Returning To Work As A Breastfeeding Mum

It’s that time again, where I’m returning to work as a breastfeeding mum, and I know how daunting this can seem!

If you’re planning to embark on this transition yourself, hopefully by the end of this article you’ll feel empowered to do so with confidence. 

It’s Time To Make Friends With Your Breast Pump!

Firstly, your best friend is about to be a breast pump! This will not only enable you to provide breastmilk for your baby whilst you are away but also to provide relief for you whilst your baby isn’t able to nurse. No one wants to feel engorged and uncomfortable at work which can also lead to problems like mastitis so expressing milk is a must. 

It’s really important to find a breast pump that you like. I remember my first time trying one, which was 15 years ago with my first born. I had no idea what I was doing as I sat attempting to use my sisters old manual pump, and I had no luck at all with it.

Fast forward 10 years and the world of breast pumps, as well breastfeeding support, was a completely different ball game.

A Hands-Free Breast Pump Is A Gamechanger

When I returned to work in 2019 with my new electric pump at 9 months postpartum, I was proud to be successfully continuing my breastfeeding journey. I still ran into a few issues though so now that I find myself once again returning to work after maternity leave in 2024 I now have the option of a hands-free breast pump!

I have the Ardo Hands-Free Breast Pump (kindly gifted) and it’s literally a game changer. All the little flaws from last time around have been removed from the equation.

I’m able to efficiently pump milk from both breasts whilst not losing the use of my hands. I can easily eat, drink or read during my pumping breaks. The fact it is hands free means I can charge it at home and not need to be close to a plug socket at work. This makes it easier to find a comfortable space to pump from – which should be a clean and private area, and never in a toilet or somewhere you don’t feel comfortable expressing milk for your baby.

I’m able to efficiently pump milk from both breasts whilst not losing the use of my hands. I can easily eat, drink or read during my pumping breaks.

Pumping and breast milk storage

The Ardo cool bag storage set has also made things so much more personal too as I don’t have to worry about where I will store my milk at work or use a staff room fridge. I can keep my breast milk safe in it’s own cool bag for taking home with me.

I initially used the Alyssa Hands-Free Breast Pump at home in the run-up to returning to work so that I could create a little stash of milk ready for baby to have on my first day back. Whilst at work I would pump what baby would usually be taking from me to store ready for the next day. It’s worth mentioning that you don’t need a huge freezer stash or unlimited bags of breastmilk to successfully continue your breastfeeding journey as you can just pump as needed. 

The Ardo Hands-Free Pump is so comfortable to use as you can adjust all the settings really easily to your liking. You can also save your successful pump to the pump’s memory meaning when you get it out at work it’s all ready to go making things smooth and efficient.

As well as having your pump ready to take with you, I also pack a couple of spare reusable breast pads for myself and a muslin cloth to use like a clean tablecloth to lay everything out on if needed. Top tip!

Tell Your Employer About Your Need To Express Milk

Many mothers worry about how pumping will work at work but as a breastfeeding mum you have rights, and knowing these will empower you. Before returning to work you will also need to speak to your manager about the fact you are breastfeeding and to organise when and where you are going to pump at work.

Many mothers worry about how pumping will work at work but as a breastfeeding mum you have rights

Your place of work should undertake a risk assessment in advance of you going back. Depending on your job things that may not have been an issue before may affect you as a breastfeeding mum and there should be suitable arrangements for you to rest if needed.

Returning To Work Doesn’t Mean You Need To Stop Breastfeeding

I know a few people that ended their breastfeeding journey due to the fact they were returning to work but with the right knowledge and a great breast pump, this doesn’t have to be the case at all!

Breastfeeding or pumping is demanding on our bodies but returning to work should never be a reason to stop breastfeeding before you and your baby are ready! Having this knowledge and the Ardo hands free pump have made the transition really smooth for me and my baby and our breastfeeding journey will only end when we want it to. 

Disclosure: Hollie was gifted the Ardo Hands-Free Breast Pump as part of boobingit’s collaboration with Ardo during World Breastfeeding Week. All views and opinions are of Hollie’s own.