Going back to work after maternity leave while continuing to breastfeed can seem like a challenge. However, with good organization and a few tips, it is entirely possible to combine professional life and breastfeeding. Here are practical tips to help you manage this transition smoothly.
The rights of breastfeeding mothers
In Belgium, breastfeeding mothers benefit from certain specific rights to facilitate the balance between work and breastfeeding:
- Breastfeeding breaks: You are entitled to breastfeeding breaks for up to nine months after the birth of your child. These breaks can be used to breastfeed on site or to express your milk.
- Length of breaks: If you work at least 7 and a half hours per day, you can take two breaks of 30 minutes each. For a working day of between 4 and 7.5 hours, a 30-minute break is granted. But you could also negotiate 3 breaks of 20 minutes for example.
- Compensation: These breaks are compensated up to 82% of your uncapped gross hourly remuneration. Each month you must provide a certificate to your mutual fund proving that you have taken these breaks.
Preparation before resumption
Inform your employer:
- Inform your employer of your intention to take breastfeeding breaks at least two months before your return. Provide certification from a healthcare professional confirming breastfeeding.
Equip yourself:
- Invest in an efficient, double, electric breast pump and milk storage accessories (bags, baby bottles, freehand, small cooler for transport, etc.). Your employer is supposed to provide you with a refrigerator separate from the rest of the staff. If this is not the case and it bothers you, you can take non-transparent containers.
- We advise you to have enough equipment to shoot twice without having to do the dishes at work, you will only have a little time. Take everything home and put it all in the dish machine. As mentioned in another article, it is possible to leave the breast shields or cups in the fridge between two draws.
- Prepare a cooler with ice packs to transport your pumped milk to work if you don’t have access to a refrigerator or if your commute is long. There are some very practical, discreet and very effective ones. We think in particular of Mila’s Kepper or Willow’s Portable Breast Milk Cooler.
Stock up:
- You can start expressing your milk 2-3 weeks before resuming to build up a small stock. This helps reduce stress and ensures that your baby will have enough milk in your absence. This also allows you to get used to the breast pump. Once you have a small stock that gives you peace of mind, you can stop pulling. We advise you to make the most of your maternity “leave”.
Organization of the day
Planning breaks:
- Plan your breastfeeding breaks based on your schedule and needs. Try to schedule them during quiet times in the office for greater efficiency.
Drawing space:
- Identify a quiet place to express your milk. If your company does not have a dedicated space, ask your employer to provide one for you, as provided by law for companies with more than 100 employees. If not, a room out of sight, with a sink and a lock, is what you need. We’ve put together a little sign that you can print and hang on the door.
Hygiene and conservation:
- Wash your hands before each drawing session. Store expressed milk in sterile bags or bottles, and immediately place them in the refrigerator or cooler. Between two sessions, it is not necessary to clean the cups. You can store them in a clean container in the fridge.
Tips to make pumping easier
- Feeling safe: a place, a comfortable chair, where you feel safe. This impacts the amount of milk you will express. The more relaxed you are, the more you will have. Even though we know that it is sometimes complicated to find a place like that.
- Listen to relaxing music or look at photos of your baby to encourage milk flow.
- Gently massage your breasts before and during pumping to stimulate the flow of milk.
- Respect your baby’s rhythm: try to express your milk at the same times as your baby’s usual feedings to maintain adequate milk production.
Reconciliation of work and breastfeeding
- Breastfeed on demand: When you are with your baby, continue to breastfeed on demand. This helps maintain your milk supply and strengthens the emotional bond. If you are the one dropping off or picking up your child, you can even have a feeding at the nursery.
- Support and communication: Don’t hesitate to ask for support from your colleagues, and openly discuss your specific needs as a breastfeeding mother with your employer. Transparent communication can make your return to work much easier.
Conclusion
Returning to work while continuing to breastfeed can be a rewarding and manageable experience with good planning and the right support. By using your rights, carefully preparing for your return, you can successfully maintain satisfactory lactation and feed your baby in the best possible way. Get support from your ibclc or midwife ! Don’t hesitate to ask them for a word for your employer. Sometimes it’s the only thing that works.
