Returning to work? Here’s how to make breastfeeding easier

I remember the night before my first day back at work after maternity leave. My baby was asleep, my pump parts were sterilized, my bag was packed… and yet, I lay wide awake, staring at the ceiling.

Not because I wasn’t tired—I was exhausted—but because I was anxious.

How would I manage pumping at work? Would I have enough supply? Would my baby still want to nurse when I got home? Would I be running to the fridge every three hours, hoping my coworkers wouldn’t notice?

If you're feeling this way too, Momma, let me tell you—you’re not alone. Balancing work and breastfeeding is HARD, but it’s absolutely possible. And most importantly, it gets easier.

So let’s talk about it. Here’s what I wish I had known before my first day back at work, and what helped me keep going.

First: Give yourself grace

The hardest part wasn’t just pumping—it was the guilt.

I felt guilty leaving my baby. Guilty for missing feeds. Guilty when I had to excuse myself from a meeting to pump. Guilty when I was too tired to pump at all.

But here’s the thing: you are still an amazing mother, whether you pump five times a day or just once. Whether you combo-feed or exclusively breastfeed. Whether you continue for months or decide to stop sooner than planned.

There is no perfect way—only the way that works for you.

Building your milk stash (without stressing about it)

If you're like me, you’ve probably seen those Pinterest-worthy freezers stacked with hundreds of ounces of breastmilk. And if you’re also like me, you might have panicked thinking, I don’t have that kind of stash! Will my baby starve?!

Spoiler alert: you don’t need a crazy stash to succeed.

A few days’ worth of stored milk is more than enough to start. Your body will keep producing what your baby needs as long as you keep up with your pumping routine at work.

But if freezer space is an issue (because let’s be real, milk bags take up A LOT of room), freeze drying is a lifesaver. I wish I had known earlier that instead of cramming every last drop into my freezer, I could have turned it into compact, shelf-stable powder—easy to store, easy to carry, and just as nutritious.

Pumping at work: Navigating the awkwardness

Let’s talk about the reality of pumping at work.

Not every workplace has a cozy, private lactation room with a fridge just for your milk. Some of us have had to pump in storage rooms, cramped pantries, or even (cringe) the office bathroom.

If you’re lucky enough to have a supportive workplace, advocate for your needs early. Talk to HR, find a private space, and block out pumping times on your calendar so others know you’re unavailable.

And if your workplace isn’t so accommodating? Do what you can, without guilt. Pump when possible, hand express if needed, and if it ever feels like too much—remember that formula, combo-feeding, and switching to stored milk are all completely valid choices.

The most important thing? Your mental health. Your baby needs a happy, healthy momma more than anything.

Coming home: The best part of the day

One of my biggest fears was that my baby would start preferring the bottle over me. That he’d get used to feeding from someone else and stop needing me altogether.

But what actually happened?

The moment I walked through the door, my baby lit up. He still wanted me, still found comfort in nursing, still needed those quiet moments together at the end of the day.

If anything, those feeds became even more special—our way of reconnecting after hours apart.

And you know what? On the nights I was too tired to breastfeed, I had my stored milk as backup. Whether it was fresh, frozen, or freeze dried, I knew my baby was still getting the best I could give him.

If you ever feel like giving up…

I won’t lie—there were days I wanted to quit.

Days where pumping felt like a chore, where my supply felt low, where I questioned whether it was even worth it.

And if you ever feel like that, I want you to hear this: you are doing an incredible job.

Breastfeeding doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You can nurse when you’re home and use stored milk when you’re at work. You can pump once a day or five times a day. You can transition to formula whenever you need to.

There is no failure here—only love, effort, and doing the best you can.

Final thoughts: You’ve got this, Momma

Returning to work as a breastfeeding mom is a journey—one filled with challenges, adjustments, and so many emotions.

But you are strong, capable, and never alone in this.

Whether you’re building a stash, navigating pumping at work, or finding new ways to store milk without taking over your freezer—know that you are doing something amazing for your baby.

And if you ever need a little extra help? We’re here for you. 💛

Want to make milk storage easier?

If you’re running out of freezer space or want a more convenient way to store your milk, freeze drying could be the solution for you.
✔️ Saves space
✔️ Lasts up to 3 years
✔️ Perfect for travel & work

Get in touch with us to find out more!