Going back to work doesn't mean you have to stop breastfeeding

You can continue to feed your baby in the mornings and evenings, leaving his or her carer to supplement this with a bottle or cup of water or formula if your baby is hungry or thirsty at mealtime. Or, if you want, you can express milk during the day at work, so your baby can still have your milk when you’re not there. This has the added advantage of maintaining your milk supply for feeding during the day at weekends.

Talk to your employer about breaks for expressing milk if this is what you’d like to do – you’re legally entitled to rest, privacy and somewhere to safely store the milk for your baby’s first year.

If you’d like more information about this, call the Health and Safety Executive info-line on 08701 545500. There’s also a booklet available for mothers and employers from Maternity Action on 020 7490 7638 or at www.maternityaction.org.uk

Remember

You can store expressed breast milk safely and easily in the fridge or freezer, ready to feed your baby later from a bottle or cup.

Expressing at work

Facilities needed for expressing at work

• A clean, warm room with a low, comfortable chair. If the door cannot be locked you can put a sign on it to ensure privacy. You may want to discuss with your employer which room you could use, such as the First Aid Room. The toilet is not a suitable place.
• An electric point for an electric pump if necessary.
• Hand washing facilities nearby
• A hygienic area where you can clean your pump and store your sterilising equipment
• A fridge for storing milk. If this is difficult, a well-insulated cool bag is an altenative.

These facilities are not always available and a creative and flexible approach may be needed.