Breastfeeding & Work – How to Make Pumping Fit Into Your Day

Breastfeeding & Work – How to Make Pumping Fit Into Your Day

Returning to Work & Continuing Breastfeeding

Returning to work doesn’t mean the end of your breastfeeding journey. With the right planning, workplace support, and a hands-free pump, you can continue providing milk for your baby while managing your professional responsibilities. Here’s how to make pumping at work stress-free and effective.

1. Know Your Rights as a Breastfeeding Employee

  • Australian workplace laws support breastfeeding mums—your employer must provide reasonable accommodations for pumping.
  • The Fair Work Act 2009 states that employers should offer flexible work arrangements, including break times for expressing milk.
  • Some workplaces offer lactation rooms, but if not, you can request a clean, private space that isn’t a bathroom.
  • Check with your HR department to see if your employer has a breastfeeding-friendly workplace policy.

2. Planning Your Pumping Schedule

Consistency is key to maintaining milk supply while working. Here’s a sample schedule:

Morning (Before Work):

Nurse or pump before heading to work.

Mid-Morning Break:

Pump 2–3 hours after the first feed.

Lunch Break:

Pump again to maintain supply and avoid engorgement.

 

Afternoon Break:

A final session before finishing work.

 

Evening (After Work):

Nurse as soon as you get home to reconnect with your baby.

Adjust the timing based on your work hours and baby’s feeding schedule.

3. Choosing the Right Pump for Work

  • A double electric pump is ideal for efficiency, as it reduces pumping time.
  • A wearable breast pump like Avari Neo (coming soon) allows you to pump discreetly while working, freeing you up for meetings and tasks.
  • Make sure your pump is quiet, lightweight, and easy to clean to fit seamlessly into your workday.

4. Storing Your Breast Milk Safely

Proper storage is essential to keep your milk fresh:

  • Room Temperature: Up to 4 hours.
  • Refrigerator: Up to 4 days.
  • Insulated Cooler Bag: Up to 24 hours with ice packs.
  • Label & Date Your Milk Bags for easy tracking.
  • Store milk in small portions (60-120ml) to reduce wastage.

5. Talking to Your Employer About Pumping

  • Be upfront about your pumping needs before returning to work.
  • Propose a simple plan—suggest break times and a private space for pumping.
  • Educate your employer on the benefits of supporting breastfeeding mums, including better employee retention and reduced absenteeism.
  • If you encounter resistance, refer to the Australian Human Rights Commission’s guidelines on workplace breastfeeding rights.

6. Staying Connected With Your Baby

  • Breastfeed before and after work to maintain skin-to-skin contact.
  • Pumping at work signals your body to keep producing milk, ensuring your supply stays strong.
  • Consider keeping a photo or a piece of clothing that smells like your baby to help trigger letdown while pumping.

7. Finding Support & Managing Challenges

  • Join breastfeeding support groups or talk to other working mums for advice.
  • If supply drops, try power pumping in the evenings to stimulate production.
  • Speak with a lactation consultant for personalised strategies.

Final Thoughts

With the right preparation, pumping at work can be manageable and empowering. By understanding your rights, planning a schedule, and using a wearable, discreet pump, you can balance work and breastfeeding with confidence. Every mum’s journey is unique—do what works best for you and your baby.

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