Depending on the age of your
baby, the hours you are work-
ing and who is looking after
your baby while you are at
work, you may decide to
breastfeed your baby exclu-
sively, to express to provide
breastmilk for your baby or to
feed your baby on a combina-
tion of breastmilk and formula.
Don't panic if your baby won't
take a bottle
Some breastfed babies are reluc-
tant to take a bottle so do not
worry if your baby is not keen on
the idea at first.
Many babies refuse to take a bot-
tle from their mother but are
happy to do so from another car-
er, particularly if the mother is not
around. Some babies will be
Plan ahead
more fussy than others about the
If you are returning to work before temperature of the milk or the po-
sition they feed in so try different
your baby is taking solids in any
approaches. If your baby still
quantity, planning ahead is
particularly important. Your baby won't take a bottle, s/he can be
will need regular feeds during the fed from a gently-tilted cup or a
day and you will almost certainly spoon.
need to find a way to either feed
From the age of about four
your baby or express whilst you
months, your baby may prefer a
are at work to maintain your milk
beaker with a spout so that s/he
supply and remain comfortable.
can have a go at holding it him/
Think about how long you will be
herself.
away from your baby during the
day and who will be feeding him/
her. Speak to your employer
about the breaks and facilities
that you will need in order to
express at work and talk to the
person who will be looking after
your child about your baby's feed-
ing patterns.