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Your breastfeeding and work plan

How can I keep breastfeeding as I go back to work? Having a plan can make it easier

BFW
When you first start thinking about it, you'll probably have many questions.  

Can I even continue to breastfeed when I'm back at work?
Will my workplace make it possible for me?
What about all that expressing?
Where do I even start in planning to return?

​​We make it a little easier for you with our plans.

ABA has Breastfeeding Plans to get your breastfeeding journey off to a great start. And Return to Work Plans for when you reach that stage. These plans also help to you to inform others about your needs and your intent to maintain your breastfeeding relationship while returning to work. 

While you're still pregnant

If you know you'll be returning to work within the first year of your baby's life, put things in place now. 

During your maternity leave

Think about your breastfeeding options for when you return to work. Combining breastfeeding and work can be done in a number of ways. Whether you will express and / or breastfeed your baby during your workday, or even spend some days working from home will depend on your work situation and childcare arrangements. 

Different mums combine breastfeeding and working in different ways. You might:

  • express at work
  • breastfeed your baby at work if they are close enough to your work place and can be brought to you
  • go to your baby for breastfeeds if you have childcare onsite
  • combine breastfeeding and formula feeding.

Several months before you return to work

Just before you start back

  • Plan your work clothes if you'll be expressing at work.
  • Think about what you'll need to carry to and from work - pumping equipment, bottles, cooler bag. etc
  • Check in with your baby's carer and update them with your breastfeeding situation.

When considering the day-to-day routine, it may help to have a few practise runs. Getting ready for work and having baby ready for care can be a bit of a juggle. You might like to feed baby just before leaving for work and prepare for a re-connecting feed as soon as you are reunited. 

Learn more about returning to work and breastfeeding

Online interactive session free for members

Connect & Share - Work and breastfeeding

Mum attends Connect & Share livestream session with baby