By: Ceres Chill
Photo from The Vag Whisperer
Returning to work after maternity leave can feel like stepping on a treadmill that’s already going full speed, while you’re balancing a baby bottle in one hand and your laptop in the other.
For breastfeeding moms, the transition back to work isn’t just emotional, but logistical, too. Between pumping schedules, milk storage, and finding a clean, private space to express, it’s common to feel overwhelmed.
But here’s the good news: when employers step up to support breastfeeding moms, everyone wins…because happy moms are happy employees. Studies show that when breastfeeding moms feel supported at work, they're more likely to return to their jobs, stay longer, and report higher satisfaction. It makes sense - when people feel valued, they thrive, right? Supportive environments help moms feel like they don’t have to choose between their careers and feeding their babies.
So, how do we make this happen?
TL;DR for the On-the-Go Mom
💼 Returning to work while breastfeeding is overwhelming — juggling pumping, schedules, and emotions.
🏢 Lack of workplace support is a major reason new moms leave their jobs.
🛠️ Private spaces, break time, and tools like milk chillers make a huge difference.
💖 When moms feel supported, they stay longer, are more engaged, and boost workplace culture.
📈 Supporting breastfeeding parents isn’t just kind — it’s a smart business move with real ROI.
Retention Starts with Real Support
One of the most common reasons new moms leave the workforce is a lack of breastfeeding and pumping support. When employers provide adequate resources (like private pumping spaces, reasonable break time, and innovative tools) employees feel respected and valued.
That translates into increased retention, higher engagement, and stronger loyalty. Hiring and training new staff is expensive (1.5 to 2 times the employee’s annual salary); creating an environment that supports working parents is far more cost-effective (beyond just being the right thing to do!).
Employees who feel cared for are more likely to stick around, recommend your company, and even become your brand’s biggest cheerleaders.
Improve workplace culture
Workplace culture is built on the little things: the way leaders talk about parental leave, the availability of a designated lactation room, and the way coworkers support each other. Moms shouldn't feel like they have to sneak around or apologize for taking care of their babies.
Providing access to resources like pumps and milk storage solutions (wink, wink) sends a clear message: we want you to succeed - at work and at home.
Employees like Catherine Yun, a member of Cozen O’Connor, benefit greatly from supportive workplace initiatives,such as the firm’s decision to provide OG Chillers to expecting employees:
“With my first, I remember vividly the mental dance of making sure to pack the cooler, the flanges, the pump, the storage bottle, and the ice pack – all to be able to successfully pump at work. Now, with my second, the Chiller has made the whole process of pumping for her much more efficient and less of a burden! Breastmilk was vital to my kiddo, especially in her early vulnerable days in the NICU. The Chiller continues to help me meet all of my breastfeeding goals. I’ve pumped even longer than expected, and somehow I’m still doing it 10 months in!”
Providing break time and private spaces for pumping is required by law in every state under the PUMP Act, but giving employees the tools to help them have a successful journey is more than just checking a box. It’s about being a compassionate employer.
The Bottom Line: Supporting Breastfeeding Employees Is a Business Advantage
Investing in working parents is one of the smartest business decisions you can make. And hey, if they’re chilling their milk with a beautifully branded Ceres Chill bottle, that’s some epic employer branding right there!
So here’s to every mom on the pumping grind, and to the workplaces that just get it.