A new chapter…Returning to work while breastfeeding
Returning to work whilst breastfeeding…
It can be quite a daunting prospect for many.
How do we do this? How do we protect our right to breastfeed our babies, whilst also protecting our professional roles and incomes?
We have many incredible ‘Full Circle’ families conquer their initial breastfeeding challenges and then after some time, return to us for support on how to continue breastfeeding in the context of ‘returning to work’. It really is a very ‘Full Circle’ journey.
Combining breastfeeding and work can be done in a vast variety of ways. Whether you will express and / or breastfeed your baby during your workday, or even spend some days working from home will depend on the work situation and childcare arrangements.
We combine the many options available with the important unique history that is yours, alongside your preferences and values.
At Full Circle, we tune in… we provide the ‘infrastructure’ of informed choices to navigate this enormous shift in chapters.
However, these consultations also have a ripple effect and go well beyond that one family. The support we receive as mums to allow us to VALUE the WORK of motherhood sends a silent signal to other mothers. It’s a secret whisper; a subtle wink, to say…
“This is important. I see what you do. You can do this. Your motherhood work is valuable”.
We supported this beautiful Full Circle mother-baby-dyad to initially establish breastfeeding early on, and then again around 12 months later to support the transition to work whilst continuing to breastfeed.
Here are some reflections from this mum, (shared with consent), us after returning to work:
“I think a big thing for me is I found myself apologising for needing to have lactation breaks, but in fact I shouldn’t need to do this - I shouldn’t need to feel that I am an inconvenience for wanting to continue to give my child nourishment through my breastmilk.
I know how fortunate I am to be able to do this and the fact I am still doing it after all our ups and downs - I should be so proud of myself for going the extra mile so my son can still have the milk he wants - and needs.
I have already found that I’ve been able to be an example to other Mama’s at my work who just thought they’d have to stop breastfeeding to return to work. But instead I’ve been able to trouble shoot some things and lead the way where I know they’ll feel more comfortable and confident in making sure they get the breaks they deserve.
I’ve also been able to speak up for how our workplace needs to up their game with our parents room with not being adequate enough, either. Changes haven’t occurred yet, but I feel like it wouldn’t have ever been on managements radar if I didn’t mention something. It’s a start, that’s for sure..
I think it’s really important for Mama’s to know this journey CAN continue and it CAN work for you and your family”.
All mothers deserve support and encouragement to understand their rights. They have a right to continue to feed their baby as they so wish for the entire duration of their individual breastfeeding journey.
Our workplaces and society need to catch up to mothers VALUING their important WORK.
Check out these additional resources to support your rights and choices when it comes to returning to work and continuing to breastfeed.