Going back to Work
Returning to work while you are still breastfeeding can feel like a big step. Many parents want to continue giving their baby breastmilk but worry about how this will work alongside the demands of their job. It’s completely normal to feel anxious, torn, or even guilty about leaving your baby during the day, and it can take time to adjust. Planning ahead, and knowing your rights, can help make the transition feel a little easier.
In the UK, once you let your employer know in writing that you are breastfeeding, they have certain responsibilities. They must carry out a risk assessment to make sure your workplace is safe for you and your baby, and they should make adjustments if your job involves hazards such as heavy lifting or exposure to chemicals. Employers are also expected to provide a suitable rest area, a clean, private space (not a toilet) where you can rest or express milk. While it isn’t a legal requirement to offer a fridge, it is strongly recommended as good practice, so it’s worth asking if safe storage is available.
Although the law does not give you an automatic right to paid breaks for breastfeeding or expressing milk, employers are encouraged to be flexible. You can ask for breaks that allow you to express at times that suit your baby’s feeding pattern, or request adjustments to your working hours. You also have the right to request flexible working, such as earlier or later start times, shorter shifts, or working from home on certain days. By discussing your needs openly before you return, you can work together with your employer to find a routine that feels manageable.
On a practical level, you might want to prepare by practising expressing before you go back, so you know how long it takes and how much milk you can expect. Think about who will look after your baby and how your milk will be stored and used.
Emotionally, this transition can stir up many feelings. You may find yourself missing your baby deeply during the day, or feeling worried about whether they are feeding well without you. Some parents feel pressure to prove themselves at work, while also carrying the invisible load of managing breastfeeding. Try to be gentle with yourself, combining work and breastfeeding is an achievement, and it’s okay if it feels hard at times. Staying connected with your baby through feeds before and after work can be a special way to maintain closeness. Talking to other parents who have been through it, or reaching out for breastfeeding support, can provide both reassurance and practical tips.
For more information see:
https://maternityaction.org.uk/advice/continuing-to-breastfeed-when-you-return-to-work/