Back to work and Breastfeeding - my story

The first time I returned to work, I didn't really think about it. It had been a challenging journey and I hadn't known about the support that La Leche League offered at the time. It's all a bit of a blur, to be honest, but I remember that very quickly we were down to a morning feed and a bedtime feed, which we continued until my little one was 11.5 months and lost interest. There were no breastfeeding breaks to be had and nowhere to pump, so it was just a case of getting on with it.

Second time around, my breastfeeding journey was very different. It was not without challenges, but this time I had discovered La Leche League and their support had helped me to overcome the challenges, which meant I was still breastfeeding successfully and on demand when my little one was past her first birthday.

When she was starting crèche I worried about quite a few things: a dairy intolerance meant that cow's milk was not an option for us at the time; she only napped if she was in the buggy or the car (movement seemed to help her nod off) or she would feed to sleep; she did not do bottles - milk from source only(!); and she wasn't keen on solid food. I reached out at La Leche League meetings and was given reassurance and guidance from the leaders and other mums, which helped me to prepare myself mentally and physically for the transition. Once she settled in to crèche, all of the worries faded: she ate solid food - all of it, every meal; she drank water from a cup throughout the day; and she slept in her own bed at nap time for up to 2 hours - that still doesn't happen at home!! When we were together, she continued to feed on demand.

I was fortunate to have access to breastfeeding breaks at work. I requested late starts so that I could feed her in the morning, which was when she wanted milk the most. I had late starts 4 days a week and on the remaining day I finished early. I was worried about how my body would cope going from demand feeding to not feeding for 6+ hours during the day and back to demand feeding. Initially, I pumped for a few minutes for comfort at lunchtime, but my body adjusted quickly and very soon I was getting no milk when I pumped so I knew my body had got with the routine. It even adapted easily after a weekend of demand feeding! Crèche were great and let me sit on their comfy sofa inside the door to feed her in the mornings at drop off. In the evenings I would pick her up and do a quick feed in the car (fewer distractions!) before heading home. 

I wasn't sure how our breastfeeding journey would be when I returned to work or if we would be able to continue in the long term. But here we are - back at work and still feeding! Things will be more challenging once the breastfeeding breaks come to an end but I'm sure we'll find our way, with support from my La Leche League village if needed.

If I were to give advice to anyone making the transition back to work, I would say that taking each day as it comes and getting support if you need it is definitely a good way to go about things. Arming yourself with knowledge about breastfeeding breaks and helping your body to cope with the change is also important. Finally, it helps to have a village of breastfeeding support to get you through any challenges you may face along the way, and there is plenty of support to be had with La Leche League - the Breastfeeding Beyond Infancy meetings are particularly helpful if nursing an older baby or toddler. I wish anyone making the return to work the very best of luck. Just remember - you got this!

Caoimhe, Dublin