The rise of remote work has created new opportunities for flexibility, but it has also brought unique challenges—especially for breastfeeding mums. Balancing work commitments with the demands of caring for a newborn, particularly breastfeeding, can be a daunting task. While working from home may offer some convenience, it doesn’t automatically make breastfeeding easier without proper support.

Employers play a key role in ensuring that breastfeeding mums who work remotely receive the help they need to thrive both as professionals and as mothers. Here’s how businesses can effectively support breastfeeding mums who work from home.

1. Promote Flexibility in Work Hours

Breastfeeding can be unpredictable, and remote work offers a degree of flexibility that on-site roles often lack. Employers should encourage flexible working hours for breastfeeding mums, allowing them to adjust their schedules to accommodate nursing or pumping.

Instead of rigid 9-to-5 structures, offering flexible start and end times helps mums balance their feeding routines with work commitments. This also means fostering a results-oriented work environment where the focus is on outputs rather than the number of hours worked.

2. Provide Clear Guidelines on Breaks

Even while working from home, breastfeeding mums need time to pump or breastfeed. Employers should clearly communicate their policy on breastfeeding breaks, ensuring that remote employees are aware they can take time to pump during the day without guilt or disruption.

Providing specific guidance on how long and how often breaks should be taken can give mums the confidence to step away when needed, ensuring they are able to maintain their milk supply without worrying about missing work deadlines.

3. Offer Emotional and Professional Support

Breastfeeding can be physically and emotionally taxing. Employers can provide emotional support by offering access to mental health resources or through regular check-ins with managers that include an empathetic understanding of the demands of new motherhood.

On the professional side, employers should also make sure that breastfeeding mums have access to career development opportunities, even if they are working reduced or flexible hours. Ensuring that remote workers don’t feel isolated or overlooked for promotions, projects, or professional development can help them stay engaged and motivated.

Breastfeeding mums working from home need support from their employers

4. Create a Supportive Remote Culture

A supportive company culture is just as important for remote employees as it is for those working on-site. Employers can help foster a culture of understanding and empathy by raising awareness about the challenges breastfeeding mums face and by encouraging open conversations about balancing work and parenting.

In addition, creating virtual forums or spaces where breastfeeding mums can share experiences or tips with one another could further enhance the sense of community. Offering remote peer support groups can help normalise breastfeeding and give working mums a place to vent or get advice from others in a similar situation.

5. Provide Access to Lactation Consultants or Breastfeeding Resources

Employers can further support breastfeeding mums by providing access to lactation consultants or online breastfeeding resources. Through employee assistance programs (EAPs), businesses can offer teleconsultations with breastfeeding experts or provide educational materials about breastfeeding and pumping best practices.

Access to breastfeeding resources can help mums navigate any issues they encounter, whether related to latching, maintaining supply, or adjusting to new routines.

6. Supportive Technology and Tools

Remote work requires specific technology to ensure employees can collaborate and perform their tasks efficiently. For breastfeeding mums, this might include providing ergonomic equipment, such as comfortable chairs or adjustable desks, to ensure they can work comfortably while also tending to their feeding needs.

In addition, offering subscriptions to time management or wellness apps may help mums keep track of their work schedule while also monitoring breastfeeding times and breaks.

7. Encourage Boundaries and Self-Care

Working from home can blur the lines between personal time and work responsibilities, making it hard for breastfeeding mums to fully rest or step away. Employers should encourage their remote employees to set boundaries around their workday and take time to care for themselves.

Encouraging mums to fully log off after work hours and take regular breaks for self-care is essential to prevent burnout. Employers can also offer guidance on how to create a productive, healthy home workspace that allows for breastfeeding breaks without undue stress.

Conclusion

Remote work offers breastfeeding mums the flexibility they need to care for their babies, but it doesn’t eliminate the need for support from their employers. By promoting flexible working hours, encouraging breaks, offering emotional and professional support, and providing access to resources, employers can help remote breastfeeding mums balance their roles as both mothers and professionals.

By fostering a culture that understands and supports the needs of working mothers, businesses can not only enhance employee well-being but also increase loyalty, engagement, and productivity.

Contact Nourish Today

Interested in learning how your business can create a breastfeeding-friendly environment? Contact The Nourish Consultancy today to start making a positive change in your workplace.