Creating a breastfeeding and work plan that works for you!

As you start thinking about your options to combine breastfeeding and work, you might have many questions.

Can I even keep breastfeeding once I'm back at work?
Will my workplace make it possible for me?
How will I manage expressing?
Where do I even begin in planning my return?

We are here to make it a little easier for you with our return to work plans!

ABA has breastfeeding plans to help you on your breastfeeding journey with confidence. Additionally, we provide a return-to-work plan for when you're ready for that next step. This plan also empowers you to communicate your needs and your commitment to continuing your breastfeeding journey while transitioning back to work.

Preparing during pregnancy before maternity leave

Prepare: Use this time to learn about breastfeeding and educate yourself and your partner on how breastfeeding works and where to find support by attending one of ABA's classes.
Talk to your partner: Discuss with your partner about the importance of breastfeeding to you and your baby. Emphasize the need for their support on this journey.
Create a support network: Reach out to friends, family or your ABA local group who have experience with breastfeeding and returning to work.
Talk to your employer: Discuss your breastfeeding plan and options with your employer, such as flexible working options, lactation breaks and spaces to breastfeed or express.
Research: Explore your options for early childhood education and care (ECEC) services.

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

Let your manager or HR department know about your return to work, discuss your needs and find out what support is available.
Think about the day-to-day organisation you'll need for expressing, storing and transporting your milk home. Will you need to purchase or hire a breast pump?
Prepare your baby - How will they receive your breastmilk? Does your baby need to get used to feeding from a bottle?
Discuss your baby's needs with your early childhood education and care provider. Provide them with information about caring for a breastfed baby if needed.

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. 