Combining breastfeeding and work
If you are planning to continue breastfeeding when you go back to work you should start giving your baby an occasional feed of expressed breastmilk from about 6 weeks old. This will allow you to get the hang of expressing and help your baby get used to taking breastmilk from someone other than yourself.
Dad or another family member should give these feeds at the start as the baby may refuse to take a feed from you other than from your breast. You can use a bottle or a cup for these feeds. Very young babies can very effectively feed from a cup.
Remember – your baby will still get the health benefits from your expressed breast milk
Practice expressing your milk by hand and pump until you decide which one suits you best and you are confident about doing it. Talk to your employer well before your maternity leave ends about arrangements for breastfeeding breaks and facilities in your place of work.
You may choose not to express at work and just breastfeed while you are at home. Your milk supply may go down as it adapts to the change in demand.
You can ask the childminder to give your baby formula or expressed breast milk while you are at work.
Download the Breastfeeding and work leaflet here
