7 Practical Breastfeeding Tips for the Working Filipino Mom

Breastfeeding doesn’t have to stop when maternity leave ends. Whether you’re heading back to the office or working from home, continuing your breastfeeding journey as a working mom in the Philippines is not only possible. It’s fully supported by current laws and guidelines.

With a little preparation, the right tools, and a supportive environment, you can continue giving your baby the best nutrition while staying on top of your work.

Here are 7 practical breastfeeding tips for Filipino moms returning to work.

1. Know Your Rights: Talk to Your Employer About Lactation Stations

Under Republic Act 10028, also known as the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009, all employers must provide a designated lactation station for breastfeeding employees. This space must be equipped with comfortable seating, a refrigerator for milk storage, electrical outlets for pumps, and a nearby lavatory for hand-washing.

Before returning to work, discuss with your employer the availability of these facilities. The law also entitles you to an additional 40-minute break for every 8-hour work period for lactation. Make sure to schedule this time without feeling guilty about your responsibilities.

2. Invest in a Quality Breast Pump

If you’re planning to pump at work, investing in a high-quality breast pump can make a big difference. A double electric pump is especially efficient. It allows you to express milk from both breasts at once, saving you precious time during busy workdays.

Whether you choose a manual, battery-operated, or electric model, pick one that fits your lifestyle, comfort, and budget. Don’t forget to pack essentials like storage bags, bottle adapters, extra pump parts, and cleaning wipes to keep everything sanitary and hassle-free.

For work-from-home moms, hands-free or hospital-grade pumps are a game-changer, allowing you to multitask with ease while still prioritizing your baby’s needs.

3. Calculate Your Baby’s Daily Feedings

Estimate how many bottles of milk your baby drinks while you’re at work. Leave an extra bottle or two to account for overtime or unpredictable work hours. Having a backup supply ensures your baby won’t run out of milk while you’re away.

4. Stick to a Pumping Schedule

Aim to pump every 3 to 4 hours. This is the recommended interval to help maintain your milk supply. Try to align your pumping sessions with your baby’s feeding schedule and your work breaks to make the routine smoother and less stressful.

For work-from-home moms, take advantage of breaks between virtual meetings or tasks to fit in pumping sessions. If your schedule is unpredictable, try to squeeze in an extra session whenever possible to build a milk stash for busy days.

5. Dress for Easy Pumping

Choose outfits that make pumping easier and more comfortable. No need to fully undress! Button-down shirts, nursing-friendly tops, or bras with quick access are ideal.

To stay confident throughout the day, bring an extra layer like a cardigan or blazer in case of leaks, and consider wearing printed tops, which are better at hiding unexpected stains than solid colors.

If you’re working from home, enjoy the flexibility of comfy clothes. Just make sure they allow easy access for pumping when needed.

6. Create a Calm and Relaxing Pumping Environment

The more relaxed you are, the better your milk flow will be. Use your lactation break to unwind and focus on your baby. A calm environment is key to successful pumping, so try to find a quiet spot free from distractions.

If you’re in a shared office space, you could use headphones to listen to soothing music or a white noise machine to block out interruptions.

At home, set up a small, cozy corner with your pump, water, snacks, and a photo or video of your baby to help stimulate let-down.

7. Store Milk Properly and Label It Clearly

Proper storage of expressed milk is crucial. Label each bottle with the date and time of expression to ensure the older milk is used first. Use a cooler bag during the day and refrigerate or freeze milk as soon as possible.

According to the Philippine National Committee on Human Milk Banking guidelines, expressed milk can be stored for up to 6 hours at room temperature, 48 hours in the fridge (4°C), and up to 2 weeks in the freezer (-15°C).

For long-term storage, ensure your freezer is at the appropriate temperature: -20°C for a chest freezer. This helps preserve the quality and nutritional value of breast milk for your baby.

Bonus Tip: Own Your Time, Mama

It’s easy to feel guilty for stepping away from your tasks, but don’t! Your lactation breaks are legally protected and essential for your health and your baby’s well-being.

Take this time to pause, recharge, and reconnect with your purpose as both a mom and a professional. You’re not just pumping milk. You’re nurturing your baby even while you work.

Balancing work and breastfeeding isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely possible. Whether you’re braving the daily commute or juggling virtual meetings from home, planning ahead and knowing your rights can make all the difference.

Keep advocating for yourself and your baby, and trust that every drop of milk is a gift of love and care.

You’ve got this, Supermom. Keep going! You’re doing an amazing job!