Returning to work after maternity leave is a big transition - emotionally, physically, and logistically. If you're a breastfeeding mom in Canada wrapping up your 12 to 18 month maternity leave, you're likely wondering how breastfeeding will fit into your new work routine.
The good news? You’ve already done the hard part! At this stage, breastfeeding looks a lot different than it did in the newborn days. Here's what to expect and some tips to help you continue nursing while navigating your return to work.
By the time your baby is a year old, breastfeeding tends to be more about comfort, connection, and immune support rather than primary nutrition. Your child is likely eating solids throughout the day and may only nurse a few times, typically around naps, bedtime, and early in the morning.
Some babies may naturally start to wean around this time, while others may happily continue to nurse for many more months (or years!). There’s no one-size-fits-all.
Here’s what a typical breastfeeding schedule might look like around 12–18 months:
For many working moms, breastfeeding transitions to being something that happens mostly at home, outside of work hours.
By 12 months, most babies don’t need breastmilk or formula during the day if they’re eating solids well and drinking water or milk from a cup. That means you may not need to pump at work unless you want to maintain supply or stash milk for comfort nursing.
If you do want to continue pumping:
But also give yourself permission to retire the pump if it’s no longer serving you. Many moms find great balance with morning and evening nursing only.
Let your daycare or caregiver know what to expect:
Many moms find that nursing right after daycare is a great way to reconnect and a handy tool to calm a tired or overstimulated toddler.
Your body and baby will adjust to the new routine. Some moms worry about supply dropping, but with consistent morning and evening feeds, your body typically keeps up.
If your baby seems to nurse more on weekends or evenings, that’s totally normal. This is often referred to as reverse cycling where baby makes up for missed nursing sessions while you were apart.
In Canada, you are legally entitled to breastfeed anytime, anywhere, and you may request accommodations at work (like time and space to pump) under human rights protections.
That said, not every workplace is familiar with this. It may help to:
At this stage, breastfeeding is as much about comfort and connection as it is about nutrition. You may find that these quiet moments bookending your day are especially meaningful for both you and your child.
And if you decide to wean, either now or later, that’s okay too. There’s no right or wrong. Your journey is valid, no matter how it looks.
Returning to work while continuing to breastfeed is absolutely doable — especially here in Canada, where most moms have the benefit of extended leave and supportive policies. Whether you're weaning, continuing full-time, or somewhere in between, the most important thing is that it works for you and your family.
Remember, you’ve already come so far. Trust your instincts, give yourself grace, and know that you’re not alone.
Have questions or want to share your return-to-work experience? In home lactation/breastfeeding support in Markham, Stouffville, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Thornhill, Maple, Uxbridge, Pickering, Ajax, Oshawa. Reach out, I'm here to support you through every phase of motherhood.
