Practise pumping or hand expressing
If you would like your baby to have breastmilk when you are at work, you may need to express for him or her.
Some people find hand expressing easy and straightforward, others prefer to use a breast pump. You may find it useful to create a back-up supply of frozen expressed milk before you return to work.
If do not want to express milk for your baby or find it difficult to do so, your baby can be given formula milk when you are away from him / her.
Continue breastfeeding when you are with your baby
Breastfeeding regularly when you are with your baby will make it easier to express when you are aware from him / her and will give you and your baby intimate time together.
Many mothers continue to breastfeed morning and night when they return to work, even if their baby is having formula milk during the day.
It does not matter if you breastfeed more times on days when you are at home with your baby than on days you are working as, once established, your milk supply will adjust swiftly to different demands.
Look after yourself
Returning to work when you have a young child can be challenging, so try not to neglect your own wellbeing. Some days it may seem easier said than done, but eating well and getting enough rest will help you to maintain your milk supply and deal with the demands of being a working mother.
Take advantage of flexible working where possible