Pump action: Aoife Hearne on how to continue breastfeeding after you return to work

By expressing milk it’s possible to continue breastfeeding when you return to work, says dietitian Aoife Hearne.

NATURE’S BEST: Breast milk contains sugars, HMOs (human milk oligosaccharides) which cannot be replicated in artificial milks. Picture: iStock

Aoife Hearn

REGISTERED DIETICIAN

I’VE realised I go through the same rollercoaster of emotions when it comes to going back to work post maternity leave. I start hating the thought of it, praying to win the Lotto so that I can stay home with my munchkins. Next, I start to think about juggling some work while still on ‘maternity leave’ and stress myself out way too much. Finally, I move on to taking time to work and sending my baby to our fantastic childminder, feeling a little guilty but realising time on my own is actually really good for my mental health and for everyone around me, and feeling lucky that I actually like the work I do.