Breastmilk Counts

Preparing can help!

It’s normal to feel many different things about returning to work. Stress, overwhelm, and excitement are just a few emotions you might experience. Taking some time to make a plan for both you and baby can help keep you feeling more calm and confident about what’s going to happen.

Planning Your Return

Plan to go back to work in the middle of your typical work week if you can. For example, if you work Monday through Friday, have your first day back be on a Wednesday. The first few days are likely to be the hardest as you figure out your new schedule and make adjustments.
Write out your new daily routine. What time do you need to wake up? Are you breastfeeding or pumping in the morning? How long will it take you to get your baby ready for the day and dropped off? When do you plan on pumping at work? Having all of this written out beforehand can help you identify any challenges and adjust things as needed.
Make a backup plan. Be sure that you know what to do if your baby is sick or your baby’s caregiver is not available on a day you have to work.
Make a list of what you need to have in your pumping bag. You will need:
- Breast pump
- Flanges
- Tubing
- Power cord
- Milk storage containers
- Insulated bag with ice pack
Be ready to manage leaking. If you feel a tingle in your breasts, like your milk is about to let down, and you are not ready to pump or express it, you may be able to stop any leaking by pressing on your nipples. Try folding your arms across your chest over both breasts and pressing down firmly, holding it until the feeling passes.
- Bring extra breast pads, in case you leak anyway.
- Having an extra shirt is a great idea, too. Shirts with patterns tend to hide milk stains the best!

Your Pumping Schedule

You’ll need to pump as often as your baby eats while you are away. For example, if you are working a typical 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. work day, you will need to pump mid-morning, at lunch, and mid-afternoon to replace the breastfeedings you would have given your baby if you were together.

Try not to miss any pumping breaks and let your employer know this is important to you. The law says most employers must allow time and space to pump milk as often as needed for the first year postpartum.

If you notice a decrease in your pumping volumes, check out our page on increasing your milk supply.

Getting Baby Ready

When to start bottle feeding

We recommend introducing a bottle to your baby at 3 to 4 weeks old. Use a paced bottle feeding to help them switch back and forth between the bottle and the breast. Practicing once a day with the bottle, or at least every other day, is the best way to avoid later bottle refusal. This is important even if your baby is taking a bottle without any problem. You can feed your baby a small amount with the bottle and complete the feeding at the breast. This will allow you to save a small amount of milk in the freezer.

Who should introduce the bottle

Having different people offer the bottle can help your baby become comfortable with different caregivers. It can also give you a break during which you can take a walk, run an errand, or treat yourself to some time alone.

Practice run with daycare

If possible, leave your baby with your daycare provider at least once before your return to work. This gives you a chance to run through your new schedule, practice your new pumping routine, and work out any issues before you are back working.

Breastfeed when you can

If possible, plan to breastfeed your baby when you drop him off at child care and when you pick him up. Babies often want to nurse as soon as they see their mom, and feeding your baby before you go home makes your trip home more comfortable. Child care licensing requirements in Texas say child care centers must have a place for moms to breastfeed their babies.

Remember, breastfeeding is good for a lot of reasons. When you nurse your baby after a long day apart, he will reconnect with you and feel comforted. Even if you are also using some formula, breastfeeding during the times you and your baby are together is still a very special time.

Planning for Child Care

Try to find a child care provider that supports breastfeeding and is close to your work. Texas Child Care Licensing Minimum Standards for Child Care Centers say a comfortable place for breastfeeding and supportive policies must be provided in Texas child care centers. When you are looking for a child care provider, be sure to ask what policies they have in place to support breastfeeding mothers. Also, ask if they are a Texas Mother-Friendly Worksite that supports their employees in breastfeeding.

Learn more about the role of child care providers

Learn more about how your child care facility can support your breastfeeding goals.

Reducing Stress

For many new moms, breastfeeding and returning to work can be stressful. This is normal. Taking things one step at a time can help make this transition easier.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your WIC clinic, a lactation consultant, the hospital where you gave birth, and other working moms who have gone back to work and continued to breastfeed and pump.
Ask friends and family for support. It’s good to ask for help, and most close friends and family in your life would love to help you. Who do you count on? Talk to them, tell them your plans and let them know how they can best support you.
Take care of yourself as much as you are able. Cut down on doing things that are not necessary. Pick a bedtime that gives you enough sleep and try your best to stick with it.
Take time for yourself. Too many moms take care of everyone but themselves. Take time to relax in the tub after you put the baby to bed or unwind with a favorite book or soft music.