Mothers are encouraged to take as much time off as possible for maternity leave, in order to recover from delivery and to establish a strong milk supply. Tips for mothers returning to work include¹:

• The mother is encouraged to contact her employer regarding her lactation needs, such as a pumping schedule, lactation room and possibly transitioning back to work part-time.
• Find a supportive daycare that is comfortable with breastmilk storage, and who will support her with her goals of breastfeeding her child.
• Begin storing an extra 1-2 ounces of breastmilk a day approximately 1 month before returning to work. Store in 2-4 ounce increments.
• Introduce a bottle to the infant by 4 weeks of age to decrease chance of bottle refusal.
• Plan the pumping schedule before returning to work. Plan to pump approximately every 3 hours when the infant is under 6 months. She may be able to pump less often such as every 4 hours after 6 months, once the infant is taking solids.
• Have access to a good quality double electric breast pump that allows for efficient breast drainage in 10-15 minutes.
• Some mothers find it difficult to let-down quickly for their pump at work. Stress inhibits let-down. It is often helpful to provide direct nipple stimulation by rolling the nipples between the fingers, or rubbing with the palm of the hand for 20-30 seconds, then bending forward and gently shaking the breasts back and forth to stimulate the milk ejection reflex before the flanges are placed on the breasts.