Going back to work: Breastfeeding support and resources

With a bit of planning, confidence and support you can return to work and continue to breastfeed. Taking the time now to think about your routine, your workplace setup and what you might need might help with the transition back to work.

It also helps to talk with your employer early so you both understand what will work best and how they can support you.
 

Helpful links:

• Preparing a breastfeeding and work plan
• How your wokrplace can support you

In Australia, the law protects your right to breastfeed and work at the same time. Under both federal and state laws, it is unlawful for an employer to treat you unfairly because you are breastfeeding or because you are a parent.

Helpful links

• Your rights at work when breastfeeding
• How your workplace can support you

There is no specific Australian law requiring paid breastfeeding breaks, however you are entitled to reasonable lactation breaks to help you breastfeed or express at work under federal legislation.

Helpful links

• Your rights at work when breastfeeding

Yes. It is usually against the law for an employer to refuse reasonable arrangements that support breastfeeding or expressing at work. Discrimination might occur if:

• you are not given a private, suitable place to breastfeed or express
• you are not allowed to change your break times to breastfeed or express
• you are told you must stop breastfeeding before you return to work

Many workplaces use a First Aid room, a prayer room or an unused office or meeting room. The needs of breastfeeding parents are short-term and usually easy to accommodate, so most workplaces can find a practical solution.

Helpful links:

• Your rights at work when breastfeeding
• How your workplace can support you

It’s completely normal to feel unsure about how expressing will fit into your workday. Many parents find that it becomes routine with a little practice. What helps most is having:

• a private, comfortable space
• enough time during breaks to express
• a reliable breast pump

A workplace fridge makes storing your milk simple, but a small cooler bag with ice bricks also works well. It also helps to label your milk with your name and the date it was expressed, especially if you are using a shared fridge.

Helpful links:

• Pumping at work - what do I need?
• Expressing - getting the milk to flow
• Using a breast pump
• Storing expressed breastmilk
• Cleaning expressing equipment

Your approach will depend on the weather and your commute. Freshly expressed breastmilk can be safely stored for:

• 6–8 hours below room temperature (<26°C)
• up to 72 hours in the fridge

When it’s time to go home, place your expressed milk in a cool bag with ice bricks to keep it safe and cold during your trip. Once you get home, put the milk straight into your fridge or freezer.

Useful links:

• Using a breast pump
• Storing expressed breastmilk
   

Workplaces can achieve Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace (BFW) accreditation through the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA). Accredited workplaces commit to three simple elements: Space, Time and Supportive Culture.

When you talk with your employer about returning to work, you can share the BFW information pages with them. This gives them everything they need to support you and consider becoming an accredited Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace.

Useful links:

• How your workplace can support you
• Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace accreditation