Breastfeeding Doesn’t Have to Stop When Work Starts

Breastfeeding Doesn’t Have to Stop When Work Starts

Many mummies approaching their maternity leave often worry that returning to work means the end of their breastfeeding journey. It’s a common concern. Yet both the World Health Organization (WHO) and Singapore health authorities recommend that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life, and then continue breastfeeding while introducing complementary foods up to two years of age and beyond, as long as mum and baby are comfortable. This means that with thoughtful planning and support, continuing to provide breastmilk is very possible.

A common misconception is that breastfeeding becomes unnecessary once solids are introduced or after a child turns one. In reality, breastmilk continues to provide valuable nutrients, antibodies, and immune protection well into toddlerhood. 


Benefits of Extended Breastfeeding (Especially for Working Mummies)

As babies transition into infant care or childcare, their exposure to new environments and germs  increases significantly. Continued breastfeeding provides ongoing immune protection through antibodies and bioactive components in breastmilk, which can help reduce the frequency and severity of common illnesses such as colds and gastrointestinal infections. Beyond physical health, breastfeeding also offers comfort and emotional regulation during periods of change, helping babies cope with separation, new caregivers, and unfamiliar routines.

For mums, returning to work often means less daytime contact with your baby, and breastfeeding can become an important way to maintain closeness. Morning and night feeds create consistent moments of connection, allowing mum and baby to reconnect at the start and end of the day. There are also well-established maternal health benefits associated with longer breastfeeding duration, including support for postpartum recovery and long-term health.


Optimising Your Pumping Routine When You Return to Work

Breastmilk production operates on a simple principle: supply responds to demand. When milk is removed frequently and effectively, the body receives the signal to continue producing. After returning to work, many mummies notice a drop in supply because daily routines have changed. Fewer milk removals, missed or delayed pumping sessions, long gaps between feeds, or an ill-fitting pump that doesn’t remove milk efficiently can all contribute to this shift. Understanding these factors is important, because it also means that supply changes are often modifiable. This is where thoughtful optimisation makes a real difference.

Maintaining breastmilk supply after returning to work is less about perfection and more about consistency and effectiveness. One of the most important factors is the total number of milk removals per day, including both direct feeds and pumping sessions. Keeping a relatively consistent timing helps reinforce your body’s milk-making rhythm, while effective milk removal ensures each session truly “counts”.

Choosing a suitable pump also plays a key role. Some mummies may benefit from a hospital-grade pump for stronger and more efficient suction, while others prefer wearable pumps for flexibility. What matters most is that the pump fits well and removes milk comfortably. Proper flange sizing, adequate suction, and realistic expectations around output (which varies widely between individuals) can reduce unnecessary stress. At work, regular pumping sessions are often more effective than infrequent, longer sessions.

At home, certain routines can further support supply. Night feeds and early morning feeds are especially valuable, as prolactin levels tend to be higher during these hours. Weekends or non-working days that allow for more direct latching can also help stimulate production. Above all, avoiding prolonged stretches without milk removal, whether through feeding or pumping, helps maintain supply over time, even within a busy working schedule.


Image: 6 Myths of Breastfeeding Debunked - Mount Alvernia Hospital


Preparing Before You Return to Work

Preparing for the transition back to work ahead of time can significantly reduce anxiety for both mum and baby. One important step is introducing a bottle at the right time. Introducing it too early may interfere with breastfeeding, while waiting until the last minute can create unnecessary stress. A gradual introduction, paired with paced feeding, helps babies adjust to bottle-feeding while still supporting breastfeeding. It can also be helpful for someone other than mum, such as a caregiver or partner, to offer the bottle, as babies often associate mum with direct feeding.

It’s also important to know that bottles are not the only option. Alternative feeding methods such as cup feeding, spoon feeding, or age-appropriate straw cups can be effective, especially for babies who refuse bottles. Bottle refusal is more common than many expect, and it does not mean breastfeeding has to end. With guidance and patience, most families are able to find a method that works for their baby.

Another common source of pressure is the idea of building a large freezer stash. In reality, most working mummies only need a small, practical reserve, not a freezer full of milk. Understanding how much milk your baby typically takes, how to rotate expressed milk, and how to store it safely can prevent “freezer anxiety” and over-pumping. This is where personalised guidance can make a real difference.


Manna Milk Lactation

Navigating breastfeeding while preparing to return to work often requires more than generic advice. Personalised, practical support from a trained professional can help families build their routines. Mayvina from Manna Milk Lactation works closely with mummies to bridge this gap, offering evidence-based guidance on pumping optimisation, bottle or alternative feeding transitions, and sustainable breastfeeding plans tailored to working life. Rather than focusing only on troubleshooting problems, their approach centres on planning ahead, building confidence, and helping mummies make informed decisions that support both milk supply and mental well-being. For families navigating work transitions, caregiver handovers, or changing feeding dynamics, having an experienced lactation professional can make the journey feel far less overwhelming and far more manageable.

For more details and to make a booking, download the CradleNest app (available on Google Play and Apple Store) today. Alternatively, get in touch via WhatsApp at +65 8845 8011. Follow us on Instagram (@cradlenestsg) for updates, tips, and a peek into our growing community!


This article was informed by resources from the following: