Breastfeeding and returning to work

[earthmummy]

I am due to return to work soon and want to continue breastfeeding. I am using an on site nursery with the intentions of feeding my little one during working hours. After meeting with my manager I felt quite uneasy about the whole expression/ breastfeeding at work thing. My manager feels that it may not always be practical to do so and that it is up to me to try and fit it in with my work load if I choose to do so. I was made to feel unreasonable and selfish about taking time to do this. I work in an environment that is often very busy with low staffing levels, often without time for breaks. I am worried that it may not be possible on regular occasions to down tools and express/BF.
I don't want my daughter to receive any other milk than breastmilk. She breastfeeds frequemtly including during the night (my manager expects me to work nights too). I carn't afford not to go back to work either so quitting is not an option.
Has anyone else had similar problems, if so then how did they overcome them? I am dreading going back to work.

your workplace has to provide time and a space for you to express and somewhere to safely store your milk. Not sure about policy with regards to actually bfing on site, but surely they'd be similar?
hopefully someone will have better info than me!

I can't remember the requirememnts now but try the Breastfeeding Alliance

Not been in a situation like yours, my place of work is very flexible. But thought it might be helpful to know that you don't have to always express at the same time (although some people find it helpful). Also, I was able to feed my baby from 6 months to 10 months with only two sessions of 20-30 minutes expressing. Could you find a way to fit that in your schedule?

If you want to pick a fight though, I am sure the law is on your side!

Hope things work out for you!

pixie, you mean the Maternity Alliance, yes??? But they no longer exist

There is information about a mother's rights as a breastfeeder, though, and I think it's on the web somewhere. I can't look right now, but someone else might have it.

tiktok- yup that's the one-durrr blonde moment

does this help

or here

Hey earthmummy, I went back to working one day a week when mine was 6wks old. My work were fine about me excusing myself (as if going for a break) and luckly we had a spare room (not the toilet!). However I do remember reading somewhere that your workplace has to provide and accept your need to express. I express every four hours at work, takes me about 20mins, and as far as Im aware that's the same amount of time you are legally allowed to take for standard breaks. Although no-one says anything, I do feel a bit guilty going off, as I don't normally take breaks, but Im gradually feeling less stressed, as I realise its my right and essential for my child. Just so you are prepared, the first few weeks of doing it, it did throw our feeding schedule out but all okay now. Good luck!!