Breastfeeding and starting childcare

Your child starting childcare is a big step for you both, and it’s normal to feel apprehensive and worry about settling them in. With these big changes comes a rollercoaster of emotions for both of you and the settling in period can be really tough whilst you’re also trying to ease yourself back into working life.

Many breastfeeding mothers assume they have to or should stop breastfeeding before starting childcare – but this is a common misconception! If you want to stop, by all means do as it’s important to do what works for you. But if you don’t want to stop, you absolutely do not have to.

If you’d like to continue to breastfeed and aren’t sure how it’ll work, read on to find out how your milk supply and child’s feeding habits will adjust to your new routine.

Your child’s milk needs

Under 12 months:

Their main source of nutrition will still be breastmilk or formula – cows/plant based milk should only be their main milk once they’re over 12 months.

Your child can be given your expressed breastmilk whilst you’re apart.

If they refuse a bottle you could try an open cup or straw if they’re competent using one. They may also accept a bottle better from someone besides mum if they can smell your breastmilk and they’re used to just breastfeeding when you’re together.

Over 12 months:

They can have other milk such as cows or plant based milk as their main milk, but if you’re still like to offer them your expressed breastmilk whilst you’re apart, absolutely do it! You can offer water and healthy snacks alongside their milk.

One change at a time

If you’re planning to stop breastfeeding or night wean, try to do this in good time before your child starts attending childcare.

Avoid other big changes such as a different bedtime routine whilst you’re settling your child into their new childcare environment.

Too many big changes at once can be overwhelming for both you and your child and prove far more difficult – so take things one step at a time.

Prepare in good time

If your child hasn’t spent much time apart from you, starting childcare might be a shock for them.

If you have family/friend nearby, you could practice leaving them for a couple hours and slowly increase your time apart.

If they’re older and can understand, explain to them what’s happening and use familiar words such as the name of the childcare staff and the words “nursery” and “childminder” etc.

Explain what’s going to happen i.e. “Mummy will collect you this afternoon and then we will go home together”.

Your milk supply

Your supply will naturally adjust to the reduction in daytime feeds, but to avoid an abrupt reduction which can lead to blocked ducts and mastitis, you will need to pump or hand express whenever your breasts feel engorged to relieve discomfort. A gradual reduction of milk removal is important to avoid developing any nasty symptoms.

Every person’s breasts are different so, if you’ve had issues with low milk supply then you might want to pump when you’d usually breastfeed to maintain a good supply, depending on your child’s age, how long you’re apart from them and how frequently they feed. If you’re expressing milk for your child to drink whilst at childcare, you can store that expressed milk for them to have the following day.

Reverse cycling

Your child is going through huge changes as they spend more time apart from you, so it’s normal for them to want to feed much more when you’re reunited as they seek comfort and connection. This is called reverse cycling, is totally normal and will typically pass as they become more settled.

Being around other children will also bring home more illnesses – so breastfeeding will protect your child and provide them with antibodies via your breastmilk, so it’s natural for them to want to feed more when unwell.

Know that they WILL settle

No one can convince you of this amidst the tears and the guilt – but things WILL get better and your child will eventually settle and enjoy going to their childcare provider.

Every child is different – some settle very quickly and some take a lot longer.

It feels heartbreaking when they cling to you at the door and you question whether you’re doing the right thing – it’s hard.

Your childcare provide should reassure you and make you feel confident that your child is being supported when they’re upset and missing you. Make sure you ask for photos and updates -especially during their settling in period – if that’s what you need to feel ok.

If you need support with your child’s transition to childcare, please get in touch. You don’t have to go through this transition alone!