Breastfeeding and Work: How to Master the Balance and Provide Optimal Support for Your Baby

Returning to Work – An Opportunity for You and Your Baby

The decision to return to work after maternity leave is a significant step, often accompanied by mixed emotions. On one hand, there's the anticipation of new professional challenges, intellectual stimulation, and financial independence. On the other, there's concern about how this change will affect the precious bond with your baby, particularly your valuable breastfeeding relationship. Many mothers wonder: Can I successfully combine both without compromising either my child's care or my career?

The answer is a resounding yes. Breastfeeding and working are not mutually exclusive. With proper preparation, knowledge of your rights, and support from reliable partners, you can not only master this new phase of life but transform it into an enriching experience for you and your family. This guide aims to help you build a stable bridge between your family life and your working day – a bridge founded on knowledge, planning, and confidence. It will provide you with the tools to grow confidently, informed, and composed into your new role as a working, breastfeeding mother. After all, thorough preparation is the key to enjoying this special time with relaxation and confidence.

Your Rights as a Breastfeeding Mother in Switzerland

Before planning the practical steps of your return to work, it's crucial to understand your legal foundation. Swiss law offers breastfeeding mothers comprehensive protection, providing the necessary security and flexibility to maintain your breastfeeding relationship whilst at work. This knowledge isn't a tool for confrontation, but rather the basis for proactive and collaborative discussions with your employer. When you know your rights, you can negotiate confidently and constructively, working together to find a solution that works for both parties.

What Rights Do Breastfeeding Mothers Have in the Swiss Workplace?

In Switzerland, breastfeeding mothers have a legal entitlement to paid breaks for breastfeeding or expressing milk during their child's first year of life, with the duration depending on daily working hours. Additionally, employers must provide a suitable, private space and limit the working day to a maximum of nine hours.

Entitlement to Paid Breastfeeding Time

One of your most fundamental rights is your entitlement to paid time for breastfeeding or expressing milk during working hours. According to Article 60 of Ordinance 1 of the Employment Act (ArGV 1), this time counts as paid working time during your child's first year. This means these breaks need not be made up before or after work, nor can they be deducted from your regular breaks or holiday entitlement. The duration depends on your daily working hours.

The following table provides a clear overview of your minimum entitlement:

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These legally established times form the foundation that your employer must grant you. They provide the necessary flexibility to maintain your milk supply and continue providing your baby with valuable breast milk.

A Suitable Space for Breastfeeding and Expressing

The law prescribes not only the time but also the place. According to Article 34 of Ordinance 3 of the Employment Act (ArGV 3), your employer is obliged to provide you with a suitable space. "Suitable" means more than just a spare corner. The space must enable you to lie down and rest undisturbed in peace and under hygienic conditions, or to breastfeed your child or express milk.

The requirements for such a space are clearly defined:

• Privacy: The room must be lockable and offer visual privacy, ensuring you're undisturbed.
• Hygiene: It must be clean and hygienically sound. A toilet or storage room explicitly does not qualify as a suitable space.
• Comfort: A comfortable seat is essential.
• Infrastructure: There must be washing facilities nearby and a means of refrigerated storage for expressed breast milk (such as a fridge).

The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) regularly conducts awareness campaigns to inform employers about these obligations, underlining the importance of this regulation.

Workplace Protection: Working Hours and Dismissal Protection

In addition to breastfeeding time, you enjoy further protection as a breastfeeding mother that safeguards your health and that of your child.

• Working time limits: Your daily working time cannot exceed nine hours, regardless of your contractual agreement (Art. 60 Para. 1 ArGV 1). Overtime is not permitted for breastfeeding mothers.
• Prohibition of dangerous or arduous work: You cannot be assigned work that could pose a danger to you or your child. Your employer is obliged to conduct a risk assessment. Should your work be classified as dangerous or arduous, you must be offered equivalent, safe alternative work. If this isn't possible, you have the right to be released from work whilst receiving 80% of your salary (Art. 35 ArG).
• Special dismissal protection: According to Article 336c of the Code of Obligations (OR), you're protected from dismissal by your employer for 16 weeks after your child's birth. Any dismissal during this period is void and therefore invalid. Even after this absolute protection ends after 16 weeks, a dismissal that demonstrably occurs because you continue to breastfeed and exercise your rights remains wrongful. In such cases, you could claim compensation.

The Roadmap to Success: Preparing Your Return in 4 Steps

A successful return to work isn't down to chance, but rather the result of thoughtful planning. By breaking the process into manageable steps, you take the pressure off the situation and create a solid foundation for a smooth transition. Consider the coming weeks as a project phase in which you systematically make all necessary arrangements.

Step 1: The Proactive Conversation with Your Employer

Communication is key. Seek a conversation with your supervisor early on, ideally several weeks before your planned return. A well-prepared discussion signals professionalism and helps clear up any potential uncertainties on both sides from the outset.

Your Conversation Checklist:

1. Communicate your breastfeeding intentions: Clearly and positively express that you plan to continue breastfeeding your child and wish to make use of the legal framework for this.
2. Reference your rights: Briefly explain your entitlement to paid breastfeeding time and ask how this can best be integrated into the workflow.
3. Discuss the space: Enquire about a suitable room for expressing and refrigeration facilities. Kindly reference the legal requirements.
4. Explore flexible models: Discuss whether flexible working hours, adjusted working time, or working from home options could ease your return.
5. Emphasise benefits: Highlight the positive aspects for the company. Studies show that breastfed children fall ill less frequently, leading to fewer illness-related absences for mothers. Moreover, a family-friendly approach strengthens employee loyalty and motivation.

A solution-oriented approach that considers operational concerns will generally meet with more understanding and cooperation than a demanding stance.

Step 2: Mastering the Technique – Expressing and Building a Milk Supply

Expressing breast milk will become an integral part of your new daily routine. The right equipment and a bit of practice are crucial for this to run smoothly.

• Choosing the right breast pump: For regular use in your working day, an electric double pump is the most efficient choice. It allows you to express from both breasts simultaneously, saving valuable time. Manual pumps are better suited to occasional use. Ensure the breast shields fit properly to avoid pain and ineffective milk extraction.
• Developing a routine: Begin expressing four to six weeks before starting work. This allows you to familiarise yourself with the technique at leisure and discover at which times of day you produce the most milk. Many women find that milk production is highest in the morning. Schedule fixed expressing times into your working day, ideally every three to four hours, to maintain milk production.
• Building a small supply: Early expressing also serves to build up a supply of breast milk in the freezer. Freeze the milk in small portions (e.g. 60-120 ml). This makes defrosting easier as needed and prevents valuable milk from being wasted. This supply gives you confidence for your first working days and for unforeseen situations.

Step 3: Safely Storing and Transporting Breast Milk

Breast milk is a precious food. Proper handling is crucial for your baby's health. Strictly follow hygiene guidelines for storage and transport.

Guidelines for Storing Breast Milk

The shelf life of breast milk depends greatly on storage temperature. The following table, based on recommendations from specialist experts, serves as your reliable guide.

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Important Practical Tips:

• Containers: Use sterilised, BPA-free breast milk bottles or special breast milk storage bags.
• Labelling: Note the date and time of expressing on each container.
• Fridge storage: Always place milk in the coldest area of the fridge (at the back on the lower shelf), never in the door. Never mix body-temperature, freshly expressed milk with already chilled milk. Cool the fresh portion separately first.
• Freezing: Fill containers only three-quarters full, as milk expands when frozen.
• Defrosting: Defrost milk gently overnight in the fridge or under running lukewarm water (maximum 37°C). Never use a microwave, as this destroys valuable nutrients and poses a burn risk for your baby through uneven heating ("hot spots").‍
• Transport: For the journey from work to nursery or home, a cool bag with well-frozen ice packs is essential to maintain the cold chain.

Step 4: Gentle Adjustment – How Your Baby Accepts the Bottle

The transition from breast to bottle is a big step for many babies. Allow plenty of time for this and proceed with patience and without pressure.

• The right timing: Begin bottle introduction about four weeks before starting work. At this point, your breastfeeding relationship is usually well established, minimising the risk of nipple confusion.
• The right person: Sometimes babies refuse the bottle from their mother because they can smell and prefer the breast. It can be helpful if your partner or another trusted carer takes over the first feeding attempts.
• The right technique: Offer the bottle in a calm, relaxed atmosphere. The "Paced Bottle Feeding" method, where the baby sits upright and the bottle is held almost horizontally, allows the child to control the pace and take breaks, similar to breastfeeding.
• Patience is key: Don't expect it to work straight away. Keep trying, but don't force your baby. Sometimes it helps to try different teat shapes or materials. Every small success is a step in the right direction.

What Should You Look for in a Nursery When Breastfeeding?

A breastfeeding-friendly nursery should have trained staff experienced in handling expressed breast milk. It should allow flexible feeding times according to your child's rhythm, maintain close communication with parents, and ideally offer facilities where mothers can breastfeed on site.

Criteria for Breastfeeding-Friendly Care

When selecting a nursery, ask specifically how they handle the care of breastfed children. Look for the following quality indicators:

• Professional competence and experience: Are staff trained and experienced in safely handling breast milk (storage, warming, feeding)? Do they understand the particular needs of breastfed children?
• Philosophy and attitude: Is breastfeeding viewed as valuable and normal? Do you sense a supportive and appreciative atmosphere?
• Communication: Is there transparent and regular communication about the day? Are you informed about feeding amounts, sleep times, and your child's general wellbeing?
• Flexibility: Is your baby fed according to individual needs or are there rigid feeding times? Respect for your child's rhythm is a central criterion.‍
• Infrastructure: Is there a separate fridge or freezer compartment for breast milk? Is a quiet room available for you to breastfeed on site if needed, for instance at drop-off or collection?

The Little Star Bottle Bridge© Philosophy: More Than Just Childcare

A nursery that not only meets these criteria but has made them an integral part of its philosophy offers you the greatest possible peace of mind. At Little Star, we've learnt from our decades of experience just how significant the challenges can be for breastfeeding mothers. That's why we've developed the Little Star Bottle Bridge© Programme – a unique offering in Switzerland specifically designed to bridge the gap between breastfeeding at home and nursery care.

The Bottle Bridge© Programme is more than just a service; it's a promise to support you and your baby through this sensitive transition period with heart and expertise. It's based on four central pillars that give you the assurance that your child is receiving the best possible care and that your breastfeeding relationship is protected.

The Bottle Bridge© Programme ensures that the transition for your baby is as gentle as possible. Our specially trained baby experts understand the importance of careful handling of your precious breast milk and respect your established feeding rhythm. We maintain close, collaborative communication with you to ensure you're always informed and can feel completely secure. Above all, we support your personal decision – whether you're breastfeeding, providing expressed milk, or choosing formula. With us, you'll find an environment that strengthens and relieves you.

The New Daily Life: Organisation, Self-care and Emotional Balance

You've managed the return to work, the routines are established. Now begins the phase of creating a sustainable and joyful everyday life for the whole family. Organisation is important, but it's equally crucial to pay attention to your own energy and emotional wellbeing.

Practical Organisation Tips for a Relaxed Start

A well-structured routine can significantly reduce morning stress.

• The evening before: Prepare as much as possible the previous evening. Lay out your clothes and your baby's. Pack your work bag with the breast pump and the nursery bag with labelled milk bottles, nappies, and spare clothes.‍
• The morning: If possible, get up 15-20 minutes before your baby. This brief time for yourself, for a cup of tea or a short meditation, can help you start the day calmly and centred. Allow plenty of buffer time to avoid rushing.

Actively Nurturing Closeness and Bonding

Your baby will seek your closeness after a day of separation. This is a completely normal and healthy need. Many babies catch up on missed physical contact and breastfeeding sessions in the late afternoon, evening, and also at night.

• "Refuelling closeness": After work, consciously plan undisturbed time for cuddling and breastfeeding. Put your phone away and devote yourself entirely to your child. These rituals strengthen your bond and help both of you reconnect after the working day.
• Enjoying weekends: Use your days off for extended breastfeeding and cuddle sessions to boost your milk production and deepen the emotional connection.

Self-care Isn't a Luxury but a Necessity

As a working mother, you're achieving something tremendous. To remain capable and content in the long term, it's essential that you also care for yourself. You can only be there properly for your family when your own batteries are charged.

• Schedule breaks: Consciously integrate small time-outs into your day – whether it's a brief walk during lunch break, 10 minutes of reading before bed, or a relaxing bath at the weekend.
• Accept support: Delegate tasks. Ask your partner, friends, or family for help. You don't have to manage everything alone.‍
• Let go of perfection: There will be days when not everything goes to plan. That's normal. Be gentle with yourself. You're doing your best every day, and that's more than enough.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

In this section, we answer some of the most common questions mothers have about breastfeeding and work.

Do I have entitlement to paid breastfeeding time when working part-time?

Yes, absolutely. The entitlement to paid breastfeeding time is based on the duration of your daily working hours, not your total weekly workload. For example, if you work 8 hours on three days, you're entitled to 90 minutes of paid breastfeeding time on those days. However, the law stipulates that breastfeeding breaks for part-time work should be scheduled to consider operational interests and minimise lost working time.

What if my employer refuses to grant me my rights?

First, seek another calm, factual conversation and present the legal foundations. Should your employer remain unreasonable, you can contact the responsible supervisory authority. In Switzerland, this is the cantonal labour inspectorate. They review compliance with maternity protection and can intervene in cases of violation.

Does breastfeeding time double with twins?

The law makes no explicit statement about multiple births. However, prevailing legal opinion and practice assume that the entitlement to paid breastfeeding time increases according to the number of children, as the time needed for breastfeeding or expressing for two children is naturally higher. Breastfeeding time would therefore double with twins.

Can I take breastfeeding time at the beginning or end of the working day to arrive later or leave earlier?

The legal regulation assumes that breastfeeding time represents an interruption of work. A general reduction of working hours by combining breastfeeding breaks at the beginning or end of the day is therefore only possible with mutual agreement with your employer. You have no unilateral right to this.

Does the protection also apply to hourly employees?

Yes. The type of remuneration (monthly salary, hourly wage) has no influence on your entitlement to paid breastfeeding time. The only decisive factor is the duration of your daily working hours.

Must I prove that I'm still breastfeeding?

Your employer has the right to request a breastfeeding certificate from a doctor or midwife to ensure the requirements for granting breastfeeding time are met. However, the employer must bear the costs for this certificate.

Conclusion: Strengthened and Confident into a New Chapter of Life

Combining breastfeeding and work is a personal journey that requires planning, knowledge, and the right partners. You've seen that Swiss law offers you a strong network of rights that provides security and support. You now know how to prepare your return step by step – from the conversation with your employer to organising expressing, right through to gently accustoming your baby to the new routine.

Perhaps the most important key to success, however, lies in choosing your partners. An understanding employer and, above all, a competent, sensitive nursery are crucial to beginning this new chapter of life with confidence and composure. You don't have to walk this path alone.

We at Little Star see ourselves as your partner, accompanying you on this journey with expertise, experience, and heart. We've made it our mission to create an environment where your child feels safe and secure and where your decision to breastfeed is fully supported.

If you'd like such a partner by your side, we warmly invite you to learn more about our philosophy and our unique Bottle Bridge© Programme. Please feel free to arrange a personal consultation at one of our nurseries in Zurich, Kilchberg, or Zug. We look forward to getting to know you and your family.

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