For Breastfeeding Parents Going Back to Work
Plan Ahead
Prior to Parental Leave, talk to your employer about:
- Having a private and convenient place to pump breast milk.
- How much parental leave you are allowed. Maximizing the time available to you will help get breastfeeding off to a good start.
- Having a reduced schedule for the first few weeks after returning from parental leave.
Consider using a child care provider close to work so you may be able to visit and breastfeed/chestfeed your baby, depending on your work schedule. The New York State Child and Adult Care Food Program has designated child care centers that are breastfeeding friendly.
Pride: Pumping and Storing Breast Milk
Purchase a good quality breast pump that works. An electric breast pump may be your best choice for pumping milk during the workday. Be sure to take the time to understand how to use it properly so this choice will work for you.
While You're On Parental Leave
Breastfeed/chestfeed only - this will establish your milk supply. Do not use formula.
Begin pumping and storing your breast milk in the freezer.
Make a trial run before returning to work. Try spending some time away from your baby.
Introduce a bottle of your stored breast milk before returning to work. You may find your baby will take a bottle better from someone other than you.
Returning to Work
Pump milk for 20-30 minutes approximately 2-3 times during a typical 8 hour work day.
Keep your breast milk safe by following the breast milk storage guidelines.
Quiet time with your baby at the breast is a wonderful, relaxing way to begin and end your work day.
The Making It Work Toolkit is an online resource for breastfeeding/chestfeeding parents returning to work or school. The toolkit is designed to provide assistance to breastfeeding individuals as well as tools and information for businesses and families. The online toolkit can be printed, viewed on the website, shared with others, and downloaded onto your mobile device for easy access.
Know Your Rights
Beginning June 19, 2024, Labor Law Section 206-c provides all employees with the right to paid break time to express breast milk in the workplace regardless of the size of their employer or the industry they work in. Employers are required to tell employees about their rights regarding breast milk expression by providing them the NYSDOL Policy on the Rights of Employees to Express Breast Milk in the Workplace when they start a new job and annually thereafter.
