Breastfeeding and returning to work

You do not have to stop breastfeeding just because you are returning to work. Find out about breastfeeding and working.

Returning to work

Many parents go back to work and keep breastfeeding their babies. You can continue to breastfeed by:

  • expressing and storing breast milk so that someone else can feed your pēpi (baby)
  • having your pēpi looked after near your work, so that you can go and feed them
  • having your pēpi with you at work
  • having someone bring your pēpi to you at work for feeds.

Talk to your whānau and friends to see how they can help. Your midwife or nurse can give you advice.

Talk to your employer

As soon as you know you will be returning to work, talk to your employer about breastfeeding. You could even do this when you are planning maternity leave. By law, your employer must:

  • give you unpaid breaks to breastfeed your pēpi or express milk at work
  • provide you with facilities to do this.

Explain to your employer that to breastfeed you will need a:

  • clean, quiet, warm and private room or space
  • low, comfortable chair.

Explain that to express breast milk you may also need a:

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