We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Best Tips for Breastfeeding at Work?

By Bethany Keene
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 2,546
Share

Unless a woman is able to bring her infant to work with her, which some employers may allow in rare cases, it is most likely that breastfeeding at work will require the use of a breast pump. Any woman who wants to return to work yet continue to breastfeed her infant will need to plan ahead, and some women find it helpful to discuss it with their employers to ensure that the transition back to work is as smooth as possible. Planning ahead by determining where to pump, the different times of day that it will be necessary to do so, and where the milk will be stored are all important factors to keep in mind.

The location where one will breastfeed or use the breast pump at work is important. Women who have personal offices may be able to simply close the door and place a "Do not disturb" sign in order to get privacy while breastfeeding at work; others may find that they need to borrow a vacant office or other room, if they do not have one of their own. Workplaces with a number of female employees may even design rooms especially for this purpose, or may add additional features in a restroom such as a couch and table to make it more comfortable and easier. Be sure there is an electrical plug nearby if using a breast pump for breastfeeding at work.

It will also be necessary to plan for the type of clothing that will be worn, to make the process easy and convenient. Button down shirts, for example, are easy for breastfeeding at work. If a woman is actually breastfeeding an infant, she will typically also want to use a scarf or blanket for additional privacy. Of course, this is a matter of personal preference, as well as any stated dress code rules in the workplace. Any workplace with uniforms may make breastfeeding at work more difficult.

Storage of the breast milk is another consideration. Some women will choose to store it in a discreet way in an office refrigerator, such as placing the bottles in a small cooler or plastic bag. Others may just keep a cooler with some ice packs in the office. Plan ahead for the times of day as well, in addition to the storage. It will typically be necessary to breastfeed or pump every two to three hours; timing this to coincide with midmorning, lunch, and afternoon work breaks can be most convenient and least disruptive to one's work.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-best-tips-for-breastfeeding-at-work.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.