When you return to work, it’s possibly going to be the longest you’ve been away from your little one since they were born. Breastfeeding is a lovely way to maintain the close bond you’ve built over maternity leave, and you don’t need to stop just because you’re going back to work!

Breastfeeding after a day at work is a great way for both you and your baby to unwind and reconnect. Don’t forget, even when you’re not breastfeeding full time, one or two breastfeeds a day still benefit your baby’s health.

Here are some tips to make juggling breastfeeding and heading back to work as easy as possible…

• Breastfeed when you’re at home and express milk using a pump so that your baby’s carer can feed them while you’re away. Remember to label and date expressed milk before popping it into a sterile bag in the fridge or freezer.
• Let your baby practice taking expressed milk from a bottle before you go back to work, that way, they’ll know all about bottles and accept them easily when the time comes!
• Talk to your employer early on about your choice to continue breastfeeding when you return to work and ask them if they have a breastfeeding policy to support you.

Looking for support?

Remember that everyone’s breastfeeding story is different and if you’re struggling, there are resources you can go to for support and advice.
• https://www.lllsa.org/
• https://www.expectantmothersguide.co.za/listings/lactation-consultants/
• http://salactationconsultants.co.za/wp/find-a-consultant/