeeding mum, you have the right to express milk at work. According to the NCT, employers should provide a private space for breastfeeding mums to express milk and allow regular breaks to do so. For more information on your rights, check out our article on Returning to Work Breastfeeding Rights: A Step-by-Step Guide for UK Mums. The Equality Act 2010 also protects breastfeeding mums from discrimination at work.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Going back to work after maternity leave doesn't have to mean the end of breastfeeding. With the right preparation and support, you can continue to breastfeed your baby while working. If you're looking for more information on wearable breast pumps, check out our article on Finding the Best Wearable Breast Pump UK: A Comprehensive Comparison. And, don't forget to check out the TheRelievoo Wearable Pump, priced at £85.90 (was £171.80), with free Royal Mail tracked delivery and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: Can I still breastfeed when I go back to work?
A: Yes, you can still breastfeed when you go back to work. With the right preparation and support, you can continue to breastfeed your baby while working. -
Q: How do I prepare to go back to work breastfeeding?
A: To prepare to go back to work breastfeeding, plan ahead, choose a good breast pump, and introduce a bottle or cup to your baby at around 4-6 weeks old. -
Q: How do I breastfeed when going back to work?
A: To breastfeed when going back to work, find a private space to express milk, store your milk safely, and allow regular breaks to do so. -
Q: What are my breastfeeding rights at work?
A: As a breastfeeding mum, you have the right to express milk at work, and your employer should provide a private space for you to do so and allow regular breaks. -
Q: What is the best breast pump for working mums?
A: The best breast pump for working mums is one that is comfortable, efficient, and easy to use. The TheRelievoo Wearable Pump is a great option. -
Q: How much does the TheRelievoo Wearable Pump cost?
A: The TheRelievoo Wearable Pump costs £85.90 (was £171.80), with free Royal Mail tracked delivery and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Written by Olivia Bennett, IBCLC
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (London, UK)
Olivia is an IBCLC and mum of two based in London. Since 2018 she has supported 500+ British families with breastfeeding, expressing and the back-to-work transition, and writes all TheRelievoo UK guides in-house with the product team. She has been quoted in Mother and Baby and Cosmopolitan UK.
Clinically reviewed by Dr Hannah Whitfield, MBBS MRCGP (London)
