Whether you are planning to return to work or have already returned, this guide provides practical information to help you navigate breastfeeding and paid work. This guide was developed from and draws on evidence from our Maternal Wellbeing, infant feeding and return to paid work study funded by the Nuffield Foundation. The study found that mothers experienced pre-return anxieties and concerns relating to their child’s and their own emotional and physical well-being, and the practicalities in the workplace. These challenges often related to not knowing what to expect.
Drawing on the varied experiences of mothers who took part in the study, together with expert input, this guidance provides information on your rights at work, the practicalities of combining breastfeeding and paid work, and how to communicate with your employer. Unless otherwise stated, quotes, examples and case studies used in the guides come from our Maternal Wellbeing, infant feeding and return to paid work study.
The guide was written by Professor Sylvia Jaworska and Professor Sarah Jewell (members of the study team) with Sally Rickard IBCLC, an international board certified lactation consultant (the gold-standard, globally recognised professional qualification in breastfeeding).
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This guidance for mothers has been designed as a series of individual guides, making it easier for users to access the information that is relevant to them. You can download the guide as a single PDF:
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