In this parent interview episode, we focus on Emily‘s experience with returning to work and breastfeeding, specifically going back to work after maternity leave, pumping at work, and continuing to breastfeed her baby. She worked as a hospital pharmacist in a fast-paced and high-pressure role, the type of job where taking a “break” for pumping at work meant leaving extra work her team needed to cover. This is a challenging factor many working and pumping parents can relate to. Emily shares how she made the situation work, logistics of the (let’s be honest, tedious!) task of pumping every day, and about her emotions around pumping at work for a full year. If you are returning to work and breastfeeding, this is a great story to listen to!Working and breastfeeding is challenging enough but when your job is not supportive, it makes it really hard! Research shows that having supportive policies, co-workers, and employers makes a huge difference.
Pumping at work can be extra hard when it is unclear when you are allowed to pump and where you can pump. Planning before the baby comes can make a big difference! Have your clients talk to Human Resources. They can find out what their benefits are before they return to work. Having the client use emails to communicate with their employers is a great idea. it is a way to establish how the parent is going to be able to meet their infant feeding goals. Not only do they not have the face to face possible awkwardness but the parent now has a written record of their exchanges.
Resources:
-
Returning to Work private consultation, we normally recommend these 2-4 weeks before your maternity leave ends, but earlier or later (even after you’re back at work) is fine too
- Book: Work, Pump, Repeat by Jessica Shortall
- Book: Working and Breastfeeding Made Simple, by Nancy Mohrbacher
If you are a parent who is passionate about lactation support OR a professional who works with breastfeeding families and you want to turn your passion for breastfeeding into professional practice, check out LactaLearning.com and consider following us on social media!
Instagram @lacta.learning
Facebook LactaLearning
Podcast: Play in new window | Download