Returning to work after having a baby can be a tender and emotional time, often filled with both excitement and uncertainty. A gentle transition can help ease the adjustment for both you and your baby.
At CLS, we are your supportive partner, helping you transition back to work in practical, compassionate, and empowering ways. Our experienced lactation consultants can help you create a customized return-to-work plan that fits your schedule, workplace setup, and feeding goals.
Returning to work doesn’t mean you have to end your breastfeeding journey. In fact, continuing to breastfeed after returning to work can offer lasting benefits for both you and your baby.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding until two years of age or longer, alongside the introduction of solid foods. The longer breastfeeding continues, the greater the lifelong health benefits for both you and your baby.
Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, diabetes, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. It can also help support postpartum weight loss in many women. Every feeding session continues to contribute to your long-term health. It is also a great way to reconnect with your baby.
Breast milk continues to provide essential nutrition and immune protection long after infancy. It contains antibodies, enzymes, and white blood cells that help support your baby's health and development. Continued breastfeeding may also mean fewer illnesses and fewer days away from work caring for a sick child.
Many mothers find that breastfeeding provides a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with their baby before and after work. Nursing on days off, during evenings, and overnight can help maintain the bond you've worked hard to establish.
At CLS, we understand that balancing work and breastfeeding requires planning and support. We can help you navigate this transition with confidence so you can continue feeding your baby when returning to work.
Returning to work while continuing to breastfeed is a meaningful choice, but it also comes with some practical challenges. We help you create a pumping plan that keeps your milk production aligned with your baby’s needs while also adjusting for your unique work schedule.
It's natural to worry about maintaining your supply when you and your baby are apart. You can manage your supply by pumping about every 3 hours while at work or away from your baby.
Every workplace is different. We can help you with the current State and local laws that protect your right to pump, as well as help you strategize conversations with your employer, organize efficient pumping sessions, and maximize your milk production.
Introducing a bottle or other feeding method can require some planning. We will guide you through the ideal timing, bottle feeding techniques, and tips to help your baby while protecting your breastfeeding relationship.
Balancing work, breastfeeding, and motherhood can feel overwhelming at times. We provide not just practical solutions, but also emotional support, reminding you that every step you take is an act of love and strength.
With thoughtful planning, support from loved ones and your workplace, and expert guidance from our lactation experts, you can successfully continue breastfeeding while working outside the home.
At CLS, our compassionate team will work with you to create a personalized plan that honors your feeding goals and adapts to your work schedule.
Here’s how we help you prepare:
With preparation and ongoing support, you can return to work feeling confident in your ability to nourish your baby and maintain a strong breastfeeding relationship. We also offer CLS Ships service to help you continue providing breast milk for your baby, even when you're away for work. With this service, you can quickly and safely ship your milk home.
Establishing a pumping routine as you prepare to return to work can help you meet your breastfeeding goals. At CLS, we help you create a routine that protects your milk supply, supports your baby’s needs, and fits your unique schedule.
Here’s how we help you build a sustainable routine.
Introducing a bottle to your breastfed baby is an important part of preparing for your return to work and with the right approach, it can be a positive change for both of you.
Our lactation experts can guide you on how to ease this transition.
Introducing a bottle is a big milestone, and it’s completely normal for babies and moms to need a little time and patience during this process. Once breastfeeding is well established, typically around 4 to 6 weeks, introducing a bottle can support a seamless transition without interfering with nursing.
Careful handling and storing of breastmilk help preserve its nutrients and protect your baby’s health.
We provide guidance on:
We recommend following the guidelines shared by the CDC for storing and preparing breast milk.
As you plan your return to work, open communication with your employer is key. It's equally important to understand the legal protections that support your right to continue breastfeeding after returning to the workplace.
Your right to pump at work is protected by the Federal Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP Act, which was signed into law on December 29, 2022. The PUMP Act added protection to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) that has helped mothers successfully balance breastfeeding and work. This law requires employers to provide:
Our lactation consultants can help you understand these protections and prepare for conversations with your employer regarding your pumping needs.
At CLS, our expert lactation consultants provide personalized guidance to help you manage the emotional and logistical aspects of returning to work. Whether you are navigating childcare, struggling with emotions around separation, or trying to figure out how much milk to stash, we provide the tools and support you need to feel confident and prepared.
Our lactation consultation services include both one-time virtual sessions for quick guidance and Comprehensive Lactation Programs for ongoing support throughout your feeding journey.
To start your journey with our certified consultants, call us at 888-818-5653 or request an appointment online.
Many mothers begin preparing approximately three to four weeks before returning to work. This often includes introducing pumping, building a small milk supply, and developing a workday pumping routine.
Many mothers benefit from pumping approximately every three hours while separated from their baby. Your ideal schedule may vary depending on your baby's age and feeding patterns.
The amount varies based on your baby's age and feeding frequency. Our lactation consultants can help you estimate your baby's needs and create a feeding plan.
With a consistent pumping routine and proper support, many mothers successfully maintain their milk supply after returning to work.
Under the PUMP Act, many employees are entitled to reasonable break time and a private, non-bathroom space to express breast milk during the workday.
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