Introduction to Breastfeeding and Returning to Work
In my Sydney clinic, I've seen many mums struggle with the idea of returning to work while breastfeeding. However, with the right guidance and support, it's definitely possible. The Australian Breastfeeding Association provides excellent resources and guidelines to help mums navigate this transition. You can contact them on 1800 686 268 for breastfeeding support and advice, or visit the Raising Children Network website for additional resources.
A mum I worked with last month at an ABA group was worried about expressing breast milk at work. She was concerned about the logistics and how to store her expressed milk safely. I reassured her that with a good breast pump, such as the TheRelievoo Wearable Pump ($169.90, was $339.80), and a solid understanding of the Australian Breastfeeding Association guidelines, she could confidently return to work while continuing to breastfeed. She was relieved to know that she could express milk in a private space at work, and that her employer was supportive of her breastfeeding journey.
I recall one mum who was returning to work at a busy office in Sydney's CBD. She was worried about finding a private space to express milk, but we worked together to find a solution. She was able to use a spare meeting room to express milk, and her employer even provided a small fridge to store her expressed milk. With the right support and resources, she was able to successfully return to work while continuing to breastfeed her baby.
Step-by-Step Guide to Returning to Work as a Breastfeeding Mum
Step 1: Plan Ahead
According to the Australian Breastfeeding Association, it's essential to plan ahead and discuss your breastfeeding needs with your employer before returning to work. This includes arranging a private space for expressing breast milk and storing it safely. You can use the Australian Breastfeeding Association's template to create a breastfeeding plan that suits your needs.
Step 2: Choose the Right Breast Pump
Investing in a good breast pump, such as the Wearable Breast Pump (Double), can make a significant difference in your breastfeeding journey. This hospital-grade, hands-free wearable pump is under 35 dB and perfect for expressing breast milk at work. You can also consider renting a breast pump or borrowing one from a friend to try before you buy.
Step 3: Learn How to Express and Store Breast Milk
The Australian Breastfeeding Association provides excellent resources on expressing and storing breast milk. It's essential to follow their guidelines to ensure your expressed milk is safe for your bub. You can also watch videos on the Raising Children Network website to learn more about expressing and storing breast milk.
For more information on wearable breast pumps, check out our article Wearable Breast Pump Australia: The Ultimate Buyer's Guide.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not Planning Ahead
One of the most common mistakes mums make when returning to work is not planning ahead. This can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety. Make sure to discuss your breastfeeding needs with your employer at least 4-6 weeks before returning to work, and have a plan in place for expressing and storing breast milk.
Not Choosing the Right Breast Pump
Choosing the wrong breast pump can make expressing breast milk at work a nightmare. It's essential to invest in a good quality pump, such as the Wearable Breast Pump (Double), and to consider factors such as noise level, portability, and ease of use.
Australian Breastfeeding Association Resources
Australian Breastfeeding Association Jobs
The Australian Breastfeeding Association offers various jobs and volunteer opportunities for those passionate about breastfeeding. Check out their website for more information, or call them on 1800 686 268 to discuss your options.
Australian Breastfeeding Association Formula
The Australian Breastfeeding Association does not recommend formula feeding unless medically necessary. However, they do provide resources and support for mums who need to supplement their breast milk with formula. You can visit their website or call them on 1800 686 268 to learn more.
What is the Australian Breastfeeding Association?
The Australian Breastfeeding Association is a non-profit organization that provides support and resources for breastfeeding mums. They offer a range of services, including breastfeeding classes, phone counseling, and online resources. You can visit their website or call them on 1800 686 268 to learn more.
Australian Breastfeeding Association Number
The Australian Breastfeeding Association can be contacted on 1800 686 268 for breastfeeding support and advice. You can also visit their website or email them for more information.
Australian Breastfeeding Association Resources
The Australian Breastfeeding Association offers a range of resources, including books, DVDs, and online articles, to support breastfeeding mums. You can visit their website or call them on 1800 686 268 to learn more.
Australian Breastfeeding Resources
There are many Australian breastfeeding resources available, including the Australian Breastfeeding Association, Raising Children Network, and Pregnancy, Birth and Baby. You can visit their websites or call them for more information and support.
For more information on breastfeeding resources, check out the Australian Breastfeeding Association website or the Raising Children Network website.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, returning to work as a breastfeeding mum can be challenging, but with the right guidance and support, it's definitely possible. The Australian Breastfeeding Association provides excellent resources and guidelines to help mums navigate this transition. Remember to plan ahead, choose the right breast pump, and learn how to express and store breast milk safely.
For more information on wearable breast pumps and how they can support your breastfeeding journey, check out our article Are Wearable Breast Pumps Actually Effective? An IBCLC Explains (2026).
Consider investing in the TheRelievoo Wearable Pump ($169.90, was $339.80) for a convenient and efficient way to express breast milk at work. With the right support and resources, you can successfully return to work while continuing to breastfeed your baby.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: What is the Australian Breastfeeding Association?
A: The Australian Breastfeeding Association is a non-profit organization that provides support and resources for breastfeeding mums. You can contact them on 1800 686 268 for breastfeeding support and advice.
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Q: How do I express and store breast milk at work?
A: The Australian Breastfeeding Association provides excellent resources on expressing and storing breast milk. It's essential to follow their guidelines to ensure your expressed milk is safe for your bub. You can also watch videos on the Raising Children Network website to learn more.
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Q: What is the best breast pump for expressing breast milk at work?
A: The Wearable Breast Pump (Double) is a popular choice among breastfeeding mums, offering a convenient and efficient way to express breast milk at work. You can also consider renting a breast pump or borrowing one from a friend to try before you buy.
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Q: Can I get a refund or exchange if I'm not satisfied with the Wearable Breast Pump (Double)?
A: Yes, TheRelievoo offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a lifetime warranty on their products. You can contact them for more information.
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Q: How do I contact the Australian Breastfeeding Association for breastfeeding support and advice?
A: The Australian Breastfeeding Association can be contacted on 1800 686 268 for breastfeeding support and advice. You can also visit their website or email them for more information.
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Q: Are there any other resources available for breastfeeding mums in Australia?
A: Yes, there are many Australian breastfeeding resources available, including the Raising Children Network, Pregnancy, Birth and Baby, and Healthdirect Australia. You can visit their websites or call them for more information and support.
Written by Emma Hart, IBCLC
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (Sydney, Australia)
Emma is an IBCLC and mum of two based in Sydney. Since 2018 she has supported 500+ Australian families with breastfeeding, expressing and the return-to-work transition, and writes all TheRelievoo Australia guides in-house with the product team. She is a member of the Australian Breastfeeding Association.
Clinically reviewed by Dr Sophie Nguyen, MBBS FRACGP (Sydney)
