How To Support Breastfeeding Moms Returning To Work
Returning to work after having a baby is one of the most emotionally and logistically challenging transitions a parent can face. For breastfeeding moms, that transition includes added complexities: finding a safe, private space to pump, juggling feeding schedules with Zoom calls, and navigating cultural stigma that still exists in 2025.
While the challenges are significant, support systems, legal protections, and workplace resources have become increasingly available. With the right preparation and awareness of available accommodations, it is possible to facilitate a smoother, more equitable return to the workplace.
Know Your Breastfeeding Rights And Use Them
"Contact HR or your manager ahead of your return to work and share your plans for breastfeeding."
"Be proactive," advises Virginia Dawson, MD, Psychiatry Lead at Headspace. "Contact HR or your manager ahead of your return to work and share your plans for breastfeeding. Ask what accommodations or benefits are typically available, and don't be afraid to ask for what you need."
Federal protections are on your side. The PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act mandates that employers provide:
Beyond legal protections, some employers go above and beyond. "Some offer milk transport services for traveling employees," says Dr. Dawson. "Many insurance companies will also cover the cost of a breast pump and supplies, so it's worth calling your insurance and checking what's included."
Rachael Jones, MSN, APRN, SVP of Clinical Client Strategy at WIN, echoes the importance of self-advocacy: "Breastfeeding is a normal, healthy, and essential part of caring for your baby. As a breastfeeding mom, it's important to remember that you have the right to feed your child whenever and wherever they're hungry, and you should never feel ashamed or apologetic for doing so." If someone stares or comments, she suggests calmly responding with, "I'm feeding my baby, and this is a protected right."
Ease The Transition And Emotional Whiplash Around Breastfeeding
Going from snuggly newborn mornings to morning meetings with a breast pump isn't just a logistical shift. It's an emotional rollercoaster. "Take time to acknowledge the significance of returning to work and give room for big emotions," says Dr. Dawson. "For many, this will be the first significant amount of time away from your little one."
Both experts agree that creating supportive rituals can help:
When it comes to practical prep, don't be shy about redundancy. "Don't be afraid to buy multiples of your favorite pump flanges or bottles," says Dr. Dawson. "This reduces time spent washing between sessions. Also, consider a go-bag with breast pads, a light blanket, snacks, a water bottle, and maybe a mantra card for tough moments."
Normalize Breastfeeding, Starting With Yourself
If you're feeling nervous about feeding in public or at work, Jones recommends internalizing one key fact: "Breastfeeding is a powerful, primal, and sometimes humbling experience. The world isn't always set up to make it easy, but that's not your burden to carry."
Her advice is to normalize it for yourself first. "Practice feeding in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend if you're worried about positioning or coverage. The more you normalize it at home, the less it feels like a production out in the world."
Confidence comes with time. So does comfort. "Confidence grows with time, not instant perfection," Jones adds. If you notice thoughts like 'Am I making people uncomfortable?' try reframing them: 'I'm caring for my baby.' This is exactly what my body is meant to do. "
Create A Breastfeeding Support System In-Person And Online
Breastfeeding doesn't just take physical effort. It can feel isolating and all-consuming, especially ... More if you're navigating complications like low supply or a NICU journey.
Breastfeeding doesn't just take physical effort. It can feel isolating and all-consuming, especially if you're navigating complications like low supply or a NICU journey.
"Seek out support," Dr. Dawson advises. "Get involved with local or virtual communities to share tips, frustrations, and solidarity."
Jones agrees. "As a mom to a preemie, I faced a lot of challenges," she shares. "My daughter didn't have the strength to latch right away, and I was triple-feeding. The encouragement I received from Facebook groups and NICU mom friends was invaluable."
Support groups like La Leche League International offer free peer-led meetups, and local Baby Cafés often provide drop-in lactation help. Even joining a virtual community can make a difference when 2 a.m. feels particularly lonely.
Tap Into Breastfeeding Resources
"Many moms don't realize that their employer may offer lactation-related support through maternity benefits," says Jones. That can include:
Apps like Lactation Network can connect you to consultants covered by your insurance. Dr. Dawson notes that IBCLCs (International Board Certified Lactation Consultants) are trained to "observe feeds, troubleshoot issues, and help build a plan that works for you and your baby." And yes, home visits are often covered by insurance.
Jones also recommends investing in hands-free pumping bras and cordless breast pumps. "They made it easier for me to pump while moving around, washing parts, eating, even sitting in a restaurant."
Mental health resources are equally important. "If you're struggling, please ask for help," says Dr. Dawson. "Postpartum mental health support is just as essential as physical recovery. Reassess often whether continuing to breastfeed is right for your mental health. Fed is best."
You're a Breastfeeding Mom Doing Her Best
Creating a supportive environment for breastfeeding employees requires more than compliance with ... More policy.
While societal attitudes toward breastfeeding have improved in recent years, the broader cultural shift is still in progress. Normalizing lactation in public spaces and professional environments remains an ongoing effort, making individual advocacy and visibility all the more impactful.
"Advocating for yourself doesn't always mean being loud or confrontational," says Jones. "It can be as simple as speaking clearly about your needs, expecting respect, and not backing down when met with discomfort."
Creating a supportive environment for breastfeeding employees requires more than compliance with policy. It involves building a workplace culture that acknowledges both the logistical and emotional realities of returning to work.
For those in need of support during this transition, a range of resources is available. Healthcare providers, human resources departments, and organizations such as Postpartum Support International can offer guidance related to lactation, mental health, and workplace reintegration. Accessing these services is not only appropriate but also essential for sustainable caregiving and professional success.
And if it all feels overwhelming, take a breath. Ask for help.
"Try to focus on what's working or not working and make adjustments to suit your needs," Dr. Dawson emphasizes. "Prioritize your mental health when making decisions around breastfeeding. Improved maternal mental health will, in turn, have a positive impact on your bond with your baby and will lead to better overall outcomes for you both."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Medscape
27 minutes ago
- Medscape
Implantable Device Shows Promise for Preventing Hypoglycemia
A new minimally invasive device, while still in development, could become a lifesaver for individuals with diabetes who experience hypoglycemia, according to researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In a paper published in Nature Biomedical Engineering , Siddharth R. Krishnan, PhD, now an assistant professor of electrical engineering at Stanford University in Stanford, California, and colleagues at MIT described a wireless device implanted into diabetic mice that prevented hypoglycemia. The implant weighs < 2 g and is only 3 cm3 in size; it remains under the skin and releases a powdered version of glucagon automatically when a sensor detects low blood sugar. The researchers simulated hypoglycemia in the mice, and the release of the dry glucagon was triggered wirelessly. Measurements showed a rapid rise in blood glucose soon after the release, with a peak of 30 mg/dL after no more than 15 minutes. A second set of studies replicated conditions that often drive hypoglycemia, such as missed meals and automated infusions from insulin pumps. Similarly, the use of the wireless release of dry glucagon resulted in blood glucose concentrations above the threshold for hypoglycemia (average concentration of 80 mg/dL) within the first hour after the release. An area under the curve analysis over 30 minutes after release showed significant changes in the glucose group compared with the control group who received lactose. 'A Pathway to Emergency Rescue' 'Glucagon is widely administered as an emergency rescue drug for patients suffering acute hypoglycemia, particularly in the context of type 1 diabetes,' corresponding author Daniel Anderson, PhD, a professor at the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT, told Medscape Medical News . Glucagon's short half-life and low stability in solution has made development of pump systems a challenge, he said. By contrast, 'Dry powder versions of glucagon offer long-term stability but are difficult to deliver,' he said. 'An implantable device that can respond to hypoglycemia and release dry powder glucagon potentially offers a pathway to emergency rescue from hypoglycemia events without the need for patient intervention,' Anderson said. The early impact of the dry power was unexpected, Anderson said. 'The glucagon in our system is a dry powder that we designed to dissolve directly in biofluid, and the timeline for this dissolution and subsequent availability of the drug in circulation was an open question when we started this project,' he noted. 'The fact that we saw biological activity within 5 minutes of drug release was an important result in this context, and not one that we predicted.' Although the device is not ready for human use, the size and longevity are key questions for adoption in clinical practice, Anderson told Medscape Medical News . 'We are working on miniaturizing the device, so it is compatible with minimally invasive insertion techniques, and with a sufficient number of doses to provide protection from acute hypoglycemia for multiple years,' he said. 'So far, we have validated the device in preclinical small animal models.' Simultaneously miniaturizing the system and optimizing the dose and longevity in large animal models are the next steps for research, he added. Unmet Need for Glycemic Control 'Hypoglycemia and fear of hypoglycemia remains major barriers to optimal glycemic control for those with diabetes,' said Andrew Kraftson, MD, a specialist in endocrinology and internal medicine at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, in an interview. 'Glucagon emergency delivery devices have advanced and become more user friendly but will not work if not available or expired. Liquid glucagon presents numerous challenges and is not yet commercially available for dual hormone insulin pump use,' said Kraftson, who was not involved in the research. 'Dual hormone pumps that are being studied or have been approved in Europe are large/bulky, may require two CGM [continuous glucose monitoring] sensors, and may require glucagon to be refilled more frequently than insulin, so a nonliquid, implantable device could avoid some of the obstacles posed by liquid glucagon,' Kraftson noted. However, more research is needed on the logistics of human implementation of the glucagon delivery device tested in the current study, Kraftson told Medscape Medical News . Questions include how the device would be implanted; how many doses the reservoir would hold; and how often, on average, it would need to be changed, he said. Other factors include how cumbersome this device might be for humans, potential risks for irritation or infection, and options for manual delivery in the event of a malfunctioning CGM or signal challenges in device communication, he said. 'Ideally, glucagon use for patients with diabetes would expand beyond emergency rescue,' Kraftson added. 'Reducing or even holding insulin is sometimes insufficient to avoid hypoglycemia, particularly rapid onset.' 'Additionally, eating carbohydrates to prevent or treat hypoglycemia is not ideal given the risk of subsequent overcorrection/hyperglycemia and weight gain; therefore, more frequent, sensor/algorithm-based use of glucagon can more effectively achieve stable glucose levels and help avoid the 'rollercoaster,'' he said. The small size of the device in the current study may limit its ability to participate in the larger mission of glucose management but could certainly still play an important role in hypoglycemia reduction, he noted. This study was funded by the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, the National Institutes of Health, a JDRF postdoctoral fellowship, and the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering. Anderson and several coauthors reported being inventors on a patent application relevant to the technology described in this study but had no other financial conflicts of interest.
Associated Press
28 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Former K-9 Maple is busy as a bee sniffing out threats to Michigan State University colonies
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Researchers at a Michigan State University facility dedicated to protecting honey bees are enlisting a four-legged ally to sniff out danger to the prized pollinators. The Pollinator Performance Center's wide range of projects includes developing a training program for dogs to use their sensitive noses to uncover a bacterial disease called American foulbrood that threatens honey bee larvae. Bees and other pollinators have been declining for years because of disease, insecticides, climate change and lack of a diverse food supply. A considerable portion of the human diet comes from plants pollinated by bees. Maple, who once served as a human remains detection dog for the St. Joseph County sheriff's office, has created quite the buzz. The panting 9-year-old English springer spaniel stood patiently on a recent weekday as Sue Stejskal, her longtime owner, trainer and handler, slowly placed the retired K-9 in a yellow protective suit. The garment includes a veil for her head and four booties worn on her paws in case Maple steps on a bee. 'Much like with humans, we recognize that if a dog is going to be in an active bee yard, they need to wear the same personal protective equipment as people do,' said Stejskal, a Michigan State graduate who has been training dogs over a quarter-century for law enforcement and other uses. 'You can't buy them on Amazon for dogs. So, there's been some altering and testing.' Maple suffered an injury while on a case in Ontario, forcing her to retire as a detection K-9 in 2024. But fate intervened. Meghan Milbrath, an MSU professor whose lab studies risk factors that affect honey bees' health, was working to establish diagnostic and screening tools for honey bee diseases. A veterinarian who participated in a training about honey bees put Milbrath in touch with Stejskal. They met, and the dog detection plan was born. Stejskal then set about teaching an old dog a new trick. New to Maple, anyway. Maryland's agriculture department has also used canine detection methods in beehives. Michigan State's objective is to train many more dogs to join the ranks. Milbrath said she is documenting Maple's training and plans to write a book with Stejskal to educate other teams about their strategy. Maple, clad in her yellow suit, raced between hive boxes during a recent demonstration. When she found the scent clue left for her, Maple stopped at the box and coolly looked up at Stejskal. 'Good girl. Yes,' Stejskal enthusiastically said, before removing Maple's veil and tossing a green, Michigan State-branded toy her way. Stejskal recognizes the work they're doing is important. 'It's a cool project,' Stejskal said. 'But I was over-the-moon excited, because my dog would still have joy in her life and would still be able to work.'
Associated Press
28 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Belite Bio Reports Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results and Provides a Corporate Update
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Belite Bio, Inc (NASDAQ: BLTE), a clinical-stage drug development company focused on advancing novel therapeutics targeting degenerative retinal diseases that have significant unmet medical needs, today announced its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, and provided a general business update. 'This quarter, we remained on track with the strategic objectives we outlined at the start of the year, including the completion of enrollment in our pivotal Phase 3 PHOENIX trial — an important milestone in our development efforts for people living with geographic atrophy,' said Dr. Tom Lin, Chairman and CEO of Belite Bio. 'We also received Breakthrough Therapy Designation for Tinlarebant for the treatment of Stargardt disease from the FDA, underscoring its potential as the first-ever treatment for this patient population and acknowledging the significant unmet need for people living with this debilitating disease. With the DRAGON trial on track to complete by the end of this year, we remain focused on advancing Tinlarebant toward key clinical and regulatory milestones.' Second Quarter 2025 Business Highlights and Upcoming Milestones: Clinical Highlights Tinlarebant (LBS-008) is an oral, potent, once-daily, retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) antagonist that decreases RBP4 levels in the blood and reduces vitamin A (retinol) delivery to the eye without disrupting systemic retinol delivery to other tissues. Vitamin A is critical for normal vision but can accumulate as toxic byproducts in individuals affected with STGD1 and GA, the advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), leading to retinal cell death and loss of vision. Corporate Highlights Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results: Current Assets: As of June 30, 2025, the Company had $149.2 million in cash, liquidity funds, time deposits, and U.S treasury bills. R&D Expenses: For the three months ended June 30, 2025, research and development expenses were $11.0 million compared to $9.1 million for the same period in 2024. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, research and development expenses were $20.4 million compared to $15.8 million for the same period in 2024. The increase in research and development expenses in both the quarter and year-to-date was primarily attributable to (i) higher pass-through expenses related to the PHOENIX trial and manufacturing expenses payments, partially offset by lower DRAGON trial expenses and a development milestone payment for the completion of a phase 2 trial in 2024; (ii) an increase in share-based compensation expenses. G&A Expenses: For the three months ended June 30, 2025, general and administrative expenses were $6.5 million compared to $1.4 million for the same period in 2024. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, general and administration expenses were $12.7 million compared to $3.0 million for the same period in 2024. The increase in general and administrative expenses in both the quarter and year-to-date was primarily due to an increase in share-based compensation expenses. Other Income: For the three months ended June 30, 2025, other income was $1.3 million compared to $1.0 million for the same period in 2024. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, other income was $2.5 million compared to $1.4 million for the same period in 2024. The increase in both the quarter and year-to-date was attributed to interest from time deposits and U.S. treasury bills. Net Loss: For the three months ended June 30, 2025, the Company reported a net loss of $16.3 million, compared to a net loss of $9.5 million for the same period in 2024. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company reported a net loss of $30.6 million, compared to a net loss of $17.4 million for the same period in 2024. Webcast Information Belite Bio will host a webcast on Monday, August 11, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the Company's financial results and provide a business update. To join the webcast, please visit A replay will be available for approximately 90 days following the event. About Belite Bio Belite Bio is a clinical-stage drug development company focused on advancing novel therapeutics targeting degenerative retinal diseases that have significant unmet medical need, such as Stargardt disease type 1 (STGD1) and Geographic Atrophy (GA) in advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), in addition to specific metabolic diseases. Belite's lead candidate, Tinlarebant, an oral therapy intended to reduce the accumulation of toxins in the eye, is currently being evaluated in a Phase 3 study (DRAGON) and a Phase 2/3 study (DRAGON II) in adolescent STGD1 subjects and a Phase 3 study (PHOENIX) in subjects with GA. For more information, follow us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook or visit us at Important Cautions Regarding Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements about future expectations and plans, as well as other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts. These statements include but are not limited to statements regarding the potential implications of clinical data for patients, and Belite Bio's advancement of, and anticipated preclinical activities, clinical development, regulatory milestones, and commercialization of its product candidates, and any other statements containing the words 'expect', 'hope' and similar expressions. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including but not limited to Belite Bio's ability to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of its drug candidates; the clinical results for its drug candidates, which may not support further development or regulatory approval; the timing to complete relevant clinical trials and/or to receive the interim/final data of such clinical trials; the timing to submit trial data to regulatory authorities for drug approval; the content and timing of decisions made by the relevant regulatory authorities regarding regulatory approval of Belite Bio's drug candidates; the potential efficacy of Tinlarebant, as well as those risks more fully discussed in the 'Risk Factors' section in Belite Bio's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to Belite Bio, and Belite Bio undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. Media and Investor Relations Contact: Jennifer Wu [email protected] Julie Fallon [email protected]
