Introduction to Returning to Work After Maternity Leave in Canada
As a new mom in Canada, returning to work after maternity leave can be a daunting task, especially with the numerous laws and regulations surrounding maternity leave and breastfeeding in the workplace. In my Toronto clinic, I've worked with many moms who have successfully returned to work and continued breastfeeding with the help of a reliable breast pump, such as the Wearable Breast Pump (Double), priced at $169.90, a significant discount from the original price of $339.80. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, approximately 90% of mothers in Canada initiate breastfeeding, and with the right support, many can continue to breastfeed after returning to work.
Understanding Maternity Leave Laws in Canada
According to the Government of Canada, maternity leave in Canada can last up to 52 weeks, with the first 17 weeks being maternity leave and the remaining 35 weeks being parental leave. It's essential to understand your rights and obligations as a new mom returning to work, as outlined in the Employment Insurance (EI) program, which provides up to 55% of your earnings, to a maximum of $573 per week.
Returning to Work After Maternity Leave Laws in Ontario
In Ontario, the Employment Standards Act sets out the rules for maternity and parental leave. As a new mom, it's crucial to understand your entitlements and obligations under this act, which includes the right to up to 63 weeks of leave, and the right to return to your job or a comparable one after your leave.
Preparing for Return to Work
Step-by-Step Guide to Returning to Work After Maternity Leave
- Understand your maternity leave entitlements and obligations, including the rules surrounding Employment Insurance (EI) and the Employment Standards Act
- Discuss your return to work plan with your employer, including your needs for breastfeeding and expressing milk, as recommended by the Public Health Agency of Canada, which suggests that breastfeeding employees should have access to a private area for expressing milk
- Prepare your breastfeeding plan, including expressing and storing milk, and consider investing in a good breast pump, such as the Wearable Breast Pump (Double), which can help you express milk discreetly and efficiently
- Invest in a good breast pump and learn how to use it effectively, taking into account the noise level, which should be under 35 dB, making it discreet and convenient for use in the workplace
- Consider visiting a La Leche League Canada group for support and guidance, which can provide you with valuable resources and connections to other breastfeeding mothers
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Returning to Work After Maternity Leave
One common mistake new moms make is not having a clear plan for breastfeeding at work, which can lead to decreased milk supply and discomfort. To avoid this, it's essential to have a good breast pump and a plan for expressing and storing milk, as well as a supportive employer who can provide a private area for expressing milk.
I recall working with a mom who was returning to her job at a downtown Toronto office building. She was worried about expressing milk at work, but with the help of a Wearable Breast Pump (Double) and a supportive employer, she was able to successfully continue breastfeeding her baby. She would often express milk in a private room, and then store it in a fridge provided by her employer. The sound of the pump was barely noticeable, and she was able to focus on her work while also providing for her baby's needs.
Breastfeeding at Work
Understanding Your Rights as a Breastfeeding Mom in the Workplace
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, breastfeeding moms have the right to express milk in the workplace, and employers are encouraged to provide a supportive environment for breastfeeding employees. This includes providing a private area for expressing milk, as well as access to a fridge for storing expressed milk.
Choosing the Right Breast Pump for Work
When choosing a breast pump for work, consider a hospital-grade, hands-free wearable pump like the Wearable Breast Pump (Double). This pump is under 35 dB, making it discreet and convenient for use in the workplace, and it's also easy to clean and maintain, which is essential for preventing the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.
Returning to Work Early from Maternity Leave
Can I Go Back to Work Early from Maternity Leave in Canada?
Yes, you can go back to work early from maternity leave in Canada, but it's essential to understand the implications of doing so. According to the Government of Canada, if you return to work early, you may not be eligible for the full 52 weeks of maternity and parental leave, which could impact your eligibility for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.
Not Returning to Work After Maternity Leave
What Happens if I Don't Return to Work After Maternity Leave in Canada?
If you don't return to work after maternity leave in Canada, you may not be eligible for the same job or benefits when you do decide to return to work. It's essential to discuss your plans with your employer and to understand your rights and obligations, as outlined in the Employment Standards Act, which provides protections for employees who take maternity and parental leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about returning to work after maternity leave in Canada:
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Q: Do you have to return to work after maternity leave in Canada?
A: No, you don't have to return to work after maternity leave in Canada, but you may not be eligible for the same job or benefits when you do decide to return to work, as outlined in the Employment Standards Act. -
Q: How to return to work after maternity leave in Canada?
A: To return to work after maternity leave in Canada, follow the step-by-step guide outlined above, and consider investing in a good breast pump like the Wearable Breast Pump (Double), which can help you express milk discreetly and efficiently. -
Q: What to do when returning to work after maternity leave in Canada?
A: When returning to work after maternity leave in Canada, discuss your return to work plan with your employer, prepare your breastfeeding plan, and invest in a good breast pump, taking into account the noise level and ease of use. -
Q: What to expect when returning to work after maternity leave in Canada?
A: When returning to work after maternity leave in Canada, expect to discuss your return to work plan with your employer, to express milk in the workplace, and to balance work and breastfeeding, with the support of your employer and a good breast pump. -
Q: Can I go back to work early from maternity leave in Canada?
A: Yes, you can go back to work early from maternity leave in Canada, but it's essential to understand the implications of doing so, including the potential impact on your Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. -
Q: Do you have to go back to your employer after maternity leave in Canada?
A: No, you don't have to go back to your employer after maternity leave in Canada, but you may not be eligible for the same job or benefits when you do decide to return to work, as outlined in the Employment Standards Act.
For more information on breastfeeding and returning to work, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada or the La Leche League Canada website. Consider investing in a Wearable Breast Pump (Double) for convenient and discreet breastfeeding on-the-go, and don't hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant or a healthcare provider for personalized advice and support.
Written by Sarah Tremblay, IBCLC
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (Toronto, Canada)
Sarah is an IBCLC and mom of two based in Toronto. Since 2018 she has supported 500+ Canadian families with breastfeeding, pumping and the return-to-work transition, and writes all TheRelievoo Canada guides in-house with the product team. She is a member of the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) and works alongside La Leche League Canada groups.
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Emily Chen, MD, CCFP (Toronto)
