Going back to work

Going back to work can seem like an overwhelming change after having a baby, and can often provoke a mixture of conflicting feelings. Will my baby be ok without me? How will I manage to balance the needs of my job and looking after my child? What will feeding look like once I go back to work?

Depending on your goals and the age of your baby, things are often a lot simpler than we imagine they will be!

If your child is younger than 6 months they will need some milk whilst you’re away from them. This can be given by bottle or by cup (bottles are not recommended after 1 year of age). An average amount taken at this age is 1-1.25 oz per hour you are away from them.

Many infants of 8-10 months or older can manage a whole ‘day’ at childcare or with another caregiver, having sips of water and bits of food (depending on how they have taken to solids). If your child doesn’t seem to want to take expressed milk or formula, this may be reassuring for you, though there are ways to gently work with them to take a bottle or cup of milk (see this blog post for some ideas) if you are concerned. They will often want to feed a lot when their primary caregiver returns, both for bonding and to make up on the milk they might have taken during the day. 

Some children will ‘reverse cycle’ at night if their parents are working long hours during the day, and it is normal to expect some extra night waking if there has been a huge adjustment the schedule, as your child might experience some separation anxiety and need for additional comfort and reassurance.

Whilst you’re at work, it is important to express if you intend to maintain your milk supply (it is suggested to express whenever you might usually feed), or to express just to maintain your own comfort level and avoid blocked ducts/ mastitis. 

Your rights as a breast or chestfeeding parent 

Maternity action has some information regarding your legal rights, and recommendations to employers. It is suggested to speak to your work place ahead of your return, to figure out how they can facilitate your needs. 

Feeling unsure about a big transition is really common and sometimes it can help to speak to someone who understands, either in person or on the phone: reach out for support if you’re feeling you need it.