If your return-to-work date is creeping closer, you might be thinking about how to keep breastfeeding going once you are back. The reassuring news is that with a little gentle preparation, many Irish mums continue to give their babies breast milk for as long as they wish. This guide walks you through expressing and building a small stash, calmly and without pressure.
When to start expressing before work
There is no need to rush. Most mums find that beginning to express around two to three weeks before returning to work is plenty. Starting too early can leave you with a freezer of milk you do not need; starting the day before can feel stressful. A gentle middle ground works best.
Try one short pumping session a day, often in the morning when supply tends to be highest — perhaps after the first feed. Even 50–100ml a day quietly adds up.
Building your stash, gently
- Express after a feed, not instead of one, so your baby still gets what they need.
- Store small amounts. Freezing milk in 60–120ml portions means less waste.
- Label everything with the date so you use the oldest milk first.
- Keep it tidy. Reusable silicone storage bags lie flat in the freezer and are kinder to the environment than single-use bags.
Choosing the right pump for the job
For expressing at home and later at work, a discreet, hands-free pump makes the whole process far less of an event. The Relievoo wearable pump tucks into your bra and runs cordlessly, so you can express while doing something else entirely. If you would like everything ready for your first day back, the Complete Pumping Kit adds a protective travel case.
Introducing a bottle gently
If your baby has only ever fed at the breast, it is worth offering the occasional bottle of expressed milk a couple of weeks before you go back — but without making it a battle. A few gentle tips Irish mums often find helpful:
- Let someone else (a partner or grandparent) offer the first bottles, so your baby is not expecting the breast.
- Try when your baby is calm and lightly hungry, not upset or ravenous.
- Use a slow-flow teat and let your baby set the pace.
- If the first attempt does not go to plan, leave it a day and try again — most babies get there.
Storing and thawing breast milk safely
As a general guide, freshly expressed milk keeps in the back of the fridge for several days and in the freezer for several months. Thaw it slowly in the fridge or under cool then warm running water — never in the microwave, which heats unevenly. Use thawed milk within a day and do not refreeze it. Your public health nurse can confirm current HSE storage guidance.
A gentle first-session routine
Your first few pumping sessions can feel a little odd, and that is completely normal. A calm routine helps:
- Find a quiet, comfy spot and have a drink of water to hand.
- Start on the stimulation mode to encourage let-down, then switch to expression.
- Look at a photo or video of your baby, or pump just after a cuddle — it really can help your milk flow.
- Do not watch the bottle. Volumes vary hugely and tend to rise as your body gets used to the pump.
Settling into the new routine
Once back at work, remember your breastfeeding breaks are protected by Irish law for up to two years after the birth. Expressing around your baby's usual feed times helps keep supply steady. And if some days are harder than others, that is completely normal — be gentle with yourself.
Frequently asked questions
How much milk should I have stored before going back to work?
Less than many mums expect. A small buffer of a few days' worth is plenty, because you will keep expressing once you are back.
How early should I start expressing?
Around two to three weeks before your return is comfortable for most mums.
Can I reuse storage bags?
Reusable silicone bags are designed to be washed and used again, which is tidier and more eco-friendly than disposables.
Where can I get help planning my return?
Your public health nurse, a HSE IBCLC, Cuidiú or La Leche League Ireland can all help you plan with confidence.
What if my supply dips when I start pumping?
A small dip as your body adjusts is common and usually settles. Pumping consistently around your baby's feed times helps, and your IBCLC can suggest gentle ways to encourage supply if you are concerned.
Do I need to pump both sides at once?
Double pumping can save time and some mums find it boosts output, but single pumping is perfectly fine too. Do whatever feels comfortable and fits your day.
This article is for general information for Irish families and is not medical advice. For personalised feeding support, your public health nurse, GP or a HSE lactation consultant (IBCLC) is always your best first call.
